This story shares the journey of both Kayden and Karris and the challenges their family has faced during the last several years. After an emergency flight to BC Children’s Hospital in 2016, Kayden was diagnosed with kidney failure. After many months in Vancouver, the family went home and were adjusting and learning to cope with Kayden’s needs. A year after Kayden’s diagnosis, Karris also was emergency transferred to Vancouver and was diagnosed with the same condition.
This story was first shared at the YANA Big Love Benefit in February 2019. At that time, Kayden had received his kidney transplant and Karris was going through pre-transplant procedures. The family continues to experience ongoing medical challenges and have spent many months in Vancouver and continue to travel back and forth regularly.
It is hard to imagine the stress and struggle this family has endured but the work of Karen McKinnon captures a small taste of a day in Vancouver at BC Children’s Hospital with this family. With the commitment and generosity of the Comox Valley community, YANA is able to continue to support this family through their difficult and ongoing medical needs.
Photography and production courtesy of Karen McKinnon of McKinnon Photography.