Sister Frances Dominica OBE
Our focus on Home Support for children with life-limiting illnesses is due in no small measure to inspiration from Sister Frances Dominica (pictured top right), of whom we are very proud to have as our Patron. As founder and director of the first children's hospice, Helen House in Oxford, Sister Frances has a deep understanding of such children and their families, and sees home-support as a vital part of the help they need. Here she explains why the work React does is so vital.
'There can be no greater tragedy than the death of your beloved child. From the time when you are told the devastating diagnosis and probable outcome your world spins dangerously out of control. You are grief-stricken, each member of the family grieving differently, and just when you need friends most they often seem not to be there. They are frightened of saying the wrong thing, embarrassed maybe, and meanwhile you are left feeling lonely and isolated. You enter a bewildering world of hospitals and special treatments, professional visits to your home, severe limitations on you and your family leading a "normal" life, and the frustrations of form-filling and bureaucracy. Added to all this you may find yourself struggling financially. Wage-earning parents may need to give up employment to care for their sick children.'
'What a breath of fresh air React can be in all this! A quick, personal response, the bare minimum of red tape, and the urgently needed washing machine, special mattress or family holiday is provided! In the midst of all the sorrow, exhaustion and confusion, React's fast, appropriate and caring response can make such a difference.'
React is delighted to inform our supporters that in October 2007 our Patron Sister Frances Dominica received the highly prestigious accolade of 'Woman of the Year' for her achievements in children's hospice work.
Read the full story on our news page.
