Help Support Casey on his Journey for Surgery in the UK

Hello friends, family, and kind-hearted individuals,

We are reaching out to share an update and offer the chance to support our dear friends and their brave child, Casey.

Casey was born with a condition called Bladder Exstrophy. This is a rare and complex condition that requires several major surgeries throughout the lives of those affected.

Casey underwent his first surgery at 7 days old, which entailed closure of his bladder and abdomen, along with a pelvic osteotomy which required him to be immobilized on his back via a traction device. Casey spent his first seven weeks of life at BC Children’s hospital, and during that time couldn’t be held, nor nursed, and faced multiple complications throughout his recovery process. During that time in hospital, and every day since then, Casey has lived up to the meaning of his name “Brave in battle”.

Casey now faces his next major surgery. After spending several months researching, networking, and poring over the limited data that exists on treatments for Bladder Exstrophy, Casey’s parents were surprised to learn that the course of treatment in Canada and the US differs substantially from the ones applied elsewhere in the world. They were ultimately connected with a surgeon from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in the UK, who is highly specialized and experienced with Casey’s condition. The results of the procedure performed at GOSH indicate substantially more favourable outcomes than the ones reported here at home. After much consideration, the family made the difficult decision to take Casey abroad for surgery. As far as we know, Casey will be the first Canadian to have this procedure done at GOSH.

While seeking medical treatment abroad is the best option for Casey, it leaves the family with significant logistical, emotional and financial hurdles as they prepare to spend six weeks in London.

To help ease the burden, we’ve started this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the expenses they will face in the coming weeks. The money raised will go directly toward:

A note from the family :

We have been hesitant to accept financial support as we are fortunate to be in a position where we have options for covering the costs. Having said that, we don’t know if future procedures (and trips to the UK) will be needed beyond this one — there may come a time when we don’t have options other than asking for help. Wise and loving friends told us that accepting help allows our community (and beyond) to feel connected to us, and is a small way for our loved ones to show that they are standing with us through this journey. During Casey’s first surgery, we survived on the love and support of our extended community—in the form of home-cooked meals, hugs, hospital visits, prayers and laughs. This time, though we’ll have to go it alone physically, we know you are with us in spirit. We are so grateful for all of you and feel the love already as we begin to wrap our heads around 5-6 weeks abroad navigating this challenging time.

Thank you for your generosity, love, and kindness. Together, we can help Casey receive the care he needs to thrive.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jill & Nicole