Scotland
Region Since we haven’t met or know most folk I feel it is appropriate that I briefly introduce the McGovern family prior to jabbering on.
First of all, please let me begin by wishing each and every one of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. My wife Donna and I have been married for a little over 8 years now and we have one daughter of 3.4 years old called Abbie. Abbie is a typical 3 year old who likes to rule the roost and tell mummy and daddy what’s right and wrong, and who the boss is. We have great fun with Abbie and her daily chitter chatter, antics and little personality. She really does keep us going.
After
what appeared to be a perfectly normal pregnancy, January 30th 2004
brought along the birth of our second daughter – Rhiannon who
was diagnosed that same day with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
(AMC). This, I am sure, is a phrase you are all too aware of. Bang!
Things had changed practically over night, and if I were to say that
2004 was an easy year, then I would be lieing. This year brought
along much uncertainty and new challenges to us all as a family.
Today, and I am sure, for many years to come we will be faced with
uncertainty but we had decided to deal with this head on. Almost one
year later we feel really positive about the support and feedback we
have received regarding Rhiannon’s progress, we really can’t
complain.
Having decided to take one day at a time we do feel that things aren’t as bad as first thought, and that we are lucky in many ways.
Throughout the year we received all the help and support available to us. At first the weekly hospital visits were a bit of getting used to but it did help us get used to the condition along with understanding a little more about what we had to do as a family to support Rhiannon. Dr Roderick Duncan, Rhiannon’s consultant at Yorkhill hospital is thorough in his care of our daughter and we are so glad of this.
September 04 also brought along our first TAG conference, this was enjoyed by all. Once again we learned more about the condition and got to the chance to meet many families. It really was a great experience and I would encourage everyone to support this going forward. It’s great for the kids, parents and grandparent alike especially if they want to know more about the condition and support available.
For the Scottish families I do plan to arrange a summer barbecue (date to be confirmed) so would hope that you and your families can come along and support this. It really would be a great opportunity for us to meet and for you to pass on some valuable experience from your experiences of the condition.
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As a family we also plan to continue to support the group through raising sponsorship funds through various activities, so if anyone is short on ideas for raising cash or need help to get an idea off the ground - then please let us know.
Anyway, I think
I have gone on a bit but I do wish you all the best and hope to hear
or get the chance to meet you and your families in the future. |
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