An 18-month-old Nelson boy continues to have multiple health issues after bringing born with Down Syndrome and an AVSD heart defect and an imperforate anus.
After many surgeries and continued care required, the travel costs continue to mount for Jack Colbert’s parents, Jillian and Aaron. The young family has two other children.
In September baby Jack required unexpected emergency surgery in Vancouver at the BC Children’s Hospital and must return to Vancouver in November.
“Jack is doing OK after his last surgery,” Jillian said. “Last month Jack was flown to BC Children’s Hospital for an emergency surgery.
“He had a blockage in his lower bowel and his intestines had twisted higher up. This previous surgery took a lot out of Jack. He had a few complications and needed a blood transfusion. He is currently trying to regain his strength and is still recovering from last month’s surgery.”
Nelson Friends of the Family’s mandate is to assist families who need to travel for medical care for their children.
While the group has helped the Colbert family with their general funds, the travel costs are above and beyond what the family can bear at this point even with their own private family fundraisers.
“We receive donations from the public and we assist families with their own fundraising efforts,” said Leona Dimock from the group.
The group gives families money for immediate help, and later assists with a family’s own fundraising efforts by offering tax receipts and a list of other resources for families who have to travel for medical care for their child.
If you’d like to support the Colbert family through Nelson Friends of the Family, donations can be made to their account at the Nelson and District Credit Union.