Table of Contents
Canuck Place helps families create lasting memories
Our favourite and most meaningful memory at Canuck Place was on Jack’s 8th birthday. Jack loved the Wiggles, so when we found out they were playing at Canuck Place, we booked a respite stay and Jack got to see the concert of a lifetime.
Hope and Ben Cholette spent the first month of their son Jack’s life confused, lost, and heartbroken. Jack was born with Trisomy 5P, a genetic condition so rare that the medical community had almost no information about it.
Faced with the toughest decision of their lives, Hope and Ben lovingly considered all their options and made the brave choice for Jack to live a quality life with the time he had left. No more poking and prodding, no more tests. This was the beginning of their family’s motto ‘follow Jack’s path’, that guided them for 11 years.
The Cholette’s first introduction to Canuck Place was impactful. They were being discharged from the hospital, and in a sea of doctors and nurses giving what felt like gloom and doom news, they met a glimmer of hope.
“Dr. Hal Siden, Canuck Place Medical Director spoke to us about Jack and his potential, and the air in the room got a little bit lighter. It felt like someone was finally on our side,” says Hope.
After many years of being in denial about needing Canuck Place’s support, the family re-engaged with the program, and saw it for the gift it truly is; a beacon of hope, a place you don’t want to belong to, but if you have to it, it’s the very best place to be.
Hope, Ben, and their children Andrew and Ella loved spending time at Canuck Place Abbotsford – Dave Lede House. It was close to their home in Chilliwack. They booked medical respite stays for their whole family, and they affectionately called it Camp Canuck Place.
The best part is Jack loved Camp Canuck Place! He had fun, got tons of cuddles with his favourite nurse Karen, made new friends, created art, participated in music therapy, and had some pet visits with recreation therapy. His medical complexities were also taken care of by Canuck Place nurses and doctors, which meant their family could find some much-needed rest and relaxation.
“Our favourite and most meaningful memory at Canuck Place was on Jack’s 8th birthday. Jack loved the Wiggles, I mean LOVED the Wiggles, so when we found out they were playing at Canuck Place, we booked a respite stay and Jack got to see the concert of a lifetime. The staff also threw him an amazing birthday party that day,” says Hope.
Jack passed away at Canuck Place when he was 11 years old. The family followed Jack’s path and in the finite time they had together, they made some incredible memories.
“The hardest part when you lose your child, is realizing that not only is he not here but you will never get another gift, craft, handprint, or photo of him again. I cherish each memento, they are all I have of him, and I am beyond grateful.”
Canuck Place children and families giving back
The Markus Schouten Memorial Roller Hockey Fundraiser is an annual event that honours Canuck Place teen, Markus, who passed away in 2022 from Metastatic Ewing sarcoma. The event is organized by Markus’ friends and family, and they have raised an impressive $107,694 for Canuck Place over the past two years. Special thanks to Markus’ buddies, Carson, Marcus, Eric, Levi, James and Lincoln who are guided by their friend’s sage words: “Go get a new set of roller blades to play hockey on, so you have something to do in the summer other than watch your screens.”
Through their energy, they celebrate Markus’ passion for hockey and community spirit.
Milk & Cookies for Canuck Place
Get ready to share sweet treats for a great cause this February, with the annual Milk & Cookies for Canuck Place fundraiser presented by BC Dairy! We are grateful to BC Dairy for their ongoing support in keeping the cookie jar full for kids and families at Canuck Place.
Making time to create beautiful memories
Canuck Place was honored to hear from siblings Spencer and Marysa Ho and Lukas Domingo at the 2024 Gift of Time Gala, presented by Nicola Wealth. They shared the story of their siblings, Mitchell Ho and Kristian Domingo, who both received end-of-life care at Canuck Place. Mitchell and Kristian were childhood best friends, and the Ho and Domingo families are longtime family friends. Mitchell passed away at 11 years old after a cardiac event, while Kristian succumbed to cancer nine years later at the age of 20. Both families found the support they needed at Canuck Place thanks to the dedicated care provided by their physicians, nurses, and counsellors.
The story of Mitchell and Kristian, and the enduring bond between their families, underscores the vital role Canuck Place plays in providing compassionate care. The hospice not only helps families navigate the difficult journey of end-of-life care, but also helps build a community that extends beyond the immediate crisis.
Thank you to both families for sharing Mitchell and Kristian with us at the Gift of Time gala.
Wesley’s big birthday cheque
Canuck Place has been a home away from home for Wesley and his family. This year he celebrated his 11th birthday in a truly special way, by running a fundraiser for Canuck Place! Wesley’s family was introduced to Canuck Place when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Smith McGinnis Syndrome, which affects a child’s behaviour, emotions, and learning processes.
Wesley loves the TV show, The Office, so he was excited to have his own “Michael Scott Cheque Moment” when he and his family proudly presented a cheque for over $2,400 to the Canuck Place team that loves and cares for them.
“Wesley absolutely loves Canuck Place. He loves hanging out with the nurses and going on the bus for outings with Recreation Therapy,” says his mom, Karyn.
Odds are, you’ll help families in need
The Canuck Place fall 50/50 had a new twist this past year – a big jackpot and multiple prize draws. S. Jesshope won half of the coveted jackpot of over $384,000 dollars, and many lucky folks across the province won incredible prizes such as a Sony Bravia 65” tv, a mountain escape to Sun Peaks, a Segway Ninebot E-Scooter, and more!
Stay tuned for the Winter 50/50 coming later this month, where one lucky person will have the chance to win half the jackpot.
Cookie decorating with Vancouver Canucks!
Canucks wives and partners joined Canucks Alumni Kirk McLean, Jyrki Lumme, Darcy Rota, and Stan Smyl, along with mascot Fin to decorate gingerbread cookies with children and families.