Light a Life with Canuck Place This Season
byContributed by Canuck Place – Miss604 is a proud sponsor the Lighting of the House at Canuck Place this season.
At Canuck Place, we believe that every light brings joy, no matter how long it shines. This holiday season, we shine a light on the journey for Canuck Place children like baby Rosalind, and the joy she brought her family with the precious time they had together.
Roz’s Story – Light a Life with Canuck Place
Baby Rosalind, or Roz as the Doyles affectionately call her, was born with Trisomy 18, a genetic condition also called Edwards Syndrome. Trisomy 18 affects each person differently, and for Roz, the most serious issues were in her brain and heart.
Roz lived 29 days. She spent almost her entire life at Canuck Place. It will forever be a special home for the Doyles because for them, it’s Roz’s house. The hospice brought light to their darkest days, where they made happy memories despite the circumstances.
“This is the place you don’t want to be because it means something tragic is happening, yet at the same time, it’s the best place to be because they care so much.”
Audrey
The family’s first visit to Canuck Place was impactful. Baby Roz, Audrey, Mike and his two boys Seth (10) and Chase (7) were made to feel right at home. “It never felt like the nurses were there because they had a job to do,” says Audrey. “They were always encouraging us to get some rest, so they could hold Roz all night long.”
This wasn’t the Doyle’s first interaction with Canuck Place. At 20 weeks, after a routine ultrasound showed irregularities, Audrey was referred to Women’s Hospital where the Trisomy 18 diagnosis was confirmed. It was at this point, that Audrey and Mike were referred to Canuck Place Nurse Practitioner, Camara Van Breemen. Camara met the family at the hospital, and helped them create a care plan that focused on quality of life for the entire family. Camara and Canuck Place gave them hope.
As part of the evolving care plan that Canuck Place supported, it was important to the Doyle’s that Roz get to experience some of their holiday traditions. With the uncertainty of how long she would live, Canuck Place nurse Talia Showers, worked with the recreational therapy and kitchen teams to ensure that Christmas came early that year. In mid-November, the hospice was festively decorated, a volunteer dressed up as Santa, incredibly thoughtful gifts were handed out, and the boys were so excited to experience it all with their little sister.
“The holidays are about spending time with your family,” says Audrey. “Canuck Place gave us the gift of quality time together, and the peace of mind in knowing that help was only a few steps away at all times.”
Roz passed away the evening of November 25th. “Talia was our nurse that day. She coached us through what it would be like when Roz passed. Nothing can really prepare you, but just knowing what to expect helped us through those moments,” says Audrey.
This Christmas will mark just over a year since Roz passed. Canuck Place continues to care for the Doyle family with bereavement counselling and family support groups. “Canuck Place support and care gave us the ability to enjoy every moment we had with Roz,” says Audrey. “They gave Roz the opportunity to experience so much more than we could have done on our own. No matter how much or how little time you have with someone, it means everything.”
You can light a life this holiday season, for Canuck Place children like baby Roz. Donate before December 31st and your gift will be matched by John & Claire Nicola and Friends.
Follow Canuck Place on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
