Dear CAN Community,
When Madison entered the world eight weeks early, weighing just four pounds and eleven ounces, she immediately faced an uphill battle. Too weak to lift her arms or even suck, she was fed through a tube and slept close to 23 hours a day. After two months in the NICU, Madison was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle tone, development, sleep, and appetite.
When we were finally able to bring her home, she still relied on a feeding tube and needed overnight nursing care due to severe central apnea. Our days quickly filled with specialist appointments, therapies, and navigating the unknown.
As her mom, I had long suspected autism as well. I noticed her stimming, rocking back and forth, but her complex medical needs always took priority. She wasn’t officially diagnosed with autism until age seven, after years of delays and waitlists made worse by the pandemic.
Despite the challenges she faced, I was determined to help Madison thrive. We tried countless programs for children with disabilities. Some were helpful, but none offered the tailored support she truly needed.
Then we found Canucks Autism Network (CAN).
With 1 in 25 BC kids now being diagnosed, the need for support is greater than ever.
A donation will help us respond to the overwhelming demand for our programs. Give a gift >
Our first experience was the CAN multisport program in West Kelowna. From day one, Madison felt like she had found her people. The coaches took the time to get to know her, not just her needs, but her personality and interests, including her love of baby dolls.
In fact, last season, when a few porcelain dolls were donated to CAN’s Kelowna office, Jarret, the Regional Lead, not even Madison’s direct support worker, knew about her love of dolls and invited her to choose one. It was a small gesture that spoke volumes, showing how deeply every person at CAN cares and takes the time to truly know each child.
A $30 donation provides an hour of direct participant support in the multisport program. Donate now >
CAN’s programs are not one-size-fits-all. They’re thoughtfully designed for each child, which made all the difference for Madison. For once, she wasn’t just participating, she was included. And she finally found something she deeply longed for: social connection.
Friendships are so important for Madison. With two outgoing sisters who often head off to playdates and team sports, she’s always watching from the sideline. She didn’t have anything of her own until CAN gave her a place to shine. CAN is her thing now, and that’s huge. It gives her a sense of pride, and everyone deserves to feel that.
Last summer, while visiting her grandparents, Madison attended a CAN summer camp. She built friendships and connections she still talks about today. Now, she proudly tells me, “Those are my friends.”
That sense of belonging is priceless.
As a mom, seeing Madison feel accepted, included, and proud of who she is — that’s everything. Because of CAN, she’s not just part of a program. She’s part of a community.
To the donors who make this possible, thank you. Your support gives kids like Madison more than just opportunities. You give them a place to belong.
Thank you,
Lindsay, a CAN mom
Until August 28, donations are being matched by an anonymous donor (up to $10,000). Donate now >
More CAN Stories