Little Warrior Kai
Hospital Mum Tammy has shared just how vital Crossbasket House was for her family when her second son, Kai, was born in late 2021. Tammy, her eldest son Keir, and her husband Gary spent Christmas that year in the House, and she has opened up about their journey.
Kai’s Hospital Journey
In the Summer of 2021, Tammy experienced several complications early on in pregnancy, leading to months as an inpatient at the Queen Elizabeth Maternity Hospital. During this time, she required lifesaving treatments and spent weeks in the high dependency unit, separated from her eldest son Keir due to Covid-19 restrictions.
On the 6th of November, Kai was born at 24 weeks weighing just 750 grams. After a traumatic delivery, Kai was rushed to NICU for life support while Tammy remained under care in the maternity unit.
Kai’s tiny size led to chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension in his lungs and heart, along with other heart conditions including two holes in his heart. His complex medical needs resulted in a long and challenging NICU stay. Tammy’s boys, Keir and Kai, met for the first time when Kai was 7 months old.
“This truly was a scary, traumatic, distressing and uncertain time for our family, but thanks to Crossbasket House, we could stay close to Kai and support each other as a family.”
Tammy
Home Away from Home
"When I received my Unicorn Room at Crossbasket House, Keir and Gary came straight to join me. We were able to be a family and support one another again!"
Settling into life at the House was seamless, and the family found comfort in the communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and the private amenities in their room. The direct line to Kai’s hospital room was especially reassuring to Tammy and Gary.
The team at Crossbasket House even provided a mini fridge for Tammy to store her expressed breast milk, a small but impactful gesture that made all the difference.
“The House was more than just a place to eat, sleep and wait. It became sanctuary where I could start healing with Keir, who I had desperately missed during my hospital stay.”
Tammy
During Covid-19 restrictions, Keir couldn’t visit Kai, but staying close by in Crossbasket House helped him feel involved. He dropped off items for his baby brother, played in the nearby park overlooking Kai's NICU room, and received daily updates from “nurse aunties” through videos and messages sent via the charity-funded vCreate service.
When Kai was eventually transferred, the family was heartbroken to leave Crossbasket House. However, the bond with the team remained strong. Tammy frequently visits with Kai during hospital appointments, often bringing sweet treats as a token of appreciation.
Christmas at Crossbasket
Spending Christmas at the House was made magical by the dedicated team.
“Keir's naughty elf, Elfie, decorated his room, and he received a copy of his nice list certificate and a special letter from Santa ensuring him that he would still visit him even though he was staying away from home this year.”
On Christmas Eve, and Kai was starting to do well- finally some Christmas magic! Keir sprinkled his magic reindeer dust from the hospital path down to the house door then jingled his bells, made hot chocolate, wished a good night to all, and went to bed.
On Christmas Day, we opened presents and made breakfast, then Gary went to visit Kai while I played with Keir at the House. We had lunch together in the hospital café, then I went to visit Kai whilst Keir and Daddy went back to the House to make dinner.”
"It was a proper Christmas Dinner, eaten together - warm, safe, loved, and close to Kai."
Tammy
Fundraising Superhero Keir
Keir decided to give back to Crossbasket House by participating in a 3km MacTuff muddy run in Knockhill, Fife. At just 8 years old, he completed the challenging course alongside his parents, raising an incredible £1,573 for Crossbasket House!
In recognition of his efforts, Keir received a blossom on the House’s tree with an inspiring message:
“Always keep believing thriving & striving. Warriors Keir & Kai”
“Crossbasket House is part of our extended family now- they’re stuck with us forever!”
Kai’s Future
Today, 3-year-old Kai continues to receive care from multiple specialist teams. He remains oxygen and NG dependant, with hopes for a full recovery over time.
“Kai is on a waiting list for a feeding peg at we may need the House again. I know they’ll welcome us with open arms. Both boys are happy, healthy, safe and loved and I can never thank the staff or the House enough.”