While the Williams familiy was enjoying a ball game, their four year old daughter, Roberta, became ill and had to be airlifted to Children's Hospital. Her illness was diagnosed as Congenital Heart Failure with several complications. In an instant, the family's life was turned upside down. Roberta's mom, Sandra, stayed in Vancouver for months at a time while her Dad stayed behind working, managing the house and three siblings while travelling back and forth to Vancouver to support his wife and child whenever possible. The costs were astronomical and debilitating to the family placing enormous pressure on everyone.

After meeting many families in the same position from all over the province, Sandra and the Williams family realized that something had to be done to alleviate the financial burden for families in the Comox Valley who were dealing with the medical crisis of a child. It was crucial to them to ensure that the family unit be able to remain intact to give every opportunity for the child to be cared for and heal with their family at their side. They committed to finding a solution for the Comox Valley.

Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) was founded in 1986, and with a lot of hard work and determination Y.A.N.A. is committed to families of School District 71 with children between the ages of 0-19 receiving treatment that is unavailable locally. This unique charity has funded thousands of trips for medical treatment in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and even the U.S. and England.

Y.A.N.A. believes that when a child is ill the whole family requires looking after. Can you imagine your child alone in Vancouver because you couldn't afford the ferry, gas, accomodation etc to make the trip? Thanks to Y.A.N.A. that burden can be lifted.

We are extremely grateful to those who have established this wonderful society and proud to live in a community that continues to support this essential service!

Since 1986, Y.A.N.A. has been providing financial assistance to families whose children must be moved from the valley for medical care, whether it be a congenital disease, a handicap, sudden illness, accident or injury.

info@yanacomoxvalley.com
250-334-0511