For many families, taking a trip back to their homeland is a journey filled with nostalgia, memories, and deep emotional connection. Returning to Germany wasn’t just a vacation for Marie’s family—it was a special opportunity to reconnect with their roots and see family. At the heart of making that trip possible was Nutrishare.
Marie’s son Eliah relies on daily TPN (total parenteral nutrition) to meet his nutritional needs, so traveling isn’t as simple for him as booking a flight and packing a suitcase. The logistics of traveling internationally while relying on TPN require meticulous planning and expert support. But thanks to Nutrishare, this long-awaited trip became a reality, marking the first time Eliah could return to his country of birth since Marie’s family relocated to the U.S. when he was just 10 months old.
The Significance of the Trip
This trip was significant because it was Eliah’s first time back in Germany after their relocation to the U.S. Marie is German, and fostering a connection to her culture in her children is deeply important to her. Since their move to Omaha in 2019, she had taken her two older sons back to Germany twice to spend time with relatives and friends. Both times, Eliah and his dad had to stay behind because they were unable to figure out a way to meet Eliah’s TPN needs in Germany.
“Leaving Eliah behind was becoming increasingly unacceptable as he got older,” Marie shared. “It didn’t seem fair for him to miss out on this experience solely because of his medical condition. He was beginning to feel excluded, and we decided it was time to make the trip happen for him.”
This trip accomplished several meaningful goals. For one, it allowed Marie’s grandparents, now in their late 80s and early 90s, to “re-meet” Eliah. They had only seen him as a seriously ill infant connected to tubes 24 hours a day. This time, they met him as a five-year-old full of spunk, wit, and energy who does all the things other kids his age do.
The trip also allowed Eliah to make precious memories with his aging great-grandparents and experience the place he was born but had no memories of. Most importantly, it helped him see his TPN needs as a “non-issue.” While it’s something he needs, it doesn’t define him or prevent him from doing what he wants to do. This realization sends a powerful message to him as he grows older.
The Joy of Everyday Moments
Some of the most special moments of the trip were the simplest: casually popping by to see great-grandparents in the afternoon, skipping rocks together in the evening, or having friends drive hours to spend time with them. When asked about his favorite part of the trip, Eliah’s answer was clear: spending the day at the water park!
How Nutrishare Made It Possible
Planning for the trip involved much more than booking tickets. The Nutrishare team worked closely with Marie’s family to ensure that Eliah’s TPN needs would be met during the trip. This included coordinating shipments, managing nutritional requirements, and ensuring seamless care across borders. Nutrishare’s proactive, patient-centered approach allowed the family to focus on enjoying their trip rather than worrying about logistics.
The contrast between Nutrishare’s support and their previous provider was stark. Their former provider refused to work with them on international travel. Frustrated, they turned to Nutrishare, and their experience couldn’t have been more different. From the first conversation, the Nutrishare team was committed to making the trip possible.
“Incredibly, Nutrishare did most of the legwork,” Marie said. “They helped identify and communicate with local contacts in Germany to handle logistics. I was so used to doing all the work myself, and it was such a huge relief not to have to this time.” Nutrishare’s team became like extended family, invested in ensuring Eliah could have this experience. “They made a huge difference in the life of this little boy, his family, and all of the extended family and friends we were able to see in Germany.”
A Life Beyond Boundaries
Since switching to Nutrishare, travel has become much more accessible for Marie’s family. Their international trip to Germany went without a hitch, and they’re already planning their next visit. Travel within the U.S. has also become easier. Over Thanksgiving, they traveled to the West Coast for a week and received their TPN shipment at their destination, making the trip more manageable.
Marie shared her perspective on TPN and its impact on their lives: “It provides him with the nutrition and hydration he needs to be healthy, grow, and have the energy he needs to do all the things he wants (and he has A LOT of energy).” She added, “Nutrishare seems to share this attitude. They understand that TPN shouldn’t prevent patients from doing what they want to do. That understanding has made all the difference.”
A Lasting Impact
Eliah’s story beautifully illustrates how Nutrishare prioritizes quality of life and empowers families to live fully. “Thank you to each of you for your work for patients and families, which allows them to live with rather than despite their medical condition. It makes all the difference,” Marie expressed.
By redefining what’s possible for patients like Eliah, Nutrishare is helping families embrace life’s milestones without boundaries.