Friends Of Children

Our daughter Quinn was born 15 weeks premature. She weighed in at a hefty 830g, which is 1lb 14oz. Nothing can prepare you for having a baby in the NICU unit hoping they will survive and beat the odds. My fiancé and I live 4 hours from the hospital Quinn was at so the only option was to stay until she was discharged after 84days. Friends of Children helped make this possible in so many ways through their financial support by helping us with housing cost, parking and other needs. Their dedicated staff was always friendly and supportive. This amazing organization helped Quinn have what she needed, her parents by her side daily as she fought through the many challenges of being premature. Quinn is now 10months old and 18lbs and we just had our first Christmas as a family. She loves to smile, roll over, play and cuddle with her Dad! The Friends of Children organization continues to support us financially as Quinn has many appointments at the Children’s Hospital. We will be forever grateful to Friends Of Children for their support both financially and emotionally in what was one of the most trying times for our new family.

Angela, Jeff and Quinn

To whom it May Concern;

I am writing this letter in support of a critical service in the Cranbrook area.

My granddaughter was born at 24 weeks in Calgary Alberta by emergency c-section on Feb 21 2011. Her parents and grandparents and entire support system live in Cranbrook, BC. Thus began the long and arduous journey for both baby Q and the family.

Because of the East Kootenay Friends of Children, Baby Q’s mom was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House near Alberta Children’s Hospital, just moments away from the Foothills NICU unit where baby Q spent the first 3 months of her life. Baby Q’s dad had to commute to work, but was also able to stay at Ronald McDonald House. EK Friends of Children provided assistance with monthly parking passes, breast pump rental, and referrals to other resources for baby Q. When baby Q came home in May to Cranbrook, it was just 2 weeks before she began the semi-monthly and then monthly trips back to Alberta Children’s Hospital for check-ups. Again, EKFOC stepped up to the plate, arranging hotel accommodations for mom and Baby Q so they would not have to make the 10+ hour return trip in one day, since baby Q remained on oxygen for the first 3 months home. At less than 5 pounds on her release, she could only travel 1 hour in a car seat without a break.

Baby Q continues to make the trip for checkup for her eyes, overall development, heart and brain scans. We are happy to say she is progressing well and at 9 months now weighs over 17 pounds!!

We cannot imagine having to deal with all of the logistical challenges of baby Q’s birth, while dealing with the emotional ones. We cannot stress enough how this service provided by EK Friends of Children saved our sanity, and supported Q’ mom and dad when they did not know where else to turn. We are so very grateful, and urge the continued support of this critical service to East Kootenay families.

Grandmother of Baby Q