Variety The Children’s Charity Helping To Make Children’s Lives Better

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VANCOUVER – It was his rapid breathing that told Salima something was wrong with her newborn baby. Born by Caesarian delivery, little Kaden was full-term, but even a new mom has a built-in sixth sense – for Salima, the alarm bells were ringing. Within 36 hours her baby was rushed by helicopter to hospital in Vancouver, with Salima and her husband Rahim close behind. Kaden had a hole in his heart, and it looked like surgery was the only option for the tiny infant.

Thankfully, medication closed the hole, but it took six weeks to fully heal and Kaden was sedated the entire time. His parents were finally able to take their baby home after two months in hospital.

As Kaden grew older, there were other signs things weren’t progressing properly. He was a late walker, and by his first birthday had still not spoken a word. Kaden was diagnosed with apraxia – a speech disorder. Without immediate intervention, he faced the prospect of severe developmental and learning challenges.

The costs for speech and language therapy often exceed what many families in British Columbia can afford, and Kaden’s family had no idea how they were going to pay for his speech therapy.

Then they discovered Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Variety steps in where health care ends, providing direct financial assistance to families across B.C. with children who have special needs. Since 2010, Variety has distributed more than $18 million in funding to families and organizations in B.C.

“Variety covers all the grey areas that people don’t realize occur when you have a special needs child,” says Salima. “They helped us financially which gave me strength.”

“At Variety, we believe kids with special needs are champions, and we’re inspired by their courage and determination,” says Kristy Gill, Variety’s executive director. “We know that, with support, they’re capable of achieving their unique potential. And we see remarkable victories every day.”

Variety helped to pay for Kaden’s speech and language therapy, and after two years, something wonderful happened: he said his first word. It was “mom”.

Today Kaden is a happy and healthy, and very chatty, nine year old. As one of Variety’s Kid Champions, he regularly fundraises for the charity, determined to give back and help more children with special needs.

On February 13 and 14 he’ll be working alongside White Spot Executive Chef Danny Markowicz in a special Valentine’s Day Brunch cooking segment of Variety’s 50th annual Show of Hearts Telethon on Global BC. The Telethon is Variety’s signature fundraiser, an iconic event which brings together people from across the province who show their support to kids with special needs.

There are many ways to join in the celebrations: watch the Telethon and call 310-KIDS to donate; stream the show online at globalnews.ca/live/bc; join the conversation on social media using @VarietyBC and #SOH50; or buy tickets to see the live performances at The Centre in Vancouver – go to variety50.eventbrite.ca

If you know a family that could use Variety’s help, please visit variety.bc.ca for more information.