Douglas Harrower can’t put into words how much Very Special Kids has helped his family.
The Werribee father became involved with the hospice in 2008 when
it began offering respite care for his son, Mitchell, who was battling
Niemann-Pick type C, a rare disease that prevents the body from
processing cholesterol.
The disease, often referred to as childhood Alzheimer’s because
sufferers gradually forget everything they once knew, caused Mitchell to
forget how to talk, walk and, eventually, breathe. He died in August,
2008, aged seven.
“It is hard to describe how valuable the respite was,” Mr Harrower
said. “Very Special Kids also provided end-of-life care for Mitchell. I
could not have asked for a better environment.
“Their help and support has been invaluable.”
Mitchell’s sister, Taylor, 14, is involved in the organisation’s sibling program, which offers bereavement support.
Mr Harrower is organising a charity soccer match on Saturday
between an old boys teams from Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club and a team
from Kensington.
It will be the fourth match between the teams in
recognition of the children’s hospice. Previous games have raised a
total of $50,000.
Mr Harrower said it was important to give back to the organisation because it relied on donations and sponsorship.
“As much as it is difficult [to talk about Mitchell], the support
that I can give back to Very Special Kids is important to me,” he said.
Mr Harrower said he would always remember Mitchell as a happy
seven-year-old who made an impression on the lives of everyone he met.
“He was a beautiful boy,” he said. “I want to remember him that way.”
The match will be at Grange Reserve, Hoppers Crossing, from
12.30pm. There will be a raffle and children’s activities throughout the
day.
To donate » to Very Special Kids, email douglasharrower@bigpond.com
