AriGold is now a healthy and happy toddler
AriGold’s first year was filled with challenges and uncertainty for both him and his parents. Welcoming a first child should be exciting, but AriGold’s parents unexpectedly faced complications that led to a difficult decision. To save AriGold’s life, doctors at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto needed to induce labor when he was just 24 weeks and 5 days gestation, nearly four months before his expected due date. Upon his arrival, AriGold was immediately transferred to the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he would begin his battle for survival with life-sustaining therapies, including respiratory support.
For the next 108 days, AriGold’s mom stayed by his side, never leaving the hospital. A new mother facing the most trying circumstances, she was determined to stay close to her baby as he fought to grow stronger. Meanwhile, AriGold’s dad was over 2 hours away completing his master's program, knowing that his education was vital for the family’s future. Juggling the demands of school and the emotional strain of being separated from his family, he struggled to balance his responsibilities. With a drastically reduced income, the family faced financial hardship, and the added costs of hospital meals, accommodation and other daily expenses began to add up.
Luckily, a social worker at the hospital connected the family to our charity, encouraging them to apply for financial support. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity helped relieve the financial strain, allowing AriGold’s mom to stay bedside with her son for the entirety of his 108-day hospital stay.
On September 23, 2024, nearly two weeks after celebrating his first birthday, AriGold had his final follow-up appointment at Mt. Sinai, where he was officially discharged from their program. Today, AriGold is a lively toddler, full of energy and curiosity. He’s walking, playing, and enjoying being home with his family.
As one of AriGold’s neonatologists shared, research shows that involving parents in the care of their baby in the NICU significantly improves the baby’s outcomes. Having parents bedside to support their child not only fosters cognitive development but also has a positive impact on the baby’s overall health. A recent check-in with Blessing, AriGold’s mom, confirms that AriGold is thriving and hitting all the milestones typical for a child his age.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is a long and difficult process
June 6, 2024 began like any other day for Patrick and his family—a routine school morning and workday. But in the blink of an eye, their normal day turned into a nightmare. While riding his bicycle, Patrick was struck by a car, leaving him critically injured and fighting for his life. The paramedics arrived swiftly, rushing him to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
To save his life, doctors placed Patrick in a medically induced coma for over a week, his body connected to a breathing tube, a neck brace, a catheter, and multiple IVs. For nine long and agonizing days, Patrick’s parents sat by his bedside, waiting for any sign of hope. That sign came when, after nearly a week and a half, Patrick slowly opened his eyes. It was a small yet significant moment—a glimpse of hope that he might just make it.
Patrick’s parents, who balanced full-time jobs while raising their family of four boys, never anticipated the mounting costs of having a child with such severe injuries. The family’s household income dropped dramatically as Patrick’s hospitalization stretched on and mom had to take unpaid leave from work to support Patrick bedside. A social worker at the hospital helped Patrick’s parents apply to Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity. JenAsh’s support helped bridge the gap, covering meal expenses, rent, and utilities until Patrick’s mom could return to her job. Patrick’s parents were able to focus on caring for their son and supporting their three other children without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
After five weeks in the hospital, Patrick was finally discharged, but his recovery was far form over. With the support of rehabilitative therapies and his family, he learned how to eat, drink, and walk again. He’s been able to return to school part-time, much to the relief of his Grade 4 classmates, who eagerly await the day he’ll be strong enough to return full-time.
His mom shared her feelings of gratitude and pride:
“I’m so proud of all his success! He is such a strong, kind-hearted boy. I’m so thankful for the team at the Children’s Hospital.” She also expressed how our charity had made a crucial difference in their lives: “Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity was there for us when we needed it most. There’s not a lot of help out there these days, and it’s so hard when you don’t have the money. We were scared, nervous, not knowing if we could pay rent, or what the future held for Patrick. We’re so thankful this charity was there to support us. Thank you.”
Every day, Patrick continues to make strides towards his recovery. We are beyond thrilled to hear that he’s home, surrounded by friends and family who have supported him throughout his journey.
"*" indicates required fields
Email: admin@jenash.org
© Copyright 2022 Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Registered Charitable #13942 3875 RR0001
Designed & Powered by
Are you following us on Social Media?