A Special Story
Each year, the Fishing for Kids Fundraising Tournament invites one lucky young person to represent the BC Children's Hospital at the event. Here are two of their stories:
Aaron Baskerville-Bridges
Victoria
Aaron Baskerville-Bridges is a 15-year-old cancer survivor. Aaron was invited to attend the 2007 Fishing for Kids tournament held at the Clubhouse Lodge in the Queen Charlotte Islands and speak at the BC Children's Hospital fundraising event. Over the course of the weekend, Aaron and his father enjoyed a helicopter trip where they saw sea lions and humpback whales; he also found himself less than 20 feet from an eagle while helping out at the start of the race. Aaron's father caught an 11-pound spring salmon and Aaron was pleased to report that he caught the biggest fish he'd ever caught: a 23-pound Chinook. They enjoyed their multi-course meals and were pleased to meet all those individuals who helped make the event possible.
"The hospital had been good to me, and so I was eager to give back." - Aaron Baskerville-Bridges
Matthew Williams
Langely
Since he was three months old, 16-year-old Matthew Williams has been a patient at BC Children's Hospital. Matthew, who has epilepsy, says that the brain surgery he underwent at the hospital nine years ago has changed his life, and that with the help of medication, his seizures are now under control. Matthew was invited to represent the BC Children's Hospital at the 2008 Fishing for Kids Fundraising Tournament. He and his father went fishing and Matthew was excited to catch his first salmon. A highlight of Matthew's trip was having the chance to meet Vancouver Canucks defenceman and Canucks' Autism Network spokesman Willie Mitchell.
"It was the best trip I have ever been on and I will never forget it! Thank you to everyone who supports BC Children's Hospital!" - Matthew Williams
Travis Meyer
Tsawwassen, BC
When Travis Meyer was born, August 19, 1994, he was diagnosed with a double hernia. At the tender age of six weeks, he was brought to BC Children's Hospital for what would be his first of many surgeries. Bonnie knew every part of her son's tiny body, and while preparing Travis for surgery she couldn't help but notice that his head seemed larger than normal. Acting on her maternal instinct, Bonnie convinced the surgeon to call in a pediatrician.
Bonnie's instinct proved right. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a congenital disorder where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, Travis's hernia surgery was postponed and he underwent emergency surgery the very next day to insert a shunt. Simulating natural drainage of fluid out of his brain and into his system, the shunt released the pressure that had built up in Travis's brain.
Although shunts are life-saving tools, they can also cause many medical complications, as they often become blocked, infected, or the body rejects them. Travis has undergone 16 related surgeries, nine of which were required because his body rejected the shunt.
With the challenges Travis faces, Bonnie relies on many specialists, nurses, staff and volunteers at BC Children's Hospital to make this experience bearable. The expertise and compassion they receive enables Travis and his family to navigate their journey, Bonnie says, "with hope and dignity."
Travis's condition is life long, and he will depend on a shunt for the rest of his life. But this remarkable 11-year-old doesn't dwell on it. He's too busy doing his homework, playing sports with his dad, and beating his best scores on his favourite video games.
