LauraLynn hospice currently supports 18 Waterford families

Ireland's only children's hospice, LauraLynn which currently supports 18 Waterford families, has said there is a misconception among the public that the hospice is solely for end-of-life care.

A spokesperson for the organisation said one third of Irish people - one in three members of the Irish public - mistakenly believe children’s hospice care is solely for end‑of‑life.

The revelation comes ahead of Children's Hospice Week which takes place from May 17 to 23.

The spokesperson said there is a significant misunderstanding of the vital role children’s palliative care plays in supporting families throughout a child’s life.

That misunderstanding matters because for families, it shapes not just what hospice care is, but what it feels like to accept it. 

"When most people hear the word 'hospice', they think of the end," said the spokesperson.

"For parents already living with the reality of a child’s serious illness, that association carries weight,"  she added, commenting: "By the time LauraLynn is first mentioned, families are often managing complex physical and medical needs, trying to protect a sense of normality for siblings, and living with constant uncertainty. In that context, the idea of hospice care can feel overwhelming."

The findings, from market research conducted by NFP on the charity’s behalf, are being shared as LauraLynn launches this year's Children’s Hospice Week.

This year’s theme is, 'Every Minute Matters, Every Child Counts – because every little life deserves big moments' and the organisation says it reflects the precious nature of time for families living with a child who has a life‑limiting condition.

"When a child has a life‑limiting condition, every minute together is precious, and at LauraLynn, families are supported to fill those minutes with joy, comfort and laughter," said the spokesperson.

Children’s palliative care is not just about end‑of‑life; it is about helping children live their childhood as fully as possible, from diagnosis and often for many years.

LauraLynn currently supports 18 families in Waterford.

Seven‑year‑old Cillian Behan’s family, from Dublin, knows first‑hand the difference early access to LauraLynn can make.

Cillian lives with his mother Pauline and father Keith, and began his journey with LauraLynn when he became unwell at just 16 months old. 

Like many parents, Pauline and Keith say they didn’t even realise help was available – or that they needed it.

“Having LauraLynn in our lives takes a huge amount of stress and worry away,” said Cillian’s father, Keith. 

“Knowing we have that support makes such a difference, and every time Cillian comes back from LauraLynn, he’s happy – you can really see the difference in him," he added.

“At LauraLynn, we help families be just that – a family,” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO at LauraLynn.

“By easing the worry and stress of complex medical care, parents, siblings and grandparents can enjoy time together, rest, recharge and make memories that last a lifetime."

LauraLynn strives to create meaningful and magical moments for children and families in its care. 

These can be everyday moments such as movie nights, playtime or a picnic in the garden, or larger celebrations like the LauraLynn Oscars, trips to the Abbey Theatre, or taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade. 

These experiences give children a chance to shine and provide families with a space to celebrate their child – moments that are especially meaningful for children with life‑limiting conditions.

“Children are children,” added Ms McLaverty.

“Their childhood should be just that – a childhood filled with play, laughter and joy," she added.

"LauraLynn is a place where everyone can enjoy play together, regardless of ability.” 

As Ireland’s only children’s hospice, LauraLynn provides specialist care at its purpose‑built hospice in Leopardstown and in family homes nationwide, LauraLynn cares for the whole family, not just the child with a life‑limiting condition. 

Support extends to parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family members.

LauraLynn’s goal is to ensure that there is equity and access for all children and families; that they have choice in the type and location of care when they need, and that they have magical, ordinary family experiences, enjoying moments that in time become memories that live forever. 

The organisation is experiencing a significant period of growth and expansion and since opening over 14 years ago, the hospice has cared for and supported more than 1,000 children and families.

However, almost half of those families were referred in the last five years, with the charity predicting that that level of need for their service will be sustained.

Increasing equity and access to care are key themes in LauraLynn’s, 'Advancing our Vision Extending our Community of Care Strategic Plan 2024-2028'. 

That has led to the expansion of their three Community Teams, which are now in Mallow - serving the Munster region - and Ballinasloe, serving the West, Northwest and Midlands. "Our community service represents a huge part of the service’s growth in recent years," said the spokesperson.

A significant part of LauraLynn’s work focuses on siblings, who can often feel overlooked as they navigate their own emotions and experiences. 

That support includes targeted sibling camps, one‑to‑one play therapy sessions and other therapeutic interventions, helping siblings connect with children in similar situations and build strong, validating support networks.

The misconception that hospice care is only for the end of life can prevent families from accessing support early, when it can make the greatest difference.

“This Children’s Hospice Week, we want people to understand that hospice care is about living,” said Ms McLaverty.

“It’s about ensuring every child counts, every minute matters, and every family feels supported – no matter where they are on their journey," she added.

The organisation says every child’s life, however long, is made up of moments and its role as Ireland’s children’s hospice care provider is not simply to be present at the end of that life, but to walk with children and their families along every step of their journey and to help make more of those precious moments possible.

LauraLynn is encouraging the public to support Children’s Hospice Week 2026 by learning more about children’s palliative care and helping to challenge misconceptions, so that no family misses out on the care and compassion they need.

To find out more go to lauralynn.ie