Q&A with Kim (An Oncology Mom)
Meet Kim, an oncology mom from North Vancouver, as she shares her family's story, the challenges they have faced after her son Evan's diagnosis, and how community support has made a true difference.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?
My name is Kim and I was born and raised in North Vancouver. My husband Sean, our 10 year old son Evan, and myself live in North Vancouver close to walking trails and Rice Lake. We have a pet day gecko named Luna.
What was life like before your child’s diagnosis?
Before Evan was diagnosed life was a good balance of work/school and leisure/family time.
Can you take us back to the moment they were diagnosed? Where were you, and what was that experience like for your family?
Evan was at BC Children's when he was diagnosed. It was an extremely shocking and difficult moment for all of us. We felt frozen in time and numb.
How did life change for your family after the diagnosis?
Many things have changed since Evan's diagnosis. We have spent many days and nights at the hospital. There have been a lot of unknowns and things that have come up that we were not prepared for. It has been very difficult seeing Evan in pain and enduring surgery, tests, chemo and radiation. Evan has had to miss a lot of school and activities and we have had to take time off work. One silver lining is our family has gotten closer since Evan's diagnosis and we value all the time we have together.
WCK’s Impact on their Family
How did you first hear about West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation (WCK), and what led you to connect with the organization?
We heard about WCK through BC Children's Hospital and heard about the amazing programs you offer and thought they would greatly help our family.
What WCK programs have you been involved in?
We have been involved in the port shirt program. They have really made a difference for Evan by making it so convenient to have his port accessed. He loves all the fun designs on the shirts you have sent him. We were also involved in the meals program. This was incredible and so appreciated to have delicious meals ready to go after a long day or week at the hospital. It truly helped us out and made a huge difference during some of the hardest months of Evans treatment. Evan also attended one day of the spring break camp. It was very nice to have a camp he could attend and feel safe and supported at the same time. We also did the peer support program which was great, it was very helpful to hear from another parent that has gone through a similar story.
How has WCK made a difference for you or your family, or helped you feel seen and supported along the way?
We are so grateful to WCK for all that you have done for us in the last year and a half. Your WCK freezer at the hospital stocked with food in the family lounge has been a life saver so many times for us when we need to have a quick, easy meal. The port shirts have been great for Evan and make him feel comfortable during his treatments. The meal program was such a great support for our family and made it easy for us to have meals together and not have to worry about grocery shopping. Thank you for all of your support, it truly has made a difference to our family.
Can you share a moment or memory from a WCK program that really stuck with you or your child?
Evan was not able to eat much for a lot of his treatment. There was one food item that he could always eat and looked forward to having every time he was an inpatient. It was the bean and cheese burrito in the WCK fridge in the family lounge. He would always ask for it and smile when we brought it to him. 🙂
Understanding the Reality for Families
If you could help donors understand one thing about what families like yours go through, what would it be?
It is very challenging to have your child going through a cancer diagnosis. A lot of things you didn't think twice about before, like grocery shopping and meal planning, becomes a lot harder to do while your child is in treatment. Having meal support from WCK truly makes a difference, more than you would think.
What would you like to say to the donors who make WCK’s programs possible?
THANK YOU!!! We so appreciate your support and it has been so helpful to our family.
What would you say to someone who is wondering how they can support someone in their life who’s navigating something similar to what your family has?
I would say your support is truly appreciated. Please consider donating to WCK as they have a tremendous support program for families like mine and they have made a huge difference in our lives while Evan was going through his cancer treatment.
Get to Know Evan
What parts of Evan’s personality or character have stood out to you on this journey?
Evan has been very brave during his journey. He has had to endure a lot and he has gotten through it. He still has a road of recovery ahead but understands that each day will bring him more strength.
What are Evan’s favourite things?
Evan loves reading, lego, Batman, videogames, bike riding, soccer, going to the movies, and eating pasta.
Walking alongside families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders takes a whole community. When you donate to WCK, you are part of the community supporting families like Evan's.