Ms. Tang Lai Ha
(Camper Hui Tsz Man’s mother)

After my daughter had fallen sick, I had to quit my job and stay home to care for her day and night. I had to take her to the hospital for treatment, and do follow up visits after treatment was over. I had to remind her to take her medication and pay extra attention to her every movement. All of the above put immense pressure on me, both mentally and psychologically. Although she has been off treatment for 10 years now, like most parents I still do not feel comfortable with her taking part in any activities.

She needs more attention that other sick children because as a result of the treatment, she developed other problems such as a hearing impairment, diabetic insipidous and adrenaline deficiency. She is weak physically and needs to take constant medication for a continuous period to notice any great improvement. Just two years ago, she was found to have diabetes and now needs to receive four injections of insulin everyday. Apart from injections and medication, the amount of food and medicine she consumes also needs to be monitored.

Two years ago, I learned about Camp Quality’s activities for sick children, and that every child would be accompanied by a companion. They not only record the details of each child and their medical condition, but also arrange a home visit prior to every overnight camp so that parents can tell the companion directly, things they should pay special attention to. At each camp, there is always at least one doctor and nurse present. Through some of the children who have participated in the events I have learned about the details of each planned event and how the children are cared for at camp. It was only after this reassurance that I felt willing to let my daughter participate in Camp Quality events. Now she is a regular camper and I give the latest updates and medication for my daughter directly to Camp Quality staff prior to every event, and remind the nurse and the companion once again before they set off.

Apart from encouraging my daughter to participate in Camp Quality events, I also refer their services to other children at the Queen Mary hospital and their parents too. I do this in the hope that more people can enjoy their wonderful services and that Camp Quality will extend their care to more children. A substantial number of the recovered children have joined the camp as volunteers after they turned 18, to offer support to other children. My daughter has also decided that she will join Camp Quality as a volunteer when she turns 18. I am so glad about her decision.