|
Chloe Charlton
Chloe Charlton 14 June 2003 –
18 July 2006
Chloe was born a healthy 8lb
9oz on a sunny day in June. We enjoyed every minute with our perfect
daughter as first time parents. She developed normally and was so bright
and beautiful, she melted our hearts as well as those of our family.
After learning to crawl we
thought there would be no stopping her, but sadly one Friday evening Chloe
started to have a fit down one side of her body. She was rushed to A & E,
where upon arrival the seizures were intensifying so much, she was sedated
to rest her little body. This was the beginning of our nightmare.
After been sedated for a few
days, Chloe was back with us but not the Chloe we had had before. She
deteriorated quickly, lost all movement in her limbs, suffered relentless
seizures and was unable to eat or communicate in any way. We spent time in
the high dependency unit and intensive care as Chloe’s condition was
critical. Chloe was fed via a naso-gastric tube and suffered test after
test to determine the cause, all of which came back negative. Life was just
unreal watching our daughter suffer in this way.
We spent an agonising 3 months
in hospital, whilst more tests were carried out and medication levels were
adjusted to control the seizures to a satisfactory level.
After a short period of two
months at home with Chloe, we returned to hospital for a week of scheduled
tests. During this period, an MRI scan showed some deterioration in Chloe’s
brain and we were devastated to learn that the most likely cause was a
condition known as Alpers Disease; that she would rapidly deteriorate and
that it was a terminal illness with no hope of a cure.
We immediately decided that
what time we had left with Chloe would be spent at home, so I, ‘Mum’,
finished work and became Chloe’s carer. At home, she amazed not only us but
also the doctors and seemed to blossom surrounded by the love and support of
family and friends.
We feel so lucky to have had
this amazing time with Chloe, going on holidays to Scotland and Devon,
having days out in York and the Lake District and spending evenings out with
family; memories that we will cherish forever. There were many times during
our time in hospital when we thought we would not have any more happy times
with Chloe, but with fantastic support we made sure Chloe’s illness never
stopped us from doing anything.
Sadly, Chloe fell into a deep
sleep and died in my arms on 18th July 2006, one month after her
3rd birthday. She never got to meet her brother Alfie, who was
born in January 2007, but we will tell him all about his special sister one
day.
She was just loaned to us for
a short time but one day we hope to be with her once more and in the mean
time hope the angels are looking after her.
Tara and Neil Charlton
Back to Top |
