Roman, Samoan, 5
For a child like Roman, a bright pair of jammies brings a lot of joy and comfort during his hospital stay. Alongside other health complications, Roman has been living with respiratory illness. He was only 2 years old when he had pneumonia for the first time and has since been diagnosed with bronchiectasis (chronic lung damage).
Roman’s mum Ladona is scared about the winter ahead as his condition means he picks up viruses very easily, and says she worries every day. Roman has been on oxygen in Kidz First for eight days now and counting.
Roman loves the outdoors, being active, and the water - both swimming and bath time! He loves interacting with others and playing with his big sister. For a child like Roman, a bright pair of jammies brings a lot of joy and comfort during his hospital stay.
Described as a happy child, Roman is very smiley and charms everyone involved in his care. While Roman is in Kidz First, where he stays for up to 3 weeks at a time, with his mum, his dad is at home with his big sister. “It’s challenging”, says Mum Ladona, “we are living in isolation and it can be very scary”. Ladona is grateful for the care they receive under Kidz First staff saying “They never miss a thing, are so helpful and quick to act when Roman falls ill. They always know what to do”.
*Sadly, we have just found out Roman passed away on Tuesday 25 April.