Rocco’s journey…
Today, we want to share the heartwarming letter that Kellie Douglas wrote to the amazing teachers at New Shoots Children’s Centre – Sunnynook based in Auckland. The letter is a testament to the outstanding care and supports that the teachers provided to Kellie’s son Rocco, who was born 15 weeks premature and had a challenging start to life.
Kellie wrote the letter to express her gratitude to the teachers at New Shoots, who have been instrumental in helping Rocco grow stronger and more independent over the last four years. She wanted to thank them for the love, attention, and independence they gave to Rocco, which has helped him become more prepared for the future than what Kellie and her husband Blake could have provided him on their own.
Rocco had a difficult start in life, with struggles to breathe and a brain bleed at birth. He spent 104 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and came home on oxygen for nearly a year. Rocco underwent five surgeries before starting at New Shoots, and he had only been off of oxygen for less than two months before his first visit to the day-care.
Despite these challenges, Kellie felt comfortable and excited to send Rocco to New Shoots. She credits Lucie and everyone at the centre for making her feel that way. Rocco received his cerebral palsy diagnosis while at the day-care, and New Shoots stepped in to support Kellie and Blake without skipping a beat. The teachers have been on this journey with them, and Kellie is forever grateful for that.
The teachers at New Shoots have done so much for Rocco, from helping him use his walker to chasing him on the playground in his walker and everything in between. They have also supported his physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and early intervention visits. They have put bright tape on outside steps, put braces on, take them off, provided daily and fortnightly written updates, and so much more.”
What the teachers at New Shoots have given Kellie, Blake, and Rocco is a happy boy ready to take on his next adventure and confident parents ready to let him do so.
All of Rocco’s medical specialists agree that the New Shoots environment and the independence he was given have helped him become stronger and more independent than most children with his diagnosis. He has been challenged and yet supported every step of the way.”
Kellie specifically thanked Tash, Rekha, Tiana, Gillian, Debra, Margie, and Helen for their support and care for Rocco. They have a special place in her heart, and it’s not hard to see why.
Kellie’s letter is a beautiful reminder of teachers’ impact on the children and their families. It’s a testament to the care, dedication, and hard work that the teachers at New Shoots put into their jobs every day, and it is a touching reminder of the power of gratitude and appreciation.
So, to all the teachers, we want to thank you. We see you, and we appreciate you. Thank you for all you do, the love and support you provide, and the impact you have on the lives of the children and their families.
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If you’re looking for a children’s centre immersed in nature, we’d love you to join us at New Shoots Sunnynook.
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