Meet Eva

After being diagnosed with high-risk leukemia as a toddler, fierce little Eva has spent more holidays in the hospital than at home. Experts at BC Children’s, including donor-supported Child Life, have been determined to bring a little holiday magic to her stays. But nothing can compare to spending the holidays at home with family.

This year, Eva is nearing the end of the maintenance phase of her treatment plan, and her parents feels hopeful. For the last few years, the holidays have been about keeping their daughter alive. This year, it might just be about celebrating the season as every child should: at home, at special events—and always surrounded by loved ones.

Meet Navy

A rare immune system disorder kept little Navy in hospital for over a month, but it could have been for much longer. Thanks to the Pediatric IV Outpatient Therapy (PIVOT) program, Navy was able to receive her treatments from the comforts of home. It gave her family one of the biggest gifts they could ask for: the chance to have their daughter home for the holidays.

Fast forward to this year, and Navy has made remarkable progress. She successfully received a bone marrow transplant thanks to her donor Hallie, who also happens to be her big sister and best friend. Navy isn’t quite in the clear yet, but her family and care team are incredibly hopeful.

As her family reflects on their rollercoaster journey—from almost losing their youngest daughter, to finding themselves almost on the other side—they remain grateful for compassionate donors, who not only support programs like PIVOT, but power rare disease research happening right at the hospital.

Meet Aivyn

When Aivyn was just 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). To add to his family’s shock, he had two genetic markers typically only found in teens and adults.

Aivyn’s treatment required a long hospital stay, but his days were brightened by donor-supported programs like music therapy. His parents recall how meaningful it was that Aivyn’s sister was always included—the kids would often sing and dance to their favourite songs together. These moments helped the family navigate the difficult challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Against the odds, Aivyn went into remission and beat his cancer—and his family was forever transformed by the experience. They remembered the stark financial difficulties that compounded during the worst of Aivyn’s illness, and how small acts of kindness from hospital staff could have such a profound impact on their day. This inspired a mighty idea: hosting a holiday gift card drive for oncology patient families. 9 years on, and the family believes this year’s drive might just be the biggest one yet. Together, they look forward to delivering gift cards for groceries, gas, coffee shops and more—and being a light in the dark to families who must spend the holidays at the hospital.

Meet Isabella

This past fall, 7-year-old Isabella underwent a long, complex surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in her body—a surgery her family dubbed her “Everest.”

“Isabella is fearless,” said her dad, Brent. “She even calls her surgical scar a ‘legendary’ symbol of her bravery. I’m in awe of how she keeps pushing forward.” What’s more, Isabella has been receiving treatment a long way from the comfort of her family’s home in Nakusp. Over the last six months, she’s only been able to return home for a handful of days.

But Isabella isn’t doing this alone. And out of her entire team of supporters, there’s one person who has helped her stay strong: her loving older sister, Gabriella. Gabriella has played a huge role in helping the hospital feel more like home away from home, and has uplifted Isabella as she’s endured difficult, draining cancer treatments. But being the sibling of a patient has its own challenges. That’s why Isabella’s family is grateful for BC Children’s dedication to supporting families holistically. Gabriella has benefited from the donor-supported Sibling Support Centre, as well as special activities for siblings of patients. “Isabella’s care team always includes Gabriella in everything,” said Brent. “And it makes a difference. Supporting the family unit means so much.”

As the holidays draw near, Isabella and her family are taking things day by day. The future is uncertain, but Isabella hopes to get clearance so she can finally return home for good.

Meet Brynlee

Last November, Brynlee received a devastating diagnosis that completely uprooted her life in Kelowna: she had medulloblastoma. Not only did this mean she’d need to stay in BC Children’s over the holidays—she’d need to stay at the hospital for eight whole months, as experts worked around the clock to save her life.

It was an extraordinarily difficult time for Brynlee. She remembered the holidays as a magical time filled with special occasions and many family birthdays, but all of that was abruptly canceled. She was simply too sick to celebrate or see loved ones.

But Brynlee is also a determined, independent girl who found moments of joy while in hospital. On the rare days she was well enough to play, she would plan elaborate Taylor Swift dance parties for the nurses on her floor. Her donor-supported child life specialist Ashley would help produce the events, and Brynlee would sing for an enthralled crowd. These events, along with donor-supported programs like Music Therapy, brought back the spark cancer was taking away from her.

While Brynlee’s health journey is still uncertain, she has moved into the maintenance phase of her treatment plan and is finally back home in Kelowna. Her family looks forward to reviving the magic of the holiday season for their kids, and Brynlee is happy to be transitioning back to school as a first grader. Most of all, she’s looking forward to attending music and dance classes one day—so that she can keep singing her heart out, just like her idol Taylor Swift.