BC Women’s Prenatal Emergency Support Fund, funded by BC Women’s Health Foundation, provides crucial financial support to out-of-town expectant moms and their families who need to travel to Vancouver for prenatal healthcare at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. Thanks to our generous donors, these families receive essential support during their most challenging times.
Miranda’s Story
When Miranda’s obstetrician referred her to BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BCWH) for additional fetal monitoring, she knew a tough journey lay ahead. Already concerned about her and her baby’s health, Miranda also faced the financial strain of frequent trips from Princeton, BC, to Vancouver. Pregnancy complications prevented her from working, adding the burden of accommodation, transportation, and food costs during an already difficult time.
“It was terrifying, not knowing what we were going to do, how we were going to survive,” Miranda said. BC Women’s Prenatal Emergency Support Fund that is funded by the BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF) is intended for situations like hers, providing financial support for out-of-town women who are pregnant and their families who need to travel to Vancouver for prenatal healthcare at BC Women’s Hospital. “To have such a large burden taken off of you like that meant everything,” she added. “I was so excited, so happy, so grateful because I had no idea what I would have done.”
When Miranda’s pregnancy became high-risk, she had to relocate to Vancouver full-time. The prenatal emergency support fund covered her costs of staying close to the hospital. “People from small towns are shocked at Vancouver’s accommodation costs and most cannot afford it,” she said. “They’re still paying rent or a mortgage at home, plus utilities and expenses, and then they have to set up a completely new life here.”
Miranda’s son Grayson was born at just 27 weeks’ gestation, weighing 555 grams. He spent over a year in BCWH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and was still on a ventilator when discharged. Ten years later, he’s breathing on his own and reaching milestones his doctors never thought possible. “I wouldn’t have my son if it wasn’t for BC Women’s Hospital and all the support my family and I received. I am forever grateful.”
Miranda’s story highlights the challenges that so many out-of-town expectant moms and their families face when needing to access services at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, and the profound impact that donors have when they support BC Women’s Health Foundation.
On behalf of the Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude to the major donors of the prenatal emergency support fund, Moiz Lalani and the Auxiliary to BCWH, for their unwavering generosity and easing the financial stress of families when they need it most.
