Chris Stedile
Castlegar News
Two local boys, better known as the Squires Brothers — Jaxson and Ryder — have started their own fundraising campaign to help support the B.C. Children’s Hospital and thank them for all they have done.
The fundraiser was first posted on Jan. 24 and within 24 hours their cash goal of $1000 was met.
If it weren’t for BC Children’s, Ryder would not be here with us today, said Mom, Jesse Squires. Ryder began to fight for his life almost the moment he was born.
Ryder was born at just 35 weeks with a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart.
“He wasn’t responding to a lot of the treatment in Nelson so BC Children’s Hospital came in to help,” Jesse said.
Ryder was airlifted off with the Infant Transport Team and arrived at BC Children’s where a skilled team of doctors was able to provide him with the care he so desperately needed. Ryder continues to visit the hospital for follow-up appointments.
In addition to the page for cash donations, the Squires Brothers have a Facebook page up and running, where they are accepting and selling toys in hopes of raising even more money for the hospital that gave them everything.
“Jaxson is very excited by the fundraiser. Telling everyone ‘I’m selling toys for children’,” their mother added.
Ryder is only two years old so he doesn’t fully grasp what’s going on with the toys but he did say goodbye to them as they went out the door the other day.
BC Children’s has not only helped Ryder, but his five-year-old brother, Jaxson, is now receiving care there as well.
“Jaxson is going for an MRI and EMT to check out his nerves and muscles,” she said, “it’s kind of up in the air what’s going on with him.”
The boys toy fundraiser will be open until they find out when exactly their next appointment is. Jesse figures it will be near late summer.
The donation page will be up on the BC Children’s Hospital page until the end of August of this year.
“The donations are still coming in. We actually just had a lady come all the way from New Denver for toys.”
Mother, Jesse said without the hospital, her little boy wouldn’t be with her today.
“We are very grateful for all they have done and continue to do.”
The kids will be handing over the cheque when they go for their next appointment later this year.