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 we were all together.”
– Sarah Clark, BC Women’s NICU parent
A former employee and long-time supporter of the BC Women’s Health Foundation (BCWHF), Sarah Clark is very familiar with the ins and outs of BC Women’s Hospital, including the BC Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As the largest and only regional quaternary level NICU in BC, it supports the province’s most critically ill and premature infants, those who are most vulnerable and need continuous care and intensive support at the start of their lives.
“A big part of my role was fundraising for the BC Women’s NICU and helping people understand how their donation to BC Women’s Foundation can make a meaningful impact,” Sarah explained. But Sarah and her husband Erik Blaschuk never imagined they would one day experience first-hand the remarkable expertise and care within the NICU.
In late 2023, during Sarah’s third trimester, her care team at BC Women’s Hospital discovered that she was experiencing placental insufficiency with one of her twin boys. Placental insufficiency can lead to a number of complications, including: fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, premature birth and birth defects. From that moment on, Sarah and her baby boys were very closely monitored and at 37-weeks gestation, the careful decision was made to deliver Sarah’s babies to ensure that they had the best chance to grow and thrive outside the womb.
On January 12, 2024, baby Samson and baby Leo were born. Leo, weighing 4 lbs 5 oz, had difficulty breathing and was immediately rushed to the BC Women’s NICU, where he received a feeding tube and was placed on a CPAP machine. Samson, weighing 5 lbs 8 oz, stayed with Sarah and was closely monitored by the incredible NICU team. After two very long days, Leo was able to breathe on his own and rejoin his brother Samson for the remainder of their care.
Despite the hurdles they faced, the entire family found comfort in the meticulous care provided by BC Women’s Hospital staff. Sarah highlighted the BC Women’s NICU’s unique holistic model of care, which prioritizes the well-being of mom and babies together. The Rabbit ward, where the family spent eight days, was designed to keep families together, offering one room and one team. Sarah, who while at BCWHF would give tours of the Rabbit ward to long-standing donors, now experienced its benefits firsthand.
“It was like coming full circle for my family to receive care at BC Women’s NICU. The level of support was incredible, with one-on-one nursing care, including guidance about breast feeding and emotional support for the whole family,” shared Sarah.
Reflecting on their experience, Sarah expressed gratitude for the support received from hospital staff and the community. She emphasized the importance of giving back to BC Women’s Health Foundation, echoing her mother Cathie’s sentiment of encouraging contributions before the need arises. Sarah’s story underscores the profound impact of philanthropy and compassionate care in ensuring the well-being of mothers and newborns during vulnerable moments. “Don’t wait to give until you need the support of BC Women’s Hospital,” said Sarah.
The Clark Family Foundation, led by Sarah and her mom Cathie, have long been supporters of BC Women’s Health Foundation. While the family is grateful for the care the family received while in the BC Women’s NICU, the Foundation is also grateful for their ongoing support of BCWHF. Thank you so much, Clark Family Foundation!
Photo Credits: Sheer Bliss Photography
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.
