Fighting for her Dreams: Mia’s story

Mia is just 11, yet she has spent more time in hospitals than most will in a lifetime. “She was born jaundiced, and phototherapy didn’t help.” She was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition where the ducts that carry bile away from the liver are either blocked or did not develop. The buildup of bile damages the liver. By the time she was one, Mia was on the waiting list for a liver replacement. A liver was found when she was 18 months old.

The surgery was successful, but Mia’s journey has been difficult. She has been in and out of the hospital countless times. “It’s been up and down. It’s been tough at times when we’ve been here, but this is like a second home to us. We know this hospital very well, and we’re comfortable here.” Melissa smiles at her daughter. Melissa tries to make Mia’s hospital bed feel like home. It is spread with a beautiful, knitted blanket that her grandmother made for her.

Mia’s first experience with education was beginning grade R at the Red Cross Primary School. When she was little, she loved her lessons. They’ve gotten harder, but she’s still determined to do well. “I want to be a veterinarian,” Mia whispers, leaning forward confidingly, a shy smile creeping up her face.

Melissa laughs, “She loves animals, especially dogs. Wherever we drive, she wants to stop and pick up all the stray dogs and take them home.” There isn’t a dog she doesn’t like, but Jack Russells are her favourite. “She says she doesn’t want any children when she grows up, just a house full of dogs.”

Despite her determination, education has been difficult for Mia. She had to repeat grade 2, so she’s a grade behind her peers. She often feels lost when she returns to school after a hospital stay, but she feels too embarrassed to admit when she doesn’t know what she needs to do. Not all of her teachers have been understanding or patient with her, which has made school stressful. The stress of school makes the symptoms of Mia’s anxiety disorder worse. Sometimes, Mia doesn’t even want to go.

“I wish she could do more here. She’s missing out on a lot at school. She’s been here three times since the year started already. She was here twice in January and now again in February.” Without the Red Cross Primary School, staying on track would have been harder. Michelle, principal of the Red Cross Primary School, has also been helping Melissa navigate the challenges of teachers not supporting Mia when she gets back to school.

Every child has a right to education. Illnesses and injuries can disrupt schooling, with lifelong consequences. The Red Cross Primary School exists to minimise the impact of hospital stays on education and ensure that care includes all aspects of a child’s well-being. They exist so children like Mia can keep dreaming and reach those dreams.