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You don’t really think anything of it until 2 days later you notice a ‘rather large
mass’ just under her rib cage. What should have been a simple trip to the Emergency
in Prince George Hospital turns into mom and daughter being whisked away by Air
Ambulance to Vancouver. After a number of tests, your worst fear comes to reality
with a diagnosis of Stage 4 Wilm’s Tumor with metastases to the lungs and suspicious
on the liver, cancer. This is just the beginning of a long journey for Hannah and
her mom Candace.
As first-timers to Vancouver with no family around locally for support, no idea
of how to use transit, or even where to buy groceries; Candace quickly hears about
a place called Easter Seals House. Little did Candace and Hannah know how well they
would get to know this place. Outside of the house, you are welcomed by a group
of colourful animal sculptures: there are bears, orcas and eagles. Enter the House
and you are warmly welcomed at the front desk by the friendly staff. On your walk
to your room, you pass by a playroom, living room and kitchen. You peek in and notice
families hanging out in the living room and kitchen who provide you with a welcoming
smile. You enter your room which includes a kitchenette, private bathroom and two
beds. As Hannah’s life centres around chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, she and
her mom start to receive support from other families staying at the Easter Seals
House.
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They become friends with the staff, and Hannah becomes well known as the little
girl in ‘pink’ with the great big toothless grin.
Now flash forward to five months later. Hannah and Candace still refer to Easter
Seals House as home. They are the ones in the playroom, living room and kitchen
giving new families a welcoming smile. They are the ones who are telling newcomers
how to get around the city on transit, where to shop and that it’s going to be okay.
The journey hasn’t ended yet; they will continue to call Easter Seals House home
for at least another three months. Hannah will have spent a total of eight months
at Easter Seals House.
Easter Seals House is one of many services offered by the BC Lions Society for Children
with Disabilities. Support from Holiday Greeting cards and donors allows us to provide
children with disabilities, a home away from home or a camping experience where
their abilities are what matter, not their disability. We provide many services
that “help give children abilities” and appreciate your support in helping children
like Hannah and her family during difficult times.
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