From the moment Bensyn entered the world, his parents knew his journey would be complex. During pregnancy, they learned their son would be born with Down syndrome, and soon after his arrival, doctors discovered he had multiple heart defects. As his care team worked to save his life, Bensyn spent 240 days at BC Children’s Hospital, far from the family’s home in Fort St. John.
It was incredibly difficult, but Bensyn was exactly where he needed to be. He had his loving family by his side, as well as specialized, lifesaving care only available at BC Children’s.
“Spending so much time at BC Children’s changed us,” said Bensyn’s mom, Cailey. “It taught us how to slow down, to live moment by moment, and to see how much kindness and community can exist even in the hardest places.”
During their long hospital stay, donor-supported programs helped carry Bensyn’s family through their darkest days. Volunteers welcomed his siblings into the playroom, music therapy brought comfort and familiarity, and pet therapy visits offered moments of pure joy.
Today, Bensyn is home in Fort St. John. He’s growing and smiling every day, while his heart continues to heal. His most recent echocardiogram test went well, and while his journey is ongoing, so is the strong support behind him.
Because of donors, families like Bensyn’s receive more than world-class medical care at BC Children’s Hospital—they receive comfort, connection, and hope when they need it most.
When 16-month-old Lilah’s lingering cold turned out to be leukemia, the expert care and donor-supported programs at BC Children’s Hospital helped her family through. Read Lilah’s story.
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