Mariam’s son Abdullah is on a complex medical journey and requires dialysis four to five times a week, four to five hours at a time. Mariam felt good knowing she could drop off Abdullah’s brother at Emily’s Backyard, allowing her to be present for her son’s long appointments. Abdullah himself goes to Emily’s Backyard now for social interaction –to meet friends and play with others in a clean environment and small group, since he doesn’t have the same opportunities to play the ways most kids do. The specially trained staff and volunteers know all about Abdullah’s medical conditions and how to help protect him while also letting him spread his wings a bit and just be a kid.

Mariam is incredibly grateful for the bright spot that is Emily’s Backyard in an otherwise difficult journey. “I never want him to feel tired or stressed about going to the hospital; this is something exciting and fun,” she says.

You can read more about how your support of Patient and Family Centred Care changes lives every day at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in our report to the community.