Kaia Parsons

I’m helping kids like me be mighty

As the only paediatric hospital across BC and the Yukon, BC Children’s provides specialized care to over a hundred thousand seriously ill kids each year. For the past several years of my life, I have been one of those kids. 

For those of you unfamiliar with my story, I spent the majority of my youth in and out of hospital, dealing with a variety of complex medical conditions which drastically limited my quality of life. BCCH played a key role in getting me my life back, and helping me get to where I am today. I am now studying medical sciences at the University of Western Ontario, with hopes of one day working in paediatric medicine myself, something only made possible by all the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals who have taken part in my care over the years. 

I have volunteered with many BCCH programs and campaigns, both as a patient ambassador and community volunteer, but this year is special, as it is the first year that my health is at a point where I am able to attempt to participate in the run, not just from the sidelines. 

Your donation to my RBC Race for the Kids fundraising page will help advance research and healthcare initiatives across the province and support experts at BC Children’s Hospital in caring for kids like me. Although my health journey isn't over yet, a few years ago I had lost hope that I would ever be able to participate in things like this again, and having it support my community and others going through similar experiences is even more meaningful. 

Thank you for your support.