For Terence Tan and his family, hospital has become a familiar part of life.
Over the years, they’ve spent countless hours beside their son Andrew as he navigates a chronic health condition requiring ongoing treatment and care.
But amidst the appointments, procedures and long days in hospital, what has mattered most has often been the moments that helped Andrew simply feel like himself.
“The support, games, activities and care for kids is super helpful,” Terence said.
“They may be sick, but they still just want to be kids and have fun and enjoy life.”
Terence says it’s the small acts of generosity and kindness - gifts, activities, distraction resources and emotional support - that can make an enormous difference for children and families spending long periods in hospital.
“It’s encouraging for parents too,” he said.
“We’d much rather see our kids happy, smiling and engaged.”
Andrew and his family are champions of the Mix 106.3 Give Me Five appeal, supporting the work of the Canberra Hospitals Foundation. The family is enjoying the chance to help give back to the hospital community that has supported them through some of their toughest moments.
“Andrew appreciates the opportunity to share his story, in the hope it helps others in a similar position,” Terence said.
“I think he realises that because he’s got a chronic illness and most other people don’t, he can help talk to people about it.”
Despite the challenges of living with Andrew’s ongoing illness, Terence remains hopeful about the future.
“The staff are so knowledgeable and caring, and they’re developing treatments now that were only dreams in the past,” he said.
“I tell Andrew they might not have a cure yet, but who knows what they’ll discover in the next 80 years.”
For Terence, exceptional healthcare goes far beyond medical treatment alone.
“It’s about caring for the whole person,” he said.
“It’s not just about curing illness - it’s about engaging with people, understanding them at a deep level and caring for the whole person – particularly during the toughest times in their lives.”
”And it’s particularly important for our children.”
Because even in hospital, childhood still matters.
