Whether measured in years, months, or even days, the Canuck Place Children含羞草研究社檚 Hospice team believes that every life is precious and should be lived to the fullest. This holiday season, they含羞草研究社檙e honouring the many special lives at Canuck Place, like Elan from Kelowna.
In 2002, at only 18-months-old, Elan experienced a demyelinating episode after a viral infection, which caused her to lose all her motor control. Many health challenges followed, including recurrent acute pancreatitis, feeding intolerance, severe scoliosis and hip dislocations.
Elan含羞草研究社檚 condition was complex and she was growing up with constant, severe pain.
Offering a life that wasn含羞草研究社檛 defined by pain
In 2012, after years of trying to manage Elan含羞草研究社檚 condition, her family was introduced to in hopes of finding comfort and care.
When the family arrived at Canuck Place, Elan was in near constant pain, and vomited 15 to 20 times a day. She was unable to sleep and would cry for hours trying to cope with her condition. Her family felt helpless, desperate to restore some quality of life to Elan含羞草研究社檚 daily routine. After meeting with Canuck Place Medical Director Dr. Hal Siden and the Canuck Place clinical team, their lives changed.
Mother Cheryl recalls the impact the family witnessed early on, 含羞草研究社淒r. Siden recommended some treatments that Elan had never had before,含羞草研究社� Cheryl said. 含羞草研究社淲ithin months of our first Canuck Place stay, Elan stopped vomiting! Being able to see her smile, laugh, play with her sisters, and sleep after years of suffering, is something I don含羞草研究社檛 know how to describe in words.含羞草研究社�
The Canuck Place clinical team was there with innovative pain and symptom management and medical respite care that allowed Elan to experience a life that wasn含羞草研究社檛 defined by pain.
Since then, the entire family, including sisters Emily and Erin, has stayed at Canuck Place where they含羞草研究社檝e made many cherished memories together.
含羞草研究社淭o have the Canuck Place team make Elan laugh, and figure out the things she likes to do, means a lot to us,含羞草研究社� says Cheryl. 含羞草研究社淚t shows they care enough to get to know her and be a part of her life.含羞草研究社�
Your gift will help children from the Okanagan and across BC
Every life is precious and deserves to be lived as fully as possible. works hand-in-hand with families like Elan含羞草研究社檚 to provide expert clinical care and help build special memories, all at no cost.
This holiday season, for children like Elan in the Okanagan and across BC.
For a limited time your donation will be matched by John & Claire Nicola and Friends, so give today and help Canuck Place be there when families need them the most.
To learn more, and to donate today, visit .