Nicole’s Story
Nicole was born in Ghana, and currently lives in Aberdeen. She has two older brothers who are 6 and 3 years old. Nicole was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia a few months after she was born. This is a very serious rare liver disease primarily affecting infants and young children – it blocks the bile ducts in newborns and causes liver damage.
Nicole underwent a vital surgical procedure to slow down the process of damage to the liver, but unfortunately that failed. Her family were then told the news that she needed a liver transplant, which wasn’t possible in Ghana. At this point, Nicole was being managed palliatively.
Nicole’s mum, Mary, said “We had the opportunity to visit my partner who was a student in Aberdeen. Nicole became ill and was admitted to the RACH.” Now in hospital in Aberdeen, the family were far from home.
Archie were able to step in and provide a room within the Archie Family Centre (parents accommodation) for Nicole’s family to make sure everyone stayed together during a very hard time. Not only this, but the Play Team at RACH gave Nicole toys during her stay in hospital too to make sure she had something to play with and to keep her occupied. Archie also provided Nicole’s family with financial support during this very hard time.
“We are so grateful to The Archie Foundation and its sponsors (and donors) as well as astounded by the level of generosity and support given to us and everyone who through illness feels helpless, hopelessness, and depressed.”
“On the previous admission back in Ghana, there was little to no accommodation support for us; our little income was used up in hospital bills and medications. Also, the accommodation for patient’s parents/family with very limited facilities had many families sharing small, spaced rooms and we rented on daily basis. This makes us appreciate the level of peace and hope this brings.”
However, earlier this year, Nicole and her family received wonderful news. “Samuel and I have had a wonderful and an unforgettable journey with regards to Nicole’s health over these few months.
On 10th April we were called back to London for a second assessment, which fortunately for us, resulted in Nicole getting a liver some few weeks later.”
“It was all joy for us as parents and the staff as a whole.”
Nicole then had a complicated surgery in London, with a long 6 week stay in the ICU.
“However, our strong fighter was able to pull through by God’s grace amidst all the tough times. Samuel and I stayed hopeful too.”
Then on Thursday, 20th June, Nicole was fit to be discharged from London and continue care in Aberdeen.
“We can confidently say that life after transplant is so much better and we are glad we took this step as parents, and with the help of the strong system around us, it provided us with all the support and care we asked for, including The Archie Foundation.”
Mary has mentioned that RACH is like a second home to her family now, and is continually grateful for the support her family are receiving from Archie and RACH!
