From Bandages to Boldness: Sandra’s Story
Sandra was just two years old when she came to St. Joseph’s with a rare and painful genetic skin condition that required her to be covered in bandages from head to toe. Now, more than 40 years later, Sandra lives her life independently and bandage-free.
Sandra spent 16 years at St. Joseph’s in the care of the loving sisters, who were very fond and protective of her as a little one.
Former St Joseph’s sister, Roslind, recalls caring for Sandra and the painful process of changing her bandages twice a week.
The meeting between Roslind and Sandra was the very first time the two had met since Sandra was discharged.
“Her skin problem was very bad. Her entire body was covered in bandages—legs, arms, everything. Twice a week, we used to change the dressings. It’s something I can’t explain. It was very intense and very painful for her,” said Roslind.
But despite this, Sandra always stayed confident and didn’t let her condition get her down. “Through all the ups and downs in life, I never let this get to me. At the end of the day, if you’re going to allow it to get to you, what’s the point? You’re just wasting your time. I never let it get me down. I’m not going to feel sorry for myself,” she said.
Sandra no longer needs to bandage her skin and can manage her condition with minimal use of medication. “Managing the condition is much easier. I was on a lot of medication when I was young. Now I only take antibiotics when I get an infection.”
St Joseph’s was the only family Sandra knew for many years. She even thought that the sisters were her mothers. “I always thought the sisters were my mother. I was blind; I only started to see at 8 years old. And that day I was sitting in the pram, and the sister was making potato stuff on the stove, and there she stood, the nun, in front of me.”
The care and support Sandra received at St Joseph’s gave her the confidence to be proud of who she is and the boldness to stand up for herself. She even took on Home Affairs and lobbied to get her ID. She was initially denied an ID because she had no fingerprints due to her skin condition. Sandra didn’t accept this and petitioned Home Affairs, and she eventually received her ID.
Sandra’s journey is a testament to the commitment and support the staff show all the patients who have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition and are referred to St. Joseph’s for intermediate care.
“It makes me feel good that I could be a part of her upbringing. I have been thinking about her all these years. I was so proud of her for living on her own. Our whole purpose was to get her better. It is good to see that your work had a positive effect.
“Once you work at St. Joseph’s, you’ll never forget it. The children build your character as well,” said Roslind.
Bandages to Boldness
