You wouldn鈥檛 expect a child to enjoy their frequent admissions to the hospital, but is no ordinary place.
Indigo was three when she was first admitted to BCCH with a rare blood disease called Severe Aplastic Anemia, which is fatal if left untreated. After a failed attempt at a first-line therapy called IST and months of frequent, extended admissions, the family moved forward with a bone marrow transplant in fall 2021.
They spent a total of 132 nights on the eighth floor, most of that time following strict isolation protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic and BMT isolation requirements. It was a stressful time for Indigo鈥檚 parents, but thanks to caring staff and child-centred services, Indigo still remembers the hospital fondly.
鈥淪he talks about it with only positivity,鈥� says Indigo鈥檚 mom Alexie Gray. 鈥淢y husband and I were so blown away by the . They were so incredible. But truthfully every nurse, doctor and staff person we met was fantastic 鈥� I know you hear that all the time, but there鈥檚 something special about the staff at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital.鈥�
Thanks to this world-class care, Indigo is now doing extremely well. So well, in fact, that the whole family is preparing to take part in the fun run June 12. The event, which is Vancouver鈥檚 largest family fun run, has helped improve the lives of countless kids since it started in 1986, raising over $16 million for BC Children鈥檚 Hospital.
鈥淲e鈥檙e inviting our friends and family to participate, to help us thank all the doctors and nurses, and honour what was given to us,鈥� Gray says.
鈥淲e are so grateful for the care we received and thankful to the previous donors and fundraising that allowed Indigo to be treated in a new, first-class facility,鈥� she adds, referring to the recently-built Teck Acute Care Centre at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a hospital like no other and our hope is that other kiddos get the same positive experience that we had.鈥�
Go the distance for BC鈥檚 kids
Take part in the to raise funds for children like Indigo, who rely on the BC Children鈥檚 Hospital. After two successful years as a virtual race throughout the pandemic, the event is being held as a hybrid model for the first time.
- Sunday, June 12 9 a.m.
- Choose either a 2 k.m. or 5 k.m. fun run.
- Join an in-person community event at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver or Tillicum Centre in Victoria, or take part in the race virtually. Learn more at .
Supporters will help advance care for kids across the province and support experts at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital in their quest to conquer childhood illnesses. As the only hospital in BC and the Yukon devoted exclusively to children, almost one million kids count on BC Children鈥檚 Hospital for specialized care they often can鈥檛 receive anywhere else.
Register for RBC Race for the Kids at .
