“Our whole world imploded”: How Jeneece Place helped Anna’s family focus on what mattered most
Disclaimer: The names in this story have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.
At nearly three years old, Anna loves books, music, and spending time with her family. She has a playful sense of humour and isn’t afraid to show it.
“She gets so excited just about anything really,” says her mom, Amara. “Like, she gets excited about yogurt. She’s got such a jokey personality.”
But when Anna was 17 months old, her family found themselves facing a medical crisis that changed their lives in an instant.
The day everything changed
One day, Anna wasn’t feeling well. During a routine diaper change, Amara noticed blood in Anna’s urine.
“I told my husband, ‘This doesn’t look right, and I’m not comfortable with this at all,'” she recalls.
Combined with a change in Anna’s pallor, it was enough to convince Amara that she needed medical attention right away. After calling 911, the Cowichan Valley family was taken to Victoria General Hospital, where Anna’s condition rapidly worsened.
There were more than 10 doctors and nurses in the room, asking questions and trying to understand what was happening. Amara knew things were serious, but she still wasn’t prepared for how quickly the situation would escalate. Moments later, a doctor took one look at Anna and the brakes came off the bed as she was rushed into pediatric resuscitation.
“You don’t realize how bad it is until you have 10 to 15 people working on her,” says Amara.
Finding support at Jeneece Place
The days that followed were overwhelming. Anna was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a rare condition that caused her immune system to attack and destroy her own red blood cells.
The family had another child at home and was suddenly navigating a life-threatening medical emergency far from everything familiar.
“It was hard because we have another child, and he didn’t understand what was happening,” says Amara. “We didn’t know if we’d ever get to bring her home again. Our whole world just imploded.”
During that difficult time, the family stayed for nine nights at our Home Away From Home, Jeneece Place, located just steps from the hospital.
“Jeneece Place was amazing,” says Amara. “It allowed us to stay on the hospital grounds, which was life-changing.”
Having a place nearby meant one parent could remain at Anna’s bedside while the other could rest, shower, eat a meal, and prepare for the next day.
“One of us could stay with her at night while the other got a full night’s rest. It really reduced stress and allowed us to focus on her recovery.”
As Anna spent time in the pediatric intensive care unit, the family learned to celebrate small victories and find moments of joy amid uncertainty. When she was well enough, Anna would ride through the hospital in a small toddler car while wearing a pediatric mask, waving at people she passed.
“She’s a fighter,” says Amara. “She’s exactly who she’s supposed to be.”
A resilient little firecracker
Today, Anna no longer requires daily medication, although she continues to have regular follow-up appointments and bloodwork.
One special reminder of Anna’s hospital stay is a small giraffe stuffie from her care team. Dressed like a doctor with a mask and stethoscope, the giraffe helped make the hospital feel less intimidating.
Now, Anna carries the toy everywhere and affectionately calls it “Puppy.”
“She’s a firecracker,” says Amara. “Resilient and full of life.”
Looking back, the family remains grateful for the care and support they received throughout Anna’s hospital stay.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support of Jeneece Place, the hospital staff, our family, and our community.”
Families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep when their child is in hospital. Your generosity helps keep Jeneece Place available for Island families, providing comfort, connection, and a place to stay close when every moment matters. Donate today and help Island families stay at Jeneece Place.
