On March 12, 2025, Darcy Ross-McElroy was born early, on purpose. He was delivered almost three months premature and spent 96 days in the NICU. Darcy was born early because his mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when she was 18 weeks pregnant. The cancer moved fast, and Valery Ross-McElroy passed away in April, having spent 5 weeks with her son.

Darcy is home now, thriving and learning about the world with his Dad, Jeremy. He’s a month past his due date and weighing in at over 10lbs. He’s doing great.

Val was a loving, passionate, and community-oriented person who would have made literally the best mom. She was a person who showed up for her community in every way. The community she nurtured has already shown up for the Ross-McElroy family, but we know there’s more to be done.

We’ll love Darcy like our own. We’ll teach him Val’s passion and optimism, her love of adventure. We’ll be there for him. We won’t replace Val, but we’ll try our best.

The Ross-McElroys also need financial support. Val’s income would have paid for music lessons, summer camps, college, and much more. Our commitment is to make sure Darcy doesn’t miss out on all the things Val had planned for him.

Here are just a few examples of the costs the Ross-McElroys need help with:

We know that many folks in Val’s community have already given money, love, and labour, and if contributing to this fundraiser right now isn’t right for you, we’re grateful for the other ways you have and will show up for Darcy.

We all know that Darcy will be surrounded by love and support as he grows up. Now, we are asking Val’s community to make sure he has the financial support to have everything Val dreamed of for him.

Please give what you can.