Roz’s Story
At Canuck Place, we believe that every light brings joy, no matter how long it shines. This holiday season, we shine a light on the journey for Canuck Place children like baby Rosalind, and the joy she brought her family with the precious time they had together. Baby Rosalind, or Roz, as the Doyles affectionately call her, was born on October 27, 2018, with Trisomy 18, a genetic condition also called Edwards Syndrome. Trisomy 18 affects each child differently, and for Roz, the most serious issues were in her brain and heart. Roz lived 29 days. She spent almost her entire life at Canuck Place with her parents and brothers. It will forever be a special home for the Doyles because for them, Canuck Place is Roz’s house. The hospice brought light to their darkest days, where they made loving and happy memories despite the circumstances. “This is the place you don’t want to be because it means something tragic is happening,” says Audrey. “Yet at the same time it’s the best place to be because they care so much.” The family’s first visit to Canuck Place was impactful. Baby Roz, Audrey, Mike, and his two boys, Seth (10) and Chase (7), were welcomed by specialized nurses and doctors who took the time to get to know them, and made them feel right at home. “It never felt like the nurses were there because they had a job to do,” says Audrey. “They were always encouraging us to get some rest, so they could hold Roz all night long.” It was important to the Doyles that Roz experienced some of their holiday traditions. With the uncertainty of how long she would live, Canuck Place nurse Talia, worked with the recreational therapy and kitchen teams to ensure that Christmas came early that year. In mid-November, the hospice was festively decorated, a volunteer dressed up as Santa, incredibly thoughtful gifts were handed out, and the boys were so excited to experience it all with their sister. “The holidays are about spending time with your family,” says Audrey. “Canuck Place gave us the gift of quality time together, and the peace of mind in knowing that care was only a few steps away at all times.” This Christmas will mark just over one year since Roz has passed. Canuck Place continues to care for the Doyle family with bereavement counselling and family support groups. “Canuck Place support and care gave us the ability to enjoy every moment we had with Roz,” says Audrey. “They gave Roz the opportunity to experience so much more than we could have done on our own. No matter how much or how little time you have with someone, it means everything.”