Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha. Blocked by captcha.
Kobi Crolla is a young child who, despite being less than 18 months old, has spent the vast majority of his life hospitalized due to severe brain injuries. Throughout this difficult journey, he has experienced numerous seizures and undergone 17 surgical procedures. His parents, Kirsty Grandison and Daniel Crolla, have sacrificed their careers in order to provide full-time care for their son. To offer support and guidance to other families facing similar challenges, Kirsty has been sharing their story on TikTok, where she documents life in the hospital and the realities of caring for a seriously ill child.
Born prematurely at just 30 weeks on 17 July 2024 at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, Kobi’s early days were fraught with life-threatening complications. Although he initially appeared stable, a collapsed lung and cessation of breathing soon led to the devastating diagnosis of a grade four brain bleed, which is the most severe form. Medical staff warned Kirsty and Daniel that Kobi’s chances of a meaningful quality of life were extremely slim, advising them to prepare for the worst. Nevertheless, Kobi defied expectations and survived after eight intense days, allowing his parents to finally hold him – a moment they describe as miraculous.
Kobi’s ongoing health struggles have been extensive. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition causing harmful fluid buildup on the brain, he has required multiple surgeries to implant a shunt system to drain excess fluid. “That’s 16 times we’ve handed him over, not knowing if he’d come back,” Kirsty revealed. The daily challenges also include up to ten seizures a day, feeding through a tube, and regular medical procedures such as blood transfusions and lumbar punctures. Both Kirsty, who worked as a carer, and Daniel, previously a bus driver, have put their jobs on hold to manage Kobi’s complex care needs around the clock.
Through her TikTok account, titled “Kobi The Brave,” Kirsty shares candid insights into the realities of hospital life and special care at home. She demonstrates essential tasks such as adjusting medical equipment, cleaning feeding tubes, and administering medication, offering a valuable resource for other parents navigating neonatal and pediatric care. Despite the exhaustion and emotional toll, Kirsty emphasizes the importance of community and hope. “I get messages from other parents in neonatal saying my videos are getting them through and how it’s making them not give up hope because they have seen how far Kobi has come,” she said. The family takes turns staying at the hospital, often struggling with feelings of loss and the longing for a more normal life, especially as they hope to bring Kobi home for Christmas. Support from the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity helps them cope with the hidden costs and stresses of prolonged hospital stays during this challenging time
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha. Blocked by captcha.