Establishment of a Paediatric Intermediate Care Facility

"You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die." — Dame Cicely

I left the encounter with my first palliative care patient and questioned my career path. It then dawned on me the words I uttered at my Oath taking ceremony ..." I shall remain a curious, creative and reflective healthcare professional."

I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, but I was terrified of stepping out of my comfort zone. It was so daunting to realise that I had this idea of the "type" of dietitian I wanted to be for more than five years. Now suddenly, after an encounter with death, the idea had shifted. I wanted to work in palliative care. I felt I needed to work in palliative care as it was a calling that was exciting but scary. I had no dietitian to look up to and guide the way I needed to carve a path for my dreams just as I was doing on the ward level- doing my best with my palliative care patients but knowing I needed to educate myself by learning more.

Soon after deciding to do my postgraduate studies in paediatric palliative care, I decided to begin working towards opening up a Pediatric Intermediate Care Facility that coincides with my palliative care studies and dreams. Through this, I have realised that others feel it when you have a bigger dream and want to support it. By making life about more than just ourselves, we end up genuinely living.

There is a dire need for a Paediatric Intermediate Care facility to support vulnerable children and their parents transitioning from hospital to home care.

As a dietitian with a passion for community nutrition, public health and palliative care, I dream of opening a facility that would meet this need. I am currently on a mission to be a leader for my fellow dietitian in the field on palliative care. I am therefore committed to learning locally and internationally as the field of nutrition and palliative care is limited. I feel it is important that all donors know that my travels and studies are not funded by donations and all donations go directly to this project.

To fully undertake this, I would ask you to support me in raising R20 000 to prepare a business plan and professional funding proposal to send to potential donor funders.

While this is a significant undertaking, I have had first-hand experience with hospital capacity limitations with children who require longer-term care. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and their families.

Please commit by being an activator for this dream, and I will send all funders who leave their details a copy of the funding proposal. Perhaps this might equally inspire you to send it on to future donor partners.

Help me spark a dream, and please donate.