Vancouver, BC – June 15
When you google the phrase “making lemonade out of lemons” Ron and Stephanie Van Marrewyk’s name should appear at the top of the page. After finding out they were expecting triplets in 2009 they were even more surprised to learn that the Stephanie would have to have an emergency c-section at 29 weeks.
Their three girls were born just over 2lbs each and spent over 88 days in the hospital dealing with breathing issues, feeding issues and meningitis. Most of that time was spent at the Royal Colombian Hospital in the NICU.
The care and support that the family received from the health care team over that time was overwhelming. Determined to say thank you, the Van Marrewyks spent two years fundraising over $110,000 for the NICU to help other families in similar situations.
This year, with their triplets turning a happy and healthy 5 years old next week, they have teamed up with the Scotiabank Vancouver 5K Charity Challenge on June 28th, and are aiming to raise $55,000.
“We felt so blessed to be surrounded by amazing nurses and doctors, and now we want to raise money for Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation to purchase a jet ventilator so other fragile newborns can receive life-saving care.” – Ron & Stephanie Van Marrewyk
Royal Columbian Hospital provides the highest level of care to some of the most critically ill and injured patients in the province. It is the only hospital in BC with cardiac, trauma, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and neonatal intensive care on one site. Its Foundation relies on the generous support of individuals, businesses, community groups and other foundations to achieve its vision — to inspire giving and grow funding so patients have access to the best in health care at Royal Columbian Hospital.
Find out more about the foundation and how you can support them here.
