Why should children suffer?
“In all parts of the world, tragically, there are children who are going to have short lives and in many parts of the world those children are going to die in pain and with other distressing symptoms,” Sister Frances Dominica.
Regrettably, not all conditions can be cured. However, many children with life-limiting conditions will live for years, if not decades. Currently, 20 Million children around the world can benefit from palliative care, but access to services remains an issue (ICPCN).
WHY SHOULD CHILDREN SUFFER?
Children are particularly at risk of inadequate pain management due to age related factors, limited access to essential medicines and misconceptions about how to effectively treat their pain. These vulnerable children and families are suffering. They are largely invisible. But for those who are receiving care, the results are extraordinary.
Children’s palliative care is a response to the suffering of a child and their family facing life-threatening conditions. It’s holistic, looking at the body, mind and spirit within the social and cultural context. It cares for the child from the time of diagnosis until death, and after death it does bereavement support for the family.
These remarkable stories show young people finding hope, love, joy and attainment in the face of the inevitable.
“Governments all around the world should wake up and recognise the needs of these children,” Barbara Gelb.
Featuring Sister Frances Dominca, Brabara Gelb. Dr Rasha Al Hamad, Dr John Collins, Dr Stephen Liben, Dr Anna Gohcakova, Dr Lee Ai Chong, Joan Marston, Dr Pradnya Talawadelear, Dr Rut Kiman, Silvia Lefebrvre D’Ovidio.
www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk
OTHER SHORTFILMS
Romance & Rare Disease – Alexandra’s Story
Filmed in Athens, Greece, the 'Alexandra's Story- Romance & Rare Disease' short film is part of the Little Stars film series and we are grateful to all those who supported the crowdfunding campaign to make filming this story possible....
Living with HIV – Naledi’s Story
In South Africa, there are over six million cases of HIV, making it the country with the biggest HIV epidemic in the world. Naledi Kopane is one of these six million. Living in Bloemfontein, Naledi was diagnosed with HIV when she was only...
Living with Cystic Fibrosis – LeeAnne’s Story
“I was just told I have six months to two years to live. I don’t feel that way right now, and I don’t look that way.” These words from 33-year old LeeAnne explain her personality and outlook better than any others. LeeAnne is from...
Pain Relief in Children’s Palliative Care – Wasswa’s Story
In Uganda we meet a Wasswa, a child being treated by Dr Henry Ddungu (Uganda) with oral morphine to treat his cancer pain. We filmed Wasswa in Uganda while we were making LIFE Before Death but felt it was important to highlight that although...
Jessica’s Story – Children’s Palliative Care in Singapore
In Singapore we meet Jessica and her family at the Hospice. “Firstly I want to tell you the story about Jessica” Hendra, Jessica’s father says. “She’s a girl who has a lot of activities, through the school she went for choir, she went for...
Living with Epilepsy – Joseph’s Story
'There is still a lot of joy to be had in life, I think there's a tendency to look on people with disabilities or people with illnesses and focus on how they're different or the negative. It's only societies attitude that limits us and I...
Benedikt’s Story – Music and Children’s Palliative Care
Please consider supporting the important work of Bundesverband Kinderhospiz E.V www.bundesverband-kinderhospiz.de Benedikt lives in Speyer, Germany with his parents. He has a great passion for music and loves playing drums. Through his...
Shaden’s Story – Social Support for Cancer Patients
Shades lives with her family in Amman, Jordan. At 13 years old she has already endured years of treatment and recovery from childhood Leukemia. Through children’s palliative care she has found strength and connection with others. Shaden...
