Lacey-Mae Spong-McCelland, 12, gets vital help to cope with her health challenges
Barry: Lacey-Mae Spong-McCelland was just four when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During surgery, she suffered a stroke, which left her partially sighted. Now at 12, she’s been through a lot, including spending Christmas and New Year in the hospital for her fifth round of treatment.
It all started when Lacey complained of severe headaches. That led to emergency surgery to remove the tumor, which was near her optic nerve. After the surgery, her dad, Rob, decided to leave his job in 2016 to care for her full-time. He felt it was the best choice to be there for her.
Rob shared, “I’ve basically never left her side since she was diagnosed.” But after years of constant care, they needed a break. The nurses at the Cardiff hospital referred them to Ty Hafan, a place that offers respite for families like theirs. Rob admitted it had become overwhelming, and they were ready for some rest.
Last August, Lacey spent a weekend at Ty Hafan, giving her parents a much-needed break. Rob knew about the place since it was close to home, but he was surprised by how emotional the visit was. He felt relieved knowing Lacey would be well cared for.
Ty Hafan has on-site apartments for parents, so they can stay close while their child is being looked after. It was tough for Rob to leave Lacey for the first time, but seeing how well the staff treated her made it easier. He realized he needed to take care of himself too.
As Lacey approaches her teenage years, she’s trying to understand her health situation. She’s been involved in art-psychotherapy at Ty Hafan, which has helped her make sense of everything. Rob mentioned that it’s been a great support for her.
Lacey is very social and loves making friends with other kids at the hospice. Since she’s in the process of changing schools, she hasn’t had many chances to socialize, but Ty Hafan provides that opportunity.
Since her diagnosis, Lacey has gone through four rounds of chemotherapy and is currently receiving treatment in London. The family spent the holidays there, and she’s nearing the end of her treatment course.
Despite all the challenges, Lacey remains positive and keeps a big smile on her face. Rob feels more relaxed knowing that at Ty Hafan, Lacey has dedicated nurses to care for her, especially given her unique needs.
