Based in Co. Kildare, and founded by Hollywood legend, Paul Newman, Barretstown is a specially-designed camp that provides unique therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families.
Whilst being closely supervised and skilfully supported by committed experts, the children get to go out, play and have fun, with life-changing results. Maria Killian has shared her touching story of what Barretstown has meant to her and her family. Take a look below:
“Our daughter Olivia was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012, aged three and a half. She is an identical twin and also has two older sisters. When she was diagnosed it came as a complete shock, she hadn’t been particularly unwell nor had there been any major signs that something was wrong, she was just very pale and tired. One day she was playing in the garden with her sisters, and by midday the next day she had been admitted to Crumlin, been diagnosed with luekemia, had a line inserted into her chest and was receiving her first dose of chemotherapy. Our world was turned upside down and we couldn’t even begin to imagine what was ahead.
As her parents we just focused on getting her through the cycles of treatment while trying to keep everything at home as normal as possible. But it’s a long road, the treatment takes two to three years, and it takes its toll not only on the child but also on her siblings, which is where Barretstown really comes into its own.
The first year of treatment is intensive and Olivia spent a lot of time in hospital. She lost her hair, lost a lot of weight, her muscles weakened, she had difficulty walking and tired very easily. She became very withdrawn and quiet, not the lively, chatty little girl we knew. Our first trip to Barretstown was about nine months after she had started treatment and couldn’t have come at a better time. From the minute we arrived at the gates we were greeted with smiling faces; there was no talk about illness, the weekend was focused on fun. It is such a safe environment and for the first time she could play with her sisters, joining in with what they were doing. She and her twin could go off and take part in activities together and play like they used to. But it was not just good for her, the whole family benefitted from the Barretstown magic. It was a break from hospitals and a chance for the family to spend time together having fun and creating wonderful memories.
Maria and her family at the doors of Barretstown
We went on two further family weekends, each at significant stages in her treatment. Olivia finished treatment in November 2014; she is now 6 years old and is thankfully in remission. When I asked the girls recently about their memories of the last few years, it was amazing to hear all the positive stories they told – and Barretstown was a major part of that. Barretstown was a constant positive, magical backdrop to what was a very tough time for Olivia. Now that we are out the other side it is all the more apparent the important role that Barretstown played in her recovery and in the support it provided to all the family.
Olivia exploring the climbing wall at Barretstown
Last year I ran the Women’s Mini Marathon with a group of friends and fundraised for Barretstown. It was a great feeling to be able to give something back and help make sure that other families will get to experience the benefits of Barretstown. I’ll be doing it again this year and am looking forward to what is a great day out and a wonderful excuse to get a bit fitter.”
To find out more about Barretstown, head on over to http://www.barretstown.org/. Or to sign up for The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and for more information about the race, click here.
