“Noah’s Ark let him be a happy little boy”
Romeo is rarely seen without a huge smile on his face. He’s full of beans and he never stops asking questions. For mum, Donna, and dad, Lawrence, it’s like their little boy is making up for lost time.
Donna and Lawrence explain: “Romeo was diagnosed with a heart condition during pregnancy. He had his first open heart surgery at four days old and when he left hospital after nine months, he couldn’t sit up and he didn’t eat.
Now, he doesn’t rest! Romeo goes from one thing to another. For him, coming to Noah’s Ark is like coming into his family’s house.”
Noah’s Ark has been supporting Romeo and his parents for over two years. Donna says accepting our help was the best thing they’ve ever done.
Our carers visit Romeo, Donna and Lawrence at home to help care for Romeo and offer support with everyday tasks. Romeo has weekly sessions with Vikki, one of our play specialists, who he loves spending time with. Donna describes our days out as ‘great adventures’.
At The Ark, Donna takes part in our Parents Group, which gives her a much-needed break. She particularly enjoyed our recent pampering day. Donna says: “When you have a sick baby, you never get any time to do anything for yourself.”
Noah’s Ark helps Romeo enjoy life as a child and enables his family to make the most of every day. “No one has ever said they’re sorry for me,” comments Donna. “Everyone is so nice. Everything they do is special.”
“Romeo has been through a lot, but Noah’s Ark treats him like a child. They let him be a happy little boy.”
Donna puts her positivity down to the support we provide: “I wouldn’t have been so positive without Noah’s Ark behind me. It’s hard when you have a child that’s seriously ill and you don’t know how it’s going to end. But Noah’s Ark made me feel safe.”
With your support, we’ll continue to be there for Romeo, Donna and Lawrence every step of the way.