Can you make this summer brighter for babies, children and young people and their families at Rainbows?

Nevaeh was born with a rare condition that causes brain malformations, and she started receiving support from Rainbows when she was three-months-old.

She absolutely adored being there. She loved sensory things, especially massages, and she loved music therapy. Although she was deaf, Nevaeh would feel the vibrations. We used to play “You’re Welcome” from Moana on repeat as we both loved it so much. We played that song at her funeral.

Throughout her life, Nevaeh remained like a newborn. Because of her intense care needs, Neveah lived with me, so she was able to have one-on-one care. Her siblings lived with their parents, and everyone spent quality time together. Looking after Nevaeh took all of my time, and Rainbows gave me a break so I could rest and sleep and not have to think about doing everything.

But eventually it was too much for us to go to Rainbows. That’s when Rainbows came to us. Because of your amazing donations, Rainbows can provide a Hospice at Home service. I honestly don’t know how I would have managed without their incredible team. They helped us through the most difficult time of our lives.

Our beautiful Nevaeh was only six when she died. She died at home, which is what I wanted, what our family wanted, and I believe, what she wanted.

I wanted to be able to keep her at home until her funeral, and that meant the world to me, just to have her in her own room. She had never been on her own in her life, and the thought of her being somewhere on her own with no one with her was absolutely terrifying.

Rainbows provided us with a cool blanket, which kept Nevaeh cool. Her room was so cold, and I would have to put my coat on, but I was able to go and sit with her, and that was something I was so thankful for. Her siblings were able to sit on her bed, and they could still give her a kiss.

Rainbows made everything easier for me and helped me be able to grieve. Those nurses went above and beyond and were such an amazing team. They even managed to get me to smile every now and then.

With your donations, you can help other families with babies, children and young people like Nevaeh also feel safe and supported. No grandparent should have to say goodbye to their grandchild but your donations can make a huge difference during this unthinkable time.

Read Nevaeh’s story here