Hi everybody,

My name is Caro Brosens, I’m 18 years-old and I live in Belgium. Next June I’ll be done with school and I’m very excited about this. Now, to the point, after high school I would like to study a semester in London with EF (education first), and usually they seek a host family for their pupils but my case is sort of special. I have a big medical background so I need a host family which will really commit to helping me whenever I need assistance. This is the deal, I have three disorders (two Mucopolysaccharide diseases: hyperoxaluria & cystinuria, and the Turner syndrome) which cause e.g.:
- Hearing loss and lots of ear trouble. Last few years both my eardrums were replaced. I wear hearing aids so my hearing is sufficient to be in normal everyday life. But when I have a cold or an ear infection I do need to be taken/go to an ENT for treatment (cleaning out of the ears, eardrops, …)
- Arrhythmia, so sometimes my heart skips a beat or it beats out of rhythm. This makes me tired sooner than other people but it’s not dangerous, I don’t need medication for this.
- I need to follow a low oxalate diet (no chocolate, tea, coffee, carrots, strawberries,…)(not that I would die if I didn’t, it’s just not good for my body) and medication.

There is plenty more of that, but these are the most important ones. Also it’s very important that if I get sick (vomiting, diarrhea, …) I should be taken to the E.R. fairly soon (approximately 24 h.) for an iv. Otherwise I go into a coma. Pretty scary, I know, but nothing to worry about, I know my body very well so I don’t let that happen. It sounds worse than it is really, it’s all not so bad. I can take care of myself, I’m independent. It’s just that I need a little extra care from time to time.

Look, I know it’s not going to be easy to find someone. But do you live in London and are you willing to take me into your home from September 2012 till March 2013 or if you know someone who lives there who would or someway to find someone there who would I’d be happy to hear so. Thank you so very much already!

hugs and kisses
Caro
(p.s. sorry for any mistakes)