A mother from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, shares how her intuition and her daughter’s ‘smell’ have helped her detect when something is wrong with her daughter Poppy. The 10-year-old, who adores Taylor Swift, has faced numerous challenges in her young life, undergoing 20 operations and battling sepsis multiple times. Despite her health struggles, Poppy is described as a strong and determined individual by her mother, Sam.
Poppy was diagnosed with Spina Bifida during her mother’s 20-week scan. Born prematurely alongside her twin sister, Connie, Poppy had a mass attached to her spinal cord known as lipomyelomeningocele, causing nerve damage and bladder dysfunction. The early days of Poppy’s life were spent in and out of hospitals, with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sepsis episodes.
At the age of three months, Poppy underwent surgery to remove the mass from her spinal cord, followed by additional procedures to manage her bladder issues. Despite surgeries and treatments, Poppy continued to face health challenges, leading to a complex operation to create a new bladder using part of her bowel. This procedure aimed to prevent further kidney damage due to high pressure in her bladder.
Poppy’s medical journey took a new turn when specialists identified her tethered spine as the underlying cause of her ongoing issues. Following a risky operation to address this issue, Poppy experienced a sudden downturn in her health, leading to another hospitalization and diagnosis of a form of MRSA infection. Despite these setbacks, Poppy remains resilient and determined to regain her strength and mobility.
Poppy’s mother, Sam, acknowledges the emotional toll these experiences have had on her daughter but also recognises Poppy’s courage and determination throughout her medical challenges. The family’s life has revolved around hospital stays and appointments, with Poppy now requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Despite the hardships, Poppy remains focused on returning to her beloved sports activities with the support of her physiotherapy team.
Throughout her medical journey, Poppy has found comfort and support at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff. The hospital’s child-friendly facilities, dedicated staff, and specialist care have played a crucial role in Poppy’s ongoing treatment and recovery. Poppy’s positive experiences at the hospital, including arts and crafts sessions and visits from therapy dogs, have helped her cope with the challenges she faces.
The family’s story highlights the importance of specialised care for children with complex medical needs and the impact of charitable donations on supporting vital hospital resources. Poppy’s journey showcases the resilience and strength of a young girl facing significant health challenges, with the unwavering support of her family and healthcare providers.