When Oscar’s family moved from the US to Bristol this summer, they couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead. Within weeks of unpacking their boxes, their world turned upside down.
“We noticed something was wrong with Oscar’s arm,” his mum Karla explained. “We took him to A&E and found out he’d broken it – which was strange, because he hadn’t had a big fall. Then, not long after, he broke his femur. That’s when doctors started investigating further.”
What followed was a whirlwind of hospital stays, tests, and ultimately, an overwhelming diagnosis: leukemia.
“He was hospitalised for three and a half weeks during the induction period, and then again for over seven weeks after a complication from the chemo,” she said. “He was on a ventilator, and we were in PICU for weeks. It was terrifying – especially being in a new country with no family or friends around us.”
Now two and a half, Oscar is doing much better. “All the doctors and consultants are amazed at how far he’s come,” says Karla. “He’s a super happy, fun-loving kid who loves to sing and dance – even though he hasn’t really walked since he broke his femur. Despite the challenges, he’s won over every doctor and nurse; every time someone left his hospital room, he had to give them a high five, a fist bump, and a hug!”
She explained how articulate he is for his age, and so sweet and smart. It’s clear the family is very proud of him, including his six-year-old sister.
“His sister has also been amazing – she struggled over the summer with half our family in the hospital, but now she’s thriving at school and loves helping him every day. She constantly asks, ‘Can I help with his medicines? Can I help you with things?’ – she just wants to be part of it all, which is really sweet.” Karla shares.
The family were introduced to Jessie May soon after diagnosis. “At that point, we’d only been in the UK for a month,” she said. “We had no one. So I said yes to everything, and Jessie May was one of the charities we were referred to. I didn’t even realise at the time how much of a help it would be.”
The Jessie May nurses first visited in hospital, and later at home. “They just bring so much life and joy to Oscar,” she smiled. “They don’t just care for his medical needs, they see him. They see past the tubes and IVs and see a little boy who wants to be loved and played with. That’s been life-giving for him – and for me too.”
Having the nurses visit at home has been invaluable, and Karla says she trusted them immediately. “Oscar’s on continuous IV chemo and feeds, so I have to follow him everywhere with two backpacks,” she explained. “It’s a lot, and it would be really intimidating for someone without medical experience. But Jessie May nurses come in and it’s like, they’ve just got it. I can breathe. I trust them completely, and that trust is such a gift. It means I can rest.”
She hopes the coming months bring more moments like that. “I’m really hoping my husband and I can go Christmas shopping one day while they’re here,” she said. “That might sound small, but when your child is sick and you have no family nearby, it’s really hard to find those moments. Being able to step away, even for an hour, is incredibly valuable.” She’s also looking forward to attending the Jessie May Christmas Party with all the other families they support.
Reflecting on the journey so far, she offered words of encouragement to other families facing a similar diagnosis. “The advice I kept hearing was to take it a day at a time and now I understand what that really means,” she said. “At first, I didn’t know how to take that advice. But now, I see it’s about just focusing on what you have to get through today.”
Her other piece of advice is simple but powerful: “Also, say yes to everything. Every offer of help, every charity, every meal. Even if it’s not exactly what you need – just say yes. Because every little bit helps, and even the act of someone showing up for you can be incredibly encouraging.”
Oscar’s family are still taking things one day at a time – but thanks to Jessie May, they’ll have a little more space to breathe, to shop for gifts, and to make new memories together.
“It’s been an unimaginable few months,” she said softly, “but Jessie May has brought light into our home – and joy back to Oscar.”
To find out more about our Oncology Service and how we can help families like Oscar’s, please visit Jessie May Oncology Care Service.
