Cancer Patient Flies Parents from Canada Due to Childcare Crisis

A lack of available creche places in Cork City has forced Karla Trujillo, a cancer patient, to fly her parents from Canada to care for her 15-month-old son, Kai. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in securing reliable childcare, particularly for families facing medical crises.

Childcare Challenges Amid Health Crisis

The 34-year-old, who lives in Tivoli, began seeking childcare options late in her pregnancy. She hesitated to place Kai’s name on the waiting list due to a previous miscarriage. “During my previous pregnancy, we got overly excited and put our baby’s name down straight away,” Karla shared. “After this, I miscarried, and taking my unborn child off the list was soul crushing.”

Following her diagnosis of thyroid cancer in May 2023, Karla faced an uphill battle. She had spent five years experiencing symptoms before finally receiving a diagnosis. “I was told that realistically I would need to wait until my hormones were settled before they could do anything,” she explained. After undergoing surgery in July 2023, she found herself navigating the complexities of recovery while also dealing with childcare issues.

Kai, who was born premature, required medical attention for heart defects, adding to the family’s stress. With Karla’s partner working full-time, the couple struggled to find adequate childcare. “My parents had to fly over from Canada to help out. My mum had to take extended holiday leave to support us,” she stated. “My brother also came over to offer support, which really helped us through that period.”

Financial Strain and Ongoing Struggles

Despite her recovery, Karla continues to face significant challenges. “We have a childminder two days a week who is wonderful, but this costs us €80 a day, so we can only afford those two days,” she said. The family’s rent of €1,800 a month, excluding utility bills, has left them struggling financially. “We are pinching pennies,” she added.

Karla is currently splitting her shifts with her partner to manage childcare. She expressed gratitude for her employer’s understanding, noting, “There are not many employers that would allow this.” However, the quest for a creche place has been frustrating. “I have continued to inquire about creche places and felt unsure of the best approach,” she remarked. “I didn’t want to be too pushy, but I noticed other parents who registered later than I did securing places.”

When she reached out to the creches for clarification, Karla found herself ignored, leading her to conclude that persistence may be key in this competitive environment. “It seems that much of the time it’s the people who are persistent and make the most noise who get the places,” she observed.

The situation facing Karla Trujillo reflects broader issues within the childcare system in Cork and beyond. Families are increasingly finding it difficult to secure necessary childcare, particularly in light of unexpected health challenges. As Karla continues to navigate her recovery and childcare challenges, her story underscores the urgent need for improved access to affordable and reliable childcare solutions.