Stories Stories Meet Esha Esha was referred to Haven House in the summer 2022. Initially, coming to a hospice was not a place the family would have chosen to visit, but they soon realised that Haven House would play a vital role in their lives. Here mum Kav shares her story and how Haven House has supported her family at a time of great vulnerability. “Ever since Esha was diagnosed, it feels as though normal life has stopped, and a different journey has begun. A journey that continues to test us emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and financially. However, we couldn’t have been more wrong. Haven House picked us up once we were home and settled, but also at a time when the adrenaline that got us through everything in hospital, slowly began to fade. It was then we began to feel extremely drained, anxious, overwhelmed and vulnerable." “The staff are absolutely AMAZING! They are kind, caring and compassionate. We honestly wouldn’t have got through the last year without the support that Esha has received, whether it be through visits from her play specialist, healthcare support worker, yoga or music therapist. " “Both the hospice and the grounds are just beautiful and have a feeling of serenity and calm. Located on the border of Epping Forest, it’s stunning. Esha enjoys playing in the incredible, private playground. It has wheelchair accessibility everywhere, including on swings and trampolines…how amazing is that! It also has an array of sensory equipment both indoors and outdoors. “They help Esha in a variety of ways, but also the whole family too, offering support and events siblings and respite care for us as parents. Having a healthcare support worker visit once a fortnight, offers Esha full-time physical care, minus the meds. This essentially allows me to have a few hours of respite although I tend to spend it getting chores done! This support has been invaluable to Esha and us as a family. “Esha not only experiences a great deal of fun and distraction with her play therapist Rowline, but she actively learns through play. She’s got to make a bird feeder, plant seeds, and learn about the life cycle of plants. She has made and decorated cookies and pizzas and has also learnt about various religious festivals, to name a few things. “Yoga and music help her manage her feelings and emotions. They also help with building strength and improving fine and gross motor skills post-transplant. Esha works on breathing techniques during yoga, to help calm her during periods of anxiety and frustration. “The staff have had the opportunity to witness for themselves, some of the many struggles, health issues or even wider challenges that Esha is facing (or has faced). On the flip side, they’ve also witnessed a few areas of slow but steady improvement, which is just fantastic for us all to see. “Nothing made us happier than witnessing Esha so happy after a very long time just being a kid again, doing normal fun things. “Thank you so much Haven House for helping Esha and looking after our family as we navigate life after her cancer treatment and stem cell transplant. We are so fortunate to have your support.”