Limerick family at the heart of children's hospice national video campaign

A LIMERICK family has become the face of this year’s national Children’s Hospice Week campaign, offering a personal perspective on caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.

The Musial family, who live in Limerick and are supported by LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice service, are featured in the annual awareness campaign video for this year.

When Malgosia Musial was born, her parents reported that everything was fine and she was “happy”, says her mum Grazyna and dad, Daniel.

At six-weeks-old, Malgosia began experiencing seizures and spent extended periods in University Hospital Limerick.

“Malgosia needs care 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Grazyna.

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“When we got a place in LauraLynn we were so happy, because there was time for us and Malgosia is so happy when she is there.”

Malgosia is now 13-years-old and enjoys music. A sensory projector in her bedroom allows her to watch movies, look at images, and listen to music. She also has two sisters Hanaia and Zophia.

There are currently 24 families in Limerick availing of LauraLynn’s services.

LauraLynn CEO, Kerry McLaverty, said: “Children’s Hospice Week is a time to share what we’ve learned about the lived experience of families of children with life-limiting illnesses.

“At LauraLynn it is so important for us to ask, listen to and understand what our families really need to make things a little bit better for them.

“It helps us provide the right care and support through the toughest journey whether that be at the hospice, in hospital or in the comfort of a child’s home.

“Together with your support we can meet the needs of these wonderful children and families as best as possible. They deserve nothing less.”

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Children’s Hospice Week this year took place from May 18 to 24. The 2025 theme was Every Step, Every Challenge, Together.

According to LauraLynn, a new survey conducted as part of the campaign found that 95% of families caring for a child with a life-limiting condition feel overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities.

Additionally, 86% said they wished they had more time to be a parent rather than a carer. LauraLynn is encouraging continued donations to support services for families like the Musials.

They offer dedicated nursing staff who will do home visits or having a centre in Mallow, Co Cork, which serves Limerick families like Malgosia and hers who can get trusted support when they need it.