Olivia
“Just give it time.”
That’s what they always say. Even as her condition continues to get worse.
For Olivia, it was the typical aches and pains at first. Not to mention the usual fatigue and nausea that comes with Covid.
But four months after contracting the virus, additional symptoms started to appear.
Gagging turned to sickness and Olivia became neurologically affected. Simple tasks became a struggle and her spelling started to deteriorate. More worrying was the fact she became disorientated by memory loss, brain fog and déjà vu.
Now feeling drained and debilitated, everyday life feels a million miles away - and for her family too. As Olivia misses school and the things she loves, her mum faces the day-to-day consequences of Long Covid. Forced to drop shifts for the NHS, she finds it impossible to leave her child alone. A single parent in a cost-of-living crisis, she tries to make up her hours where she can.
But as the family struggles, Olivia’s GPs have been reluctant to help. Puzzled by her condition, they simply refer her back to paediatrics for more tests.
This has been the story for 14 months now - with no end in sight.
But Olivia isn’t asking for a miracle. Just to feel a little less ill every day, gradually growing stronger - instead of getting worse.
Mum knows that childhood is about enjoying the simple things in life, like playing with friends. And doing so without paying the price afterward.
“Just give it time,” they say.
If only childhood could last forever.
That is why Long Covid Kids is committed to creating resources like the LCK Educational Toolkit, and with your help, we can continue our work. Please consider donating today and help us be there for every family who needs us.
Long Covid Kids supports children and young people living with Long Covid and related illnesses, as well as the families and caregivers who look after them. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work.
Please donate today to give children with Long Covid a brighter future.
£20 could help us continue championing the rights of children like Olivia whose lives have been turned upside down by Long Covid.
£10 could help us run weekly support sessions for children like Olivia who are immensely isolated by their illness.
£5 could help us moderate chat forums for young people like Olivia desperate to connect with others in the same situation.
Your gift can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these brave young people. Thank you for your support.
If you are a young person who has been affected by the ongoing symptoms of COVID, support is available, with or without a diagnosis. More info here.
If you, or someone you know has had a change in their health following a COVID infection reliable support and information can be found here:
