From the moment Amelia entered the world, itB次元官网网址檚 felt like the odds have been stacked against her. Four months before she was born, a routine ultrasound revealed that she had a rare spinal defect called spina bifida.

B次元官网网址淚 had never even heard of the condition before,B次元官网网址� recalled her mom, Kelly. B次元官网网址淚t was all very overwhelming.B次元官网网址�

Spina bifida occurs when the spine and spinal cord donB次元官网网址檛 form properly in the womb. In the most severe cases, it can cause debilitating complications, such as paralysis in the lower body and fluid build-up in the brain. Amelia had frequent appointments at BC ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre to overcome her health challenges B次元官网网址� including with the orthopedic, urology, neurology and physiotherapy teams.

When she was just six months old, the movement in AmeliaB次元官网网址檚 legs had decreased. Not long after, she underwent a major 13-hour surgery on her spinal cord. B次元官网网址淚t was a horrifying experience for us as parents,B次元官网网址� Kelly recalled, B次元官网网址渂ut the nurses and doctors were incredible.B次元官网网址�

Right before her third birthday, Amelia needed another serious operation B次元官网网址� this time, on her hips. After recovering in a full-body cast, she received a specialized wheelchair on loan from Sunny Hill. Reflecting on their journey so far, Kelly is grateful that her daughter, who is now 5, has the chance to just be a kid.

B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 playing with other kids, chasing them, and playing tag because of the wheelchair and specialized care she received,B次元官网网址� Kelly added.

Small steps make mighty strides

To help others who count on BC ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital, the family is taking part in the on Sunday, June 11, 2023. More than a family fun run, the event brings together kids and families of all abilities to celebrate the resilience of children B次元官网网址� who, like Amelia, persevere despite the enormous health obstacles they face.

Since it started in 1986, the event has raised funds that have helped to fast-track breakthroughs and unleash major advances in childhood illnesses. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, childrenB次元官网网址檚 health care is now on the verge of new possibilities B次元官网网址� from precision medicine that tailors cancer treatment to each child, to mental health care that reaches more youth in their communities. Pushing these advances over the finish line will require the support of the province.

When participating in RBC Race for the Kids, British Columbians have several options. They can join the 2 km or 5 km fun run at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, the 2 km or 4 km distance at Tillicum Centre in Victoria, or race in their own communities.

B次元官网网址淎t Race for the Kids, itB次元官网网址檚 so clear that people really care about kids and families that are struggling,B次元官网网址� says Kelly. B次元官网网址淚t brings Amelia so much joy to be a part of this event.B次元官网网址�

Be part of something big

Join thousands of runners by signing up for RBC Race for the Kids at . Be sure to register before the early bird deadline on April 20 to secure your spot.