How Australia’s first youth hospice provides relief for Angelina Lati

·

When Angelina Lati was in year eight, her life changed. She began stumbling on stage and experiencing fainting spells and seizures. At age 14, she was diagnosed with Lafora Disease, which is a form of childhood dementia.

Many Australians don’t know much about childhood dementia, which is progressive brain damage that starts before the age of 18. There are over 70 types of the disease, each caused by changes in the DNA because they are genetic diseases.

The signs and symptoms themselves are similar to those you might have seen in an elderly relative suffering from dementia. They include for example, lack of concentration, memory loss, personality and behavioural changes, and even loss of speech and mobility.

Since The Greek Herald last spoke with Angelina’s mum, Niki Markou, in 2021 about her diagnosis, Angelina has been spending time at the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.

Angelina Lati. Photo: Supplied

Located at the former Manly Hospital Site at North Head, the newly constructed hospital is Australia’s first dedicated service for 15 to 24-year-old patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Families stay in rooms inside the facilities and can speak with social workers, clinical psychologists, bereavement counsellors, and psychiatrists. For many families, this is the first time they could live together.

“We have relief here… and fun. It’s beautiful. It’s like we have a life now,” Niki told The Daily Telegraph about their family’s time in the hospice with Angelina.

“It’s like a family. And that’s what she needs, you know, because she needs that comfort and, you know, especially when you’re scared.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Hellenic spirit shines at the opening of the Odyssey Greek Festival 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Odyssey Greek Festival was a vibrant celebration of culture, memory, and community

Areti Ketime brings the spirit of rebetiko to Melbourne for the Zeibekiko Festival

The Zeibekiko Festival has returned for its third year this month with a lively Rebetika performance in Melbourne by singer Areti Ketime. 

Literary memorial in Sydney honours the legacy of esteemed scholar Dr George Kanarakis

A literary memorial in honour of Greek academic and internationally renowned linguist of Australia, Dr George Kanarakis, was held on Tuesday.

Memorial service to be held in Sydney to honour the life of Chris Felemegas

A memorial service will be held in Sydney on Sunday, October 12, to honour the life of Chris Felemegas, a figure remembered for his warmth.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos meets Archbishop Makarios in Sydney

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Hellenism Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, met with Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Tuesday.

You May Also Like

“We are here to achieve victory,” says Greek tennis player Michalis Pervolarakis

The ATP cup is around the corner and despite the challenges players have been faced with, the members of the Greek team remain optimistic.

Raptis sisters left devastated as SA music school faces second government acquisition

Koula and Mary Raptis are “devastated and heartbroken” after learning their music school, Allegro Music, is to be acquired by the government.

Erdogan on his visit to Cyprus: ‘Turkey does not accept instructions from anyone’

"By the will of God, on July 20 I will be in northern Cyprus. We will be there with a big (survey) team,” Erdogan said.