Full Circle
I was once a childrens hospital kid, mainly in the cardiac ward of the hospital. With a few visits to neurology, orthopedics and general surgery. When I embarked on having a baby on my own, I knew it was risky and I also knew I had a higher chance of having a child with medical needs.
Pregnancy went great, Francine was slow to grow but she looked 100% healthy other then being on the smaller side.
Once I delivered her, my aunt kept saying something to the pediatrician in the room (Francine was breach), but it was ignored. It wasn't until she turned blue going to the nursery that she was fully checked over. We were then sent to BCCH were we did a 2 week stay in the NICU and Francine had to have surgery at 3 days old in order for her to live. During this stay there was a few more medical needs that were found. Francine is part of many specialties at Children's Hospital that we see regularly.
I am grateful for BCCH for what they have done for me and Francine. We have done a full circle with Children's between the two of us. And I support them in many ways.
Updates
Where we were to where we are
Friday 27th Feb As we prepare for the 2026 run/walk, I look back at the year Francine and I had in 2025. And let me say, it was ROUGH! But she is a trooper and handled it with ease 99.9% of the time. To roughly estimate everything there was 5 urgent hospital admissions (about 32 days in total combined of admitted days), twice under anesthesia, one surgery, multiple trips to the ER, many many tests and even more check-ups at BCCH with her general specialists. That is not including the monthly pediatrician check-ups and GP appointments. By the time 2026 was about to roll in, her and I were exhausted. When we did the run last year, Francine was only a few days out of the hospital from having pneumonia, yet she walked/ran 95% of the 2km walk and it was a fight to have her in the stroller when I did have her in it. When I said the girl is a trooper, I meant it.This year is looking better. Since her surgery, she has re-found her love for food, yes she still gets sick a lot, but we are not in the hospital for every illness. Shes a ball of energy, and has a firecracker personality. For a child that spent so much time at the hospital last year, her development is on par in some areas and advanced in others. She loves swimming and gymnastics. Shes finally getting to be an actual kid and do the things she loves on a continuous basis, which makes her and I both happy.
While, we still have a road ahead for some things. There is peace knowing that shes actually getting to be a kid.
We are doing the walk for kids again this June for her, myself and all the others that use BCCH to help their littles thrive.
Danielle and Francine Share
Walk Update and a big THANK YOU!!
Thursday 26th Feb Francine and I want to thank all of those who had donated for a great cause and supported us to getting over 4,000 between the two of us. I appreciate it so much, and I am sure as Francine grows older and understands more, she will as well. We spend lots of time at BCCH, her specialists are amazing and I am sure her new ones that we have been refered to will be as well. It is one hospital that I will continue to support as they not only have helped support and keep my daughter as healthy as can be, but they did the same for me as a child.On the day of the walk, Francine started out in the stroller, but once the wave of people got mostly past us, she wanted out of the stroller. From there my mighty little one walked most of the 2KM only being in the stroller for maybe 10 minutes combined time (for little breaks when needed, but then she wanted right back out). That is how much strength and will she has.
Please watch for next year when we again race for the kids that are part of BCCH, including my little mighty F! Share
Supporters
$51.63
Ines Shanks
$154.88
Rich D'appolonia
As your big brother, I remember a lot of those trips to BC Children’s Hospital when we were younger and everything you went through. Even back then you showed so much strength and resilience. Seeing you now turn those experiences into something that helps other kids and families means a lot. I’m really proud of you for doing this and giving back to a place that helped shape your journey. Cheering you on every step of the way.
