Two things close to our hearts, if you have some change in your purse, please send a donation to one of the charities below. But also read about Meningitis and Asperger Syndrome.
I have found it very useful and informative.
Meningococcal Septicaemia
When our first grandson was 10 months old - a very healthy, happy little boy - he became very poorly one Sunday morning and by the evening was diagnosed with severe meningitis and septicaemia. Somehow he hung on to life, was rushed to the Cosmic Unit at St. Mary's, Paddington by a brilliant recovery team and against all odds survived. He is now again a happy boy but with long term effects to live with.
Jake is now 15 and is having ongoing treatment at Bristol Childrens Hospital to correct damage to the growth platelets in his legs by the disease.
Both the COSMIC Unit and the Meningitis Research Foundation do a brilliant job but desperately need funds for research and to support those who have not been lucky. On each site there is a link for donations. Please, please make yourselves familiar with the symptoms of Meningitis (and the 24 hour helpline). Meningitis strikes all ages, the effects are devastating and it is very, very fast. Know your child and follow your instincts - better to make a fuss and be in error than to lose a loved one.
Asperger/Autism
Again, please make yourself familiar with Aspergers/Autism.
Miller, our twelve year old grandson, has to deal with Autism/Aspergers. What is it? It is a condition on the autistic spectrum. It manifests in individual ways and can have both positive and negative effects on a person's life. So a person with Aspergers is more likely to desire social acceptance, but may be unable to mediate social interactions because they can't read social cues or body language from people around them.
Aspergers is mostly a 'hidden disability'. You can't tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition can have difficulties in three main areas: social communication, social interaction and social imagination.
A lot for Miller and his parents to deal with but he does well, has friends and enjoys his football. Belongs to a club and supports QPR! (Granddad has been a QPR fan since the age of 7!).
If you want more details Asperger Syndrome is very helpful.
Please support the following charities:
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