Every Three Hours

Being a caregiver can mean stress, pain, and fear. But it also can mean hope, happiness, and, above all, love.

Are you a parent or caregiver who is exhausted from tending to the needs of a child with a chronic condition? Do you sometimes feel like it is all too much and the weight of world is on your shoulders? You are not alone. Millions of people feel the pressures of caring for a sick child. Janet Malcolm Hayles is one of them, and she sees you.

In Every Three Hours, Janet tells her own story-one of a mom blessed with a son who is diagnosed with two rare chronic conditions and for whom she must make lifechanging sacrifices in order to help him reach his dreams. Janet's younger son, Sammy, battles multiple surgeries, experiences two near-death incidents, is limited to a diet of about fifteen foods, and must medicate every three hours. Missing just three doses could be fatal.

But this isn't just the story of the hardships of raising a young child with rare conditions. Janet takes her readers through Sammy's infancy, adolescence, and even adulthood to show caregivers how to advocate for themselves and their children, get the support they need, and help their children find ways to thrive.

Janet and Sammy's story begins with little hope-but grows into a lifetime of triumph and joy. As Janet recounts the struggles and successes of Sammy's life so far, she offers a balm of experience, insight, and understanding for anyone trying to navigate similar waters. Each child's situation is unique, but within that uniqueness, the basic principles of hope remain true.