A complicated twin pregnancy brought us to live in Vancouver so that we would be near Children’s Hospital for daily appointments. Our twin girls were born at 30 weeks and were both in the intensive care unit. It was such a blessing to have accommodation in one of the YANA apartments so that we could be near our baby girls. I don’t know how we could have kept our family together or managed the financial strain of paying for a second residence without YANA’s support.
After two weeks, we received information telling us that one of our little girls, Sophie, had a very serious and rare brain defect that left her unable to survive unassisted. She was taken off life support the next day and we were left a grieving family dealing with the loss of one child, the care of our other premature baby, Sonny, and our 2 year old son. It was a difficult and unique experience dealing with sadness and joy at the same time.
It was such a blessing to have the YANA apartment for a refuge away from the hospital, a place to grieve in private, rest, and be together as a family. I don’t know what we would’ve done without it.
I will feel forever compelled to be a part of YANA to ensure that these services are continued for our community.
Thank you for providing the essential service we had no idea we would need!