This holiday season, BC Women’s Health Foundation is celebrating transformative moments created by the world-class care that patients across all stages of life have experienced at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. Their stories embody the strength, resilience and hope across a diverse spectrum of experiences that were shaped at BC Women’s.
“The moment our son came off the breathing machines and took his first breath on his own.”
– Alissa Assu, BC Women’s NICU parent
Alissa Assu’s story began back in 2010 when, at just 17, she was diagnosed with renal failure. The kidney transplant that followed would mark the beginning of a long journey that would lead her to BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BCWH).
Alissa was fortunate to receive a kidney donated by Adrienne Charlie, a single mother from the Squamish Nation. Years later, Alissa married and she and her husband Cody were thinking of starting a family. Their concern was that a baby might also inherit her kidney issues. Seeking answers, they traveled from their home in Campbell River to BCWH for genetic testing. The Provincial Medical Genetics Program provided valuable insights into her condition. With enough information to make a confident and informed decision, Alissa and Cody chose to start a family and soon afterwards, Alissa became pregnant.
“My pregnancy was very rough, and although my son was supposed to be born January 27, 2019, he came early, on October 25, 2018,” said Alissa. It was day to day, with doctors weighing Alissa’s fragile kidney with the need for her baby to grow as much as possible before delivering him. As Alissa became more unstable, they had to eventually induce labour, and her baby was born three months premature, only weighing about one pound at birth. “Ember was born by emergency C-section and was immediately transferred to the BC Women’s NICU.” After the birth, both Alissa and Ember needed blood transfusions as well as other complex care treatment.
Once Alissa recovered and was discharged, she was finally able to spend time with her son in the NICU. “I was able to hold Ember for the first time on Halloween night, and it was amazing.” As Ember slowly started to develop and grow, Alissa was also keenly aware of the wonderful care her baby was receiving while she was recovering and beyond. “It was so great. The nurses would help us do skin to skin with Ember and I was so grateful for that. I still have pictures on my phone of many of the nurses. The doctors were there to answer all of my questions at every point. And when it was finally time to take off his breathing mask, we celebrated with the team. It was a moment I’ll always remember, when we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
In total, Ember was in the NICU for 156 days, including over Christmas, which can be a really difficult time for families in the NICU, explains Alissa. The NICU staff was exceptional, helping care for Ember, celebrating and crying with Alissa and supporting the family each step of the way. “When Ember was finally ready to come home, every single nurse and doctor signed a book for him that included their special moments with him.” Ember is now a healthy 6-year-old in grade one, and he continues to be followed by doctors as he grows. Alissa and Cody also adopted a little girl last year named Charlie, who is now 3.
Alissa will always remember the support they received at BC Women’s, and it was due to this excellent care that Alissa felt compelled to reach out to the Indigenous Health Program at BCWH to help support new Indigenous mothers. “I have so much gratitude for the care and support the hospital gave us. I think it’s so important to support BC Women’s because you’re helping your community be the healthiest it can be. Think of the people who walk through the doors at BC Women’s – it could be your teacher, your next-door neighbour, your mail carrier, a coach on your kid’s soccer team. They aren’t just patients, they make up the fabric of our community. Giving to the hospital strengthens the fabric of that community.”
Join us in our mission to create a healthier future and more life-changing moments for women, newborns and families in BC. Please donate now to BC Women’s Health Foundation’s BC Women’s Moments campaign, supporting the purchase of essential ultrasound technology for every stage of women’s lives.
