Any parent whose youngster has suffered through minor illness or injury understands how their level of concern, worry and angst rises.
Imagine, then, how that level would soar, then remain there, in the case of long-term, life-threatening illness or disease.
If you can capture that feeling in yourself, you can easily understand why Amanda and Paul Carrington are reaching out through their newly formed non-profit, Hope for Kids.
The Carringtons, you see, went through three years of difficulties with their son Ryan, who was sick from birth, then diagnosed at age two and finally passed away from brain cancer at age three in 2012.
Through that stretch of time, the Carringtons and their older son Matthew made regular trips into Calgary to visit the Children’s Hospital. The visits increased in frequency from every other month to weekly for chemotherapy treatments; and for each trip, they weren’t sure if they’d return home the same evening.
The Carringtons were able to access the Ronald McDonald House respite facility, but with their parents in the U.K., they were a long way removed from family during Ryan’s illness.
Fortunately for the Carringtons, though, they were surrounded by friends and friendly neighbours who often helped out and lent a hand.
“We never asked anyone for help,” said Amanda Carrington, “but friends, even strangers, helped us out so much. There was so much help from the community; complete strangers would sometimes bring a meal over for us.”
Each visit to Calgary meant a day or days or school lost to Matthew, as the Carringtons had nobody to leave him with when they went to the Children’s Hospital. And there was the ongoing uncertainty of how things would play out at the hospital, or whether they would return home the same day, maybe the next.
Less than a year ago, the Carringtons welcomed Charlotte to their family, which keeps them busy.
“I don’t know how we got through it,” said Amanda. “We almost lost Ryan five or six times. And it was really hard on Matthew; they were so close and best friends.”
Because of their trials and tribulations, the Carringtons felt the need to try and offer assistance to others going through a similar experience. They launched Hope for Kids and have a couple of fundraisers in the works.
Through April, five per cent from each coffee sold at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company will go to Hope for Kids, which will then go toward financial and other assistance for families.
For Mother’s Day, the Carringtons are teaming with up Le Chocolatier; money from chocolate bars will add to the non-profits funds.
Currently, Hope for Kids is assisting three Canmore families and is looking to expand efforts to more families with kids from newborn to 18. Hope for Kids is also now taking part in support for a family through the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“We help financially with gas and food cards,” said Amanda, “and with making meals, arranging respite for siblings while we help build a support network.
“Respite is important for parents, because their relationships can sometimes be strained; it becomes all about the child and relationships can be pushed back.
“We’re trying to reduce the stress for other people.”
Hope for Kids is also looking to start a monthly family dinner night, in association with a local restaurant, to offer another respite evening.
Carrington said she knows of other local families taking advantage of Ronald McDonald House, “so we anticipate helping more families.”
Hope for Kids referrals can come through friends, or through self-referral via Hope for Kids on Facebook, or by calling 403-688-0415. There is also a blog posted at www.hopeforkidsfoundation.wordpress.com
“We want to set up a community of help,” said Amanda.
