Ryan's Story

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Images Captured by Matt Brennan Photography
www.matt-brennan.com

To view the world from Ryan’s eyes is to look at it with compassion, understanding, and love. This Tiny Light never fails to notice the beauty that surrounds him, taking in the sunsets and sunrises. He is quick to forgive and exudes strength and resilience. Instead of shying away from obstacles, Ryan faces challenges head on. Sports and games top the list for this active 12-year old, especially basketball, road hockey and soccer. Indoors he enjoys board games and video games, but he is also a master sous chef, assisting his mom with meals. 

Ryan was born with a duplicated right kidney and an ureterocell (when the ureter does not implant into the bladder properly and fills with fluid inside the bladder.) When he was just one month old, he underwent surgery to rectify it. After several years of regular visits to BC Children’s Hospital, Ryan’s condition suddenly went downhill. He was rushed to hospital with a severe kidney and bladder infection. Ryan has now had another four procedures, including the removal of half his right kidney. His bladder has become hostile and is creating excessive pressure, resulting in hydronephrosis in both kidneys. “This will eventually lead to kidney failure but miracles happened every day and that is what we hold out for: every good day.” 

Ryan’s journey has been one of hope and courage. While the family faced many hardships in the hospital they did not let it consume them. They looked for the laughter in life amidst the turmoil. “You have absolutely no control over what is happening to your child. There is no way you can take away the pain that they are in.” But they take it day by day; moment by moment. 
This Tiny Light’s mom dreams that “he lives his life as full as is possible.” When she feels less hopeful she thinks of her niece Grace, who has had a kidney transplant, and she is reminded that miracles are possible. 

written by Tara Anderson



Lindsay's Story

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Images Captured by Sprout Photography 

Tiny Light Lindsay loves life. She meets all her challenges with resilience and strength. Her mom Naomi says, “She lives in the present and has no fear.” The things in life that bring Lindsay the most joy are amusement parks, Chucky Cheese and balloons.
Throughout the pregnancy, there were indications something was not right, but doctors dismissed them as nothing important. The prognosis following Lindsay’s birth left her family reeling. For the first years of her life, they were in survival mode, doing everything in their power to ensure their little daughter lived.
Lindsay has an undiagnosed genetic disorder that affects multiple areas of her body. She is considered palliative, which means doctors treat the symptoms and reduce her pain without eliminating the cause. Lindsay is hearing and visually impaired, and suffers from seizure and bowel disorders. On top of that, this young survivor battled kidney cancer at the age of 2, losing a kidney in the process. Lindsay has spent her life in and out of hospital.
For other parents who are facing the same challenges, the family offers these words of advice: “Don’t feel guilty for getting help to take care of your child, and make sure you remember to take care of yourself.” While they do not know what the future has in store for them, they are praying for one that is “pain and illness free.”  All they know for sure is that, with Lindsay, it will be filled with love and joy.
 
Story Written by Tara Anderson

Elizabeth's Story

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Images Captured by Dawn Melanson Photography


Mother to four healthy boys, it came as a huge shock to Elizabeth’s parents when their daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease.  Fear replaced anticipation as Elizabeth’s mom spent the next four months wondering if every kick she felt might be the last.

When Elizabeth was just three days old, her parents helplessly gave her away to a surgeon who initiated the process of “fixing her heart.”  It is hard to imagine the pain of giving birth, only to have your child immediately taken away and put on drugs in preparation for life threatening surgery.  She was just minutes old and already fighting to live.  It is sheer agony, waiting when you should be holding, fearing when you should be ecstatic.  One of the most difficult things they have had to endure was sitting beside Elizabeth’s bedside, watching her fight to live after her first surgery.  After enduring a total of 56 days in the hospital, they were finally able to bring her home.

At just a teeny six pounds, she overcame 21 medication pumps, five IV's at a time, and an arrhythmia that made her heart beat at 240 for three hours.  Despite all the challenges she has faced, she is happy and thriving.  “She's so happy and strong willed.  We know that if she can get through that, we can get through anything.”  Elizabeth “likes to jump in her exersaucer, have tea parties with her brother, watch her brothers play, sit on the floor while playing with her toys, and be carried around by her daddy.”

She has taught her mom about the fragility of life and how to truly savour each moment with the ones you love.  Instead of focusing on the scary things, they chose to focus on Elizabeth.  “There are so many things that could go wrong with her … if I sat and thought about them, I wouldn't be able to enjoy her.”

“The road is long and hard, but worth it when you see them smile at you and begin to babble.   You can learn a lot from your braveheart, and a lot about yourself in the process.” 

Story by Tara Anderson