It isn’t easy for Emelyn to ask for help. She is an emergency room nurse who prides herself on taking excellent care of her medically fragile daughter, Mia. Mia spent her first 3 months in the NICU. Ultimately, diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a degenerative condition that inhibits growth, Mia was not expected to live past her first year. Now at age 11, Mia, who is developmentally disabled and needs a feeding tube, has defied the odds. As anyone who has ever cared for someone seriously ill knows, caregivers need a break. As a loving mother and knowledgeable nurse, Emelyn’s expectations for Mia’s care are very high. After meeting the skilled nurses who would care for her daughter at George Mark, Emelyn was able to overcome her initial reservations.
“Through George Mark, I’ve learned that it’s okay to let other people help you on your journey.”
Respite care at George Mark allows Emelyn a chance to sleep and recharge for her demanding routine. Most importantly of all, George Mark allows Emelyn a chance to “just” be a mom.
“Between all the roles I play for Mia – social worker, nurse, care coordinator – I don’t get to be a mom. George Mark lets me be a mom.”
One recent night when Mia was staying at George Mark for respite care, Emelyn visited during Mia’s bedtime, and found herself next to her daughter on the couch watching Mia’s favorite show, Dancing with the Stars. Knowing that experienced nurses at George Mark were managing all of Mia’s medical needs, she said,
“I can truly relax.”
