Ziora’s story
Ziora was born at just 23 weeks and five days and spent the first 11 months of her life in hospital. Mum Renata shares how our hydrotherapy service and Tadpoles group have opened up a world of possibilities for both her and her daughter.
“When Ziora was about seven months old and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I was referred to Shooting Star. Jess, from the Community Nursing team, came to visit us in the hospital and she created keepsakes, moulds of Ziora’s hands and feet. These were particularly special, as there wasn’t any clarity on when we were going to leave, or even if we were,” explains Renata.
When Ziora was moved to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Jess continued to visit. “Ziora had a tracheostomy (trachy), and that changed how I imagined life outside of hospital so much. Her tracheostomy has since been removed, but at the time my biggest worry was swimming. I had always dreamt of taking my child swimming, and suddenly I was thinking, ‘what does life even look like with a trachy?’. Jess told me that Shooting Star offered hydrotherapy, and when Ziora finally came out of hospital, she would be able to enjoy it. We were introduced to the Tadpoles group and we’ve never looked back – it has become such a big part of life for us.
“With a tracheostomy, you need to be very careful around water, so I was very anxious; I worried about dropping her in the water or water going into her trachy, but the staff at Shooting Star have been amazing. I would bring her suction machine and emergency box, and there were always staff outside, inside, and with me in the water. That gave me reassurance that she was going to be safe, even if I got it wrong,” continues Renata.
“Having people who were trachy trained, talking everything through with me every time, made such a difference. They always checked if I was happy to go in with Ziora or if I needed a break, and that support helped build my confidence.”
The monthly Tadpoles group follows a sensory story, allowing families to become immersed in a world of fun and play, while enjoying all the benefits of being in the water.
“What makes Tadpoles so special is there’s always a scenario. That makes it extra fun for both parents and children, as it allows us to bond through pretend play and movement. For Ziora, who had already had over 11 surgeries by the time we’d come out of hospital, the sensory side of hydrotherapy has been amazing. Her hands were very tight, and the sensory toys in the water have helped introduce her to different textures,” says Renata.
“Hydrotherapy has also helped her strength and mobility. She had four stomach surgeries and a stoma, so her core was very weak. Now she can float in ways she couldn’t before, and since starting hydrotherapy, she has gone from not crawling or sitting to crawling and standing on her own.”
Being part of Tadpoles has helped Renata too. “As a mum of a baby with complex needs, meeting other mums has helped with feeling that this is normal – our normal. Through Shooting Star, we’re able to give our child an experience that maybe could have been restricted before.
“Hydrotherapy was the very first activity we did after hospital, and it gave me the confidence to do something with my child after so long there. To see her progress, and to celebrate every new milestone with staff and other parents who understand has opened my mind to possibilities. If Ziora can swim with a trachy, maybe there are other things she could do.
“Shooting Star feels like home to me. I drive an hour to get there, and I’d still do it for a 10-minute session because Ziora deserves it. Words can’t describe how much of an impact it has had on me. If a family was considering Tadpoles, I’d say go for it. It’s safe, supportive, developmental and fun. It gives your child opportunities, and it gives you time to bond, build confidence and enjoy a bit of normality together. Ziora wasn’t meant to be here. She’s had so many difficulties but the fact she now lives and is able to go swimming, I’m going give her everything I can.”
Please help us continue to run our hydrotherapy groups for families like Ziora’s and consider donating today.
