When two-and-a-half-year-old Oscar was diagnosed with leukemia just weeks after moving from the US to Bristol this summer, his family found themselves navigating a frightening new reality.
“It was terrifying, especially being in a new country with no family or friends around us,” recalled his mum, Karla. But support from the Kingswood-based charity Jessie has been life-changing.
“They don’t just care for his medical needs, they see him. They see past the tubes and IVs and see a little boy who wants to be loved and played with,” Karla said.
Jessie May nurses first visited Oscar in hospital, then continued their care at home. These visits have brought huge relief for the family during an incredibly overwhelming time. “We’d only been in the UK for a month and had no one. I said yes to every bit of help we could get, and Jessie May was one of the charities we were referred to. I didn’t even realise how much of a help it would be,” Karla said.
“Oscar’s on continuous IV chemo and feeds, so I have to follow him everywhere with two backpacks. But when Jessie May nurses come in, it’s like, they’ve just got it. I can breathe. I trust them completely, and that trust is such a gift.”
“It’s been unimaginable,” Karla concludes, “but Jessie May has brought light into our home – and joy back to Oscar.”
As Christmas approaches, the support of the charity for Karla, her husband, their six-year-old daughter and Oscar has been invaluable.
Karla said: “I’m really hoping my husband and I can go Christmas shopping one day while the Jessie May nurses are here. That might sound small, but when your child is sick and you have no family nearby, it’s really hard to find those moments. Being able to step away, even for an hour, is incredibly valuable.”
She’s also looking forward to attending the Jessie May Christmas Party with other families.
To support the Jessie May charity seasonal fundraiser, go to https://jessiemay.org.uk/christmas-appeal-2025/