It’s been almost a year since our baby Jasper was born more than three months early on June 4, 2020.
From the very start, the Bowen community has given us incredible support that has helped us survive through an extremely difficult time.
We would like to thank everyone for your generosity and kindness and bring you up to date on Jasper’s progress. Jasper was born at 26 weeks, weighing less than two pounds. He was immediately transferred to the NICU at Children’s Hospital where he stayed for more than four months with many struggles including severe infections, digestion problems and trouble breathing on his own. For over a month in the summer, he had to be intubated.
Jasper was born more than three months early, last June. Courtesy of Sara Nicolson
Throughout all these ups and downs, we came to deeply appreciate the dedicated and skilful medical team at BC Children’s and our Canadian health care system. Jasper was finally released from hospital on Sept. 24 and came home to Bowen and his excited big brother, Albie.
I’m happy to report that Jasper is now doing well, making progress with first-year milestones like sitting up and rolling over. (Though he was born nearly a year ago, Jasper’s “corrected age” is 8.5 months.) He has a big appetite and now weighs more than 19 pounds. Jasper is the perfect audience for his brother and chuckles with delight at Albie’s antics.
When Jasper was born, my friend and colleague Sara Skuce organized a Go-fund Me for our family and we are so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we received. I want to say an extra special thank-you to all of my colleagues at BICS, the children and families of my Grade 2/3 class of 2019/2020, the staff at BCC, our wonderful friends and family, near and far, and the amazing hospitality from our neighbours, Peter and Claire.
Again, a huge thank you to everyone in the Bowen Island community for their kindness and support. This is a special place to be a part of.
Sincerest gratitude,
Sara Nicolson, Danny Vermette, Albie and Jasper
