Inspiring Stories from Radiothon 2021

Meet some of the families who moved our community during the Country 105 Caring for Kids Radiothon in 2021.

Nella’s Story
Baby Nella was silent when she came into this world. She wasn’t breathing and was whisked away immediately to be resuscitated. Time stood still as her parents waited to hear her first cry… and again on the long drive to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where the ambulance took their newborn for life-saving care. Here’s Nella’s mom, Amanda.


Albert’s Story
It’s almost too much to imagine having a child whose serious illness takes him from you. Sadly, that’s the reality for Amie and Jonathan whose little boy Albert passed away almost a year ago. Yet as they come to terms with their loss, they are grateful for the love they continue to receive from the team at Rotary Flames House – the same love their little boy felt from them his whole life. Here’s Amie.

Olive’s Story
Not many new dads are thrilled to change a diaper. But three months ago, Brad and Jocelyn worried they might lose one of their newborn twins. Baby Olive’s vitals had crashed and she couldn’t breathe on her own. After intensive care from her team of specialists at the hospital, a dirty diaper was a much-needed sign that Baby Olive might survive. Here’s Brad.

Brynlee’s Story
As a nurse, Carissa understands health matters and was calm at first when her Baby Brynlee needed to go to the NICU for help with her breathing. But when she heard the overhead page for extra NICU support STAT, that calm turned to fear that her baby was in serious distress. Moments later, Baby Brynlee was rushed by ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Here’s Carissa.

Valerie’s Story
One minute, baby Valerie was happy and bubbly. The next minute, she was in heart failure. In shock and disbelief, her parents learned that her tiny heart was wired incorrectly. After emergency surgery and months in hospital, they can’t say enough about the amazing team of specialists who helped their feisty little girl pull through. Here’s Valerie’s dad, Craig.

Hailey’s Story
This summer, 4-year-old Hailey woke up crying, with a terrible headache, quickly followed by a seizure…Her worried parents rushed her to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where they learned their little girl was bleeding inside her brain. Terrified, they relied on Hailey’s skilled surgeons and their faith to save her. Here’s Hailey’s mom, Joanne.

Julian’s Story Pt. 1
It’s hard to pick a favourite thing about Julian. At 14, he is super smart, sporty and kind. But if we had to pick something… it would probably be the mix of his innocence and honesty. Listen for yourself.

Julian’s Story Pt. 2
Julian has big goals. Competitive swimming? No problem. Triathalon? Sure, why not. Space travel? Sign him up. But first, he has a different, equally challenging journey to complete. Here’s Julian.

James and Theo’s Story Pt. 1
Imagine finding out while you’re pregnant that the birth of your twins will be so complex, your doctors will need a dress rehearsal. That was the news Kristina and Aaron learned at their ultrasound last spring – and why they’ve depended on the Alberta Children’s Hospital ever since. Here’s Kristina.

James and Theo’s Story Pt. 2
Throughout her pregnancy, Kristina knew that her baby boys were at risk. But when possibility becomes reality, how do parents cope? Kristina will tell you she and her husband were surrounded by love… from a team of amazing doctors, nurses and social workers who helped save the life of one child and honour the memory of another. Here’s Kristina.

Josh’s Story Pt. 1
How far would you go to free your child from pain? Eleven-year-old Josh spent two years in agony in his home province of Newfoundland. He lost the ability to walk, to go to school and eventually became bedridden. Frustrated and “trapped in his pain”, his family found hope and help at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Here’s Josh’s mom, Lori.

Josh’s Story Pt. 2
How would a boy who could barely move take part in a Pain program thousands of miles from home? His family really wasn’t sure. All they knew was that Calgary was the only place in the country offering this kind of specialized therapy and Josh was determined to try. Here’s Josh’s mom Lori.

Emily’s Story Pt. 1
Nearly every day, a child is rescued by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric Critical Care Transport team. 16-year old Emily was one of them. Last May, what began as a simple trip to the Drumheller hospital turned out to be a life-threatening emergency. Here’s Emily’s mom, Nanci.

Alysha’s Story
5-year-old Alysha sometimes pretends her teddy bear has to have a needle. She coaches him through it, saying, “Be strong. You can do this”. That positive attitude is why she has so many fans at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where this “Princess Warrior” has relied on care for kidney failure since last spring. Here’s Alysha’s mom, Robin.