A Miracle named Buddy:Help This Family in Their Time of Need

On the night of September 21, 2024, in the soft glow of hospital lights, a miracle entered the world much too soon. Buddy William Andrew Olson, weighing only 1.5 pounds, was born at just over 26 weeks—far from the safety of his mother’s womb, his tiny body fighting for each breath. His due date was supposed to be December 23, 2024, but now, instead of warm holiday preparations, Buddy’s family faces the unimaginable reality of life in the NICU, where each day is a gift filled with hope.

For Megan and Steven Olson, this is the hardest chapter of their lives. Megan had already been in the hospital since September 8th, battling her own complications. When doctors decided she was stable enough to be flown to Victoria, closer to their home in Lake Cowichan, they thought they’d have more time. But that very night, little Buddy made his early arrival. An emergency C-section brought him into the world far too soon, his body barely developed, yet his heart was already showing the strength of a warrior.

Buddy now spends his days in the NICU, surrounded by machines that hum and beep, keeping him alive while he grows and fights to stay with the family who loves him beyond words. His parents, Megan and Steven enjoy watching their tiny boy, praying for the day he comes home.

But the struggles don’t end with Buddy’s premature birth. Megan had to undergo yet another surgery after complications from her C-section, leaving her weak and in recovery, unable to care for their nearly 3-year-old daughter, Everly. Meanwhile, their 15-year-old son, Saber, is trying to stay strong as he balances school, hockey and working at A&W, while his family endures this difficult time. He knows his parents are stretched thin.

What makes this even harder is that Steven, the family’s sole provider, had a camp job up north. The job ended and he was unable to pursue another one due to Megans hospitalization. The timing couldn’t be worse, leaving them with no income as bills pile up and medical expenses mount. Their situation is dire, and the weight of financial stress only adds to the emotional toll.

Everly, who was so excited to be a big sister, now spends her days in Lake Cowichan with her grandparents. At times she is separated from her parents, and unsure of what comes next. Her life has been turned upside down, just like her parents’. Steven and Megan drive back and forth between home and the hospital in Victoria, trying to be everywhere at once, but the weight of this journey grows heavier with each passing day.

Their family is holding on by a thread—financially and emotionally. But the only thing that matters to Megan and Steven is being there for Buddy, so he can hear their voices, feel their love, and know he is not fighting this battle alone.

In the NICU, Buddy’s doctors encourage what they call Kangaroo Care—the chance for Buddy to lie skin-to-skin on his parents’ chests, feeling the warmth of their bodies, the steady rhythm of their hearts. These precious moments of connection are vital to his development, allowing him to know the love that surrounds him. But each day is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Some days Buddy shows his strength, rallying with the determination of a fighter; other days are filled with setbacks that break Megan and Steven’s hearts all over again.

Buddy’s journey is far from over. He will remain in the hospital until at least Christmas, probably longer, as his tiny body continues to develop the strength he needs to survive. He will also likely endure a year of medical and specialists appointments. His parents dream of bringing him home, where he belongs, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. But right now, they are faced with the stark reality that they cannot do this alone.

How You Can Help:

Your support can make a world of difference. By donating, you will help cover the mounting bills, the travel costs, and the daily expenses that have become impossible to manage. Most importantly, you’ll give Megan and Steven the gift of being fully present for their son, to hold him close and give him the love and strength he needs to continue fighting.

Let’s come together to give Buddy the best chance to come home, safe in the arms of his family.

Please consider making a gift to support Buddy and his family. Please share their story so others can step forward and join in helping them through this harrowing journey. Let's give Buddy the chance to grow up in the arms of his loving family safe and sound at home, where he belongs.

Thank you for being apart of their miracle.