Joanne Stephenson was already a mom to six-year-old Sela when doctors told the Nanaimo family their second child was in a battle for his
life. Struggling with heart failure, Noah was born with only a 25% chance of survival. His home for weeks was B.C. Children’s Hospital, where the youngster defied the odds. Noah will turn three in July. “He’s my little miracle boy,” said Stephenson. “We weren’t sure if he was going to survive or not.” To give back, the Stephenson’s are hosting an ice-cream-a-thon on May 30 at their Pleasant Valley home, to raise money for the B.C. Children’s Hospital. It’s the second year they have hosted the event. Last year about 25 people mingled for a good cause, raising about $5,000. This year they hope to beat that goal by expanding the event. Four people are slated to face off and eat as many ice cream treats as they can in the name of charity. There will also be food and family-friendly activities, including a bouncy castle for youngsters. The event will also coincide with the hospital foundation’s Hospital Miracle Weekend, a push to gather pledges and support for critical care needs that features a televised broadcast June 6 and 7. Stephenson said the event is designed as a fun opportunity to raise awareness and spur donations for the hospital, which specializes in multidisciplinary care for children. “We’re trying to give back,” said Stephenson. “You just never know when it could be your child or grandchild.”
The family hopes to make the event an annual one. It starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday at 6619 Jenkins Road.