In early November 2011, pregnant Natasha Pinch was flown by BC Air Ambulance from Powell River to Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH). Her husband Jason had found her mid-morning at home and unresponsive.
Diagnosed with eclampsia (a serious condition most commonly defined as seizures or coma in a patient with other indications of pregnancy-induced hypertension), Natasha was admitted to RCH and had an emergency Caesarean section that evening. Rebecca Pinch was brought into the world at 28 weeks and five days weighing only 955 grams.
The family suddenly found itself in an unexpected situation and a five-hour car trip and two ferry rides away from home. Fortunately, assistance was there for the couple in the form of RCH Foundation’s Maternity Infant Child Youth Emergency Response Fund (RCHF MICYERF), which is supported by donors such as Variety – The Children’s Charity and CKNW Orphans’ Fund.
Post-operation and released from hospital, Natasha needed a place to stay with Jason, close to RCH, for daily cuddle and feeding times with their newborn daughter in RCH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The added financial cost of being away from home left Jason and Natasha feeling unduly stressed. RCH social worker Beth Preston stepped in with assistance from RCHF MICYERF.
“I do not remember much about my trip to RCH,” said Natasha. “Jason packed a suitcase for me and followed by car. Since being released from hospital, I have had to go and pick up a lot of items that did not make it into my suitcase,” she laughed, “like shoes.”
Preston organized a self-contained mini-suite at a bed and breakfast, four minutes’ walk from RCH. The accommodation expenses are covered. This means Jason and Natasha can be together for the time they need to be at RCH; Natasha was comfortable while recovering from her Caesarean and has emotional support from Jason.
RCHF MICYERF regularly disburses much-needed funding to children and their families who are in similar situations throughout BC. This year, Variety gave $10,000 and CKNW Orphans’ Fund gave $3,963 to the RCHF MICYERF.
Natasha cannot say enough good things about the team of medical experts at RCH’s NICU. “I am also incredibly grateful for the breast pump that was given to me and that I otherwise would not have been able to afford, as I was planning to breastfeed,” she said. CKNW Orphans’ Fund donation is specifically used for the purchase of breast pumps, a huge need in NICU. “Meeting Natasha and Jason, and understanding the direct impact we have made on their life is gratifying,” said Jen Schaeffers, executive director for the CKNW Orphans’ Fund. ”We are incredibly grateful to our donors and listeners who provide the CKNW Orphans’ Fund with the ability to support organizations such as the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.”
“Since 1965, Variety – The Children’s Charity has raised millions to enrich the lives of children who have special needs,” said Barbie Hislop, executive director for Variety. “Through [RCHF MICYERF], Variety assists children and their families with funds for travel, accommodation and meal costs while their child is in the hospital away from home. Variety also provided RCH with grants totalling more than $1.3 million for NICU equipment that was also critical in baby Rebecca’s care.”
Variety’s Show of Hearts Telethon is scheduled for February 11 and 12 on Global Television.
For further information on how to donate to RCH, interested readers can contact Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation 1.604.520.4438.
