On December 25th 2000 an Angel was born. This angel had a strong message to relay to the world. The message was about strength, courage and unconditional love. Everyone who meets this angel is instantly touched by her.
On the outside all dressed ready for the day she looks like any other six year old girl. She is happy and full of energy and life. However, beneath the facade of clothing lies a story which no four year old should ever have to tell.
Covered in sterile dressing lines a tube protruding from the angels chest, this tube leads directly to a major vein. This is her life line. This tube known as a hickman line feeds her, hydrates her and medicates her. Like all good things there is a double edged sword to this tube. If bugs latch on to it it causes the angel great pain and illness which can lead to blood septicemia very quickly. These bugs are largely un-preventable as mostly they come from her own body. Strong anti-biotics and hospitalization are used to combat these bugs. Over use and long term use of anti-biotics eventually render them useless against many organisms.
Surrounding the hickman line you can see tell tale signs of many tube insertions in the form of tiny little scars. The little scars are nothing compared to the large scars on her abdomen telling of many major abdominal surgeries.
To the left of the belly button lies an ostomy bag which she has had since she was four days old and the right is a mic-key button which sits on a gastrostomy used to release air and stomach contents.
Playing beautifully, the angel hides the story of pain, procedure and endurance all of which are taking their toll.
No longer is the best medication working for the pain, the bugs are getting more difficult to treat and her IV access is low. Her liver is going out in protest and the good days are becoming less frequent.
Vomiting and dry retching are guaranteed morning and night, pain is a regular event and hospitalisation is traumatising.
In between times this little angel is a bright and bubbly girl. She is happy and un-deterred by her protruding stomach and 'extra' bits that hang from it. She is not bothered that she does not eat like other children as far as she is concerned she is no different from anyone else. But when the pain and illness hit the angel says 'she can not go on'. She 'hates her tummy and wants someone to fix it'.
Life can not continue like this for the angel-time is not on her side. The angel who is named Matisse requires a small bowel transplant and she needs your help, support and well wishes.
On December 25th 2000 an Angel was born. This angel had a strong message to relay to the world. The message was about strength, courage and unconditional love. Everyone who meets this angel is instantly touched by her. 