Fort St. John family praises life-saving treatment at B.C. Children’s Hospital for baby Bensyn

FORT ST. JOHN, BC — A Fort St. John family who spent 240 days at B.C. Children’s Hospital after their child was born with a number of health issues have opened up about their experience. 

Bensyn Buck was born on October 31st, 2024. Prior to his birth, Bensyn’s family was informed he would be born with Down syndrome. It was later discovered that he also had several heart defects. 

On January 1st of last year, Bensyn and his family were forced to make the long trip from the family’s home town of Fort St. John to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, over 13 hours away. 

During the 240 days he spent at B.C. Children’s Hospital under the close guidance of a care team, Bensyn received life-saving care from the staff.

Now, over a year after he was born, Bensyn’s mom, Cailey Buck, is speaking out about their experience at B.C. Children’s Hospital. 

“Spending so much time at B.C. Children’s [Hospital] changed us,” said Buck “It taught us how to slow down, to live moment by moment, and to see how much kindness and community can exist even in the hardest places.” 

In what Bensyn’s mom describes as “even the hardest places”, programs like music therapy and visits from therapy pets provided support for the Buck family. ‘

Having now returned to Fort St. John, the family is looking towards the next battle for little Bensyn, who is currently awaiting a scheduled heart surgery.

The Buck family has shared their story to encourage people to enter Choices Lottery in support of the B.C. Children’s Hospital, which has just been launched.

B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO and president, Malcom Berry, says those who buy tickets will be supporting important research that helps shape the future of children’s health in B.C.

“Every ticket helps fund vital research happening right on our campus, empowering more than​ 2,000 research professionals who are working to overcome the biggest health challenges facing kids,” said Berry. “It’s one meaningful way people across B.C. can support children and families while having a chance to win something incredible.”

The prizes for the draw include a number of properties across the Lower Mainland, including two five-bedroom houses in White Rock and South Surrey and two luxury condos in Vancouver. Other properties in Coquitlam, Kelowna, Sooke, Courtenay and Colwood are also included in the draw. 

Tickets for the lottery are on sale now until April 10th at www.bcchildren.com, by phone at 604-692-2333 or toll-free at 1-888-667-9363. Tickets are also available in person at select Save-On-Foods and London Drugs locations.