Care of toddler in crisis inspires generous PICU donation
A family's ongoing donation of snacks to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Monash Children's Hospital is supporting the loved ones of seriously ill children in a meaningful way.
Parents Udaybir Singh and Preet Kohli were motivated to gift monthly boxes of snacks to the specialist unit in support and solidarity with PICU staff and families.
The couple’s now 6-year-old son, Jayveer, was admitted to the unit at 15 months of age.
The then toddler had a respiratory illness, croup. His parents took him to the emergency department after observing he was having difficulty breathing.
‘His breathing pipe was so swollen that he couldn’t breathe. He was given steroids and intubated for a total of 8 days,’ said Udaybir.
Jayveer spent 4 weeks in the PICU at Monash Children’s Hospital.
During their time at his bedside, his parents observed the nurses and doctors at work and were struck by their dedication and care.
‘At least one nurse stayed with and cared for Jayveer 24/7. Their care was deeply personal, and we are so grateful for the support they provided during that time. They were experienced, skilled, gentle, and patient – always answering our questions and calming our worries while doing what they needed to do to care and treat,’ said Jayveer’s mum, Preet.
The couple met other families in the unit who were doing it tough.
‘It left a lasting impression on us,’ said Jayveer’s dad, Udaybir.
‘There’s a parents’ room where all the parents go to have a coffee, where we met other parents. There were parents whose kids were super sick. Staying there for 4 weeks, talking to those parents just felt like a community. We shared stories, shared prayers.’
Gratitude turns to action
When the time came for their son to be discharged, the couple wanted to do something to help staff and families in the PICU.
As a first step, they gifted a basket of snacks.
‘What the nurses do goes far beyond what’s in their job description. As a community, we need to support the parents of critically ill children and the nurses who pour their heart and soul into caring for them,’ said Preet.
Wanting to do more, the family proposed organising a monthly drop off of snacks.
With the help of the Monash Health Foundation they developed a plan, and a charitable organisation, Melbourne Singhs, was registered.
Snacks, support, and solidarity
Since 2023, Melbourne Singhs has been gifting 2 full trolleys of snacks monthly to the PICU.
Jayveer’s older brother, Maanveer, is a passionate supporter, always keen to help with deliveries.
‘It’s a very generous contribution, which we really appreciate,’ said Sarah Cleary, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the PICU.
‘We have people arrive in the middle of the night, people from the country whose child’s been flown in, and they have literally nothing with them. So, being able to offer them something for breakfast or lunch or even a snack with a coffee is incredibly helpful.’
Last year, the group donated a microwave and introduced pot noodles to its offering, so people have the option of a hot snack.
‘It’s nice, warm, savoury food to have at midnight, if someone’s hungry. At night when the cafe is closed, if your kid is sick, you wouldn’t go downstairs to collect an Uber order. You would just want to be next to your kid. The only place you would go is the parents’ room,’ said Udaybir.
With carers often taking time off paid work to be by their loved one’s side, it can be a financially challenging time for families. Free snacks provide relief.
‘We know that some families are struggling with the cost of living. Not having to spend so much money on meals is really helpful for them,’ said Sarah.
Community impact
With the support of families at their Sikh temple, the snack box initiative has expanded to include Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital and Northern Hospital Epping.
‘I think I’m lucky to be in a community where everyone wants to do something good for the wider Australian community,’ shared Udaybir.
The Monash Health Foundation is grateful to the family and Melbourne Singhs for their ongoing support.
‘This meaningful donation is bringing comfort to families during the most challenging of times. It is a beautiful way to recognise and thank the PICU team,’ said John De Rango, Director of Monash Health Foundation.
To support world class care at Monash Health, please consider donating or fundraising via the Monash Health Foundation.
