June 8, 2016
Kelly Lee Chaboyer holds his two-month-old son Zaiden Lee Chaboyer — born six weeks early — as proud mom, Rori Dundas, watches on.
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Lisa Squires
MEDICINE HAT — The airwaves crackled to raise more than $11,000 on June 2-3 during the second annual MYKids Radiothon here in support of neonatal care at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
When added to last year’s tally of more than $15,000, the two-year total now stands at more than $26,000. Teaming up again this year for pediatric care were the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation and the local radio station My 96 FM.
For babies like two-month old Zaiden Chaboyer, supporting children’s health, especially neonatal care, brings real peace of mind for mom and dad.
“Zaiden spent just over two weeks in intensive care and the quality of care he received was outstanding,” says dad Kelly Chaboyer, 29.
The Medicine Hat couple welcomed their little bundle six weeks early on April 9, 2016.
“It was terrifying,” says mom Rori Dundas, 26. “I thought, ‘I’m not ready for baby and baby’s not ready to be born yet’.”
Equally worried at the time, Kelly now adds: “We just rolled with the punches and looked at each other and said ‘we’re going to have a baby today’.”
During the radiothon, regional residents tuned in to hear sick kids and health care professionals share uplifting stories over 30 hours of air time.
“I can’t thank donors enough; they’ve given us this place of care that means so much to us and our baby,” says Kelly. “We slept a little easier each night knowing he was well cared for.”
Rori admits she now has a special place in her heart for the team at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). While she found it hard leaving Zaiden to go home at night — having access to the increased level of care for preemies allowed them to stay in their home community instead of traveling to a larger centre like Calgary.
“It was nice that we could stay home surrounded by family and have the support we needed,” says Rori.
The live event, which took place at the McDonald’s on Dunmore Road SE, began at 5:30 a.m. on June 2 and ran to noon the next day.
McDonald’s also helped by giving 50 cents from every hot beverage, 50 cents from every Happy Meal and $1 from every large sandwich to the foundation in support of Neonatal Intensive Care.
Heather Bach, Executive Director for the foundation, who was on hand at the event, says she was excited to be co-hosting the radiothon with My 96 FM again this year.
As for little Zaiden, he’s growing fast.
“Any donations, even the small ones can help tenfold,” says Kelly. “Donations help save little lives.”
For more information, please visit the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation .
