Dahlia is a spirited three-year-old who loves typical toddler things – dinosaurs, colouring and playing in her toy kitchen. However, her entrance into the world was far from ordinary.
Born two months early, Dahlia was diagnosed with a rare condition that hinders development in the womb, leaving her without an arm as well as clubfoot, restricted mobility and feeding difficulties.
After spending her first month close to home at the hospital in Nanaimo, Dahlia’s condition took a turn and she was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at Victoria General Hospital.
The sudden transfer made things much more complicated for Dahlia’s father, Bryan.
“We’d visit the baby daily but then come back to Nanaimo at least once a week,” he explained, recalling the logistical nightmare of managing his home while ensuring he was present for his daughter. Unable to find an affordable place to stay in Victoria, each trip felt daunting, but Bryan knew he had to be there for Dahlia as much as possible.
That’s when a social worker told them about Jeneece Place.
Located just steps from the hospital, Jeneece Place provided Dahlia’s parents with a warm and welcoming place to stay, saving them precious time travelling so they could focus entirely on her care.
“It meant having a lot less stress and a lot more time to visit my daughter,” Bryan shared. Being able to stay close to his daughter allowed him to focus on what truly mattered: his connection with Dahlia.
“Coming back to Jeneece Place at the end of a long day was beyond comforting,” he said. The caring staff and fellow families created a sense of community that was invaluable during such a turbulent time.
As Dahlia grew, she faced additional challenges. She needed a feeding tube inserted into her small intestine, which required extra attention and care. “Dahlia would often refuse to eat, and it was frustrating because we wanted her to gain weight and grow stronger,” Bryan shared. “When she did eat, it was a victory, and we celebrated those moments.”
Three years later, Bryan continues to navigate life with Dahlia. Though she still faces physical challenges, she has a big personality and has found creative ways to adapt to her mobility needs. And she motivates her dad every day.
The family’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of support in the face of adversity. Jeneece Place is supported entirely by donors, and it’s thanks to our community that there is home away from home waiting for families like Bryan's when they need it.
Help families stay at Jeneece Place by donating at islandkidsfirst.com