Meet Carmelo

Carmelo lives in Prince Albert and is 1 year old! Carmelo’s favourite thing to do is watch Baby Shark, and he enjoys watching the WNBA games with me; he loves to play peek-a-boo, play with his siblings, play with trucks & cars, and loves to say “hi” and give hugs/cuddles. Carmelo was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia Cleft and had severe stridor at 6 weeks old. He had surgery at just 8 weeks old, he’s been NG tube fed ever since due to difficulty feeding/swallowing and liquids getting into his lungs and will need an g-tube.

He’s been in and out of the hospital, from Prince Albert Victoria Hospital to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, due to illnesses that affected mostly his breathing. He has a few surgeries yet to come that we haven’t got dates for yet; he’s been through so much in the first three months of his little life but has also shown how strong and resilient he was and still is.

Hope’s Home shows us so much support; they always check in on Carmelo on the days he’s not feeling good. They make sure to check in on how we are doing. I keep them updated with Carmelo’s appointments, how they go, what’s expected and when his surgery dates will be. They give us so much love and support; I’m grateful and appreciate the staff at Hope’s Homes. In a short amount of time, Carmelo and I got close to everyone at the centre; the support I receive from all of the staff at Hope’s Home is heart-touching like they really do care for us.

My experience with Hope’s Home so far has been great, they show Carmelo nothing but love, support and cuddles. The expression and excitement on their faces when he walks through the door is so priceless, and hearing every single staff say “hi” to him, hug him and tell him they missed him if he’s been out a day or two.

I love Hope’s Home; the environment is so friendly and a safe place for Carmelo; it’s his second home because the staff are like his family, too, as they helped him feel so comfortable and welcomed when he started; he found his very own aunties and gotten so close to them.

He took his first steps and started walking at Hope’s Home, which was a huge milestone to do and take at Child Care. He learns something new every day, he’s made so many friends and even found a best friend. I never have to worry about Carmelo when he’s in Child Care because of the amazing team and nurse they have there that work with him; he’s very well taken care of.