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Communities in northwest Saskatchewan are coming together to help a couple whose infant son has been in and out of children’s hospitals across Western Canada.
Local organizers recently set up a Facebook page to hold an online auction through donations to help ease the family’s financial struggles through the holiday season.
The support for the boy skyrocketed almost immediately after the family’s story began to circulate around the area.
The North Battleford boy, Braxton, has struggled since his birth by caesarean section at 28 weeks in July of 2018. His twin sister, Bryer, also struggled at the beginning, but has since become stronger.
The twins were one pound six ounces and two pounds six ounces, respectively, when they were born. They were immediately incubated and taken to the NICU at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital, beginning their long medical journey.
Darren and Raeanne McIntyre are the twins’ parents. Following the boys’ births, Bryer spent 60 days in the NICU while Braxton took a little while longer at 91 days.
Braxton McIntyre has been in and out of children’s hospitals across Western Canada for the past 16 months. (Facebook/Braxton & Bryer McIntyre)
Braxton had a facial ulcer and neutropenia and had to undergo blood transfusions among other complications. They were discharged, but continued to travel to and from Saskatoon to treat other health issues.
They spent time in the Alberta Children’s Hospital along the way, which ended up being one of Braxton’s longest hospital stays at 187 days.
The family ended up in Saskatoon recently with Braxton’s condition of febrile neutropenia. He’s currently in the pediatric ward in Saskatoon in high acuity, as well as the pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
They’re fighting another central line infection, some issues with a low heart rate, and low blood pressure.
Raeanne said it’s something no parent should have to go through.
“It’s awful to watch someone you know struggle so much. To watch your child have amazing moments and then ultimately their lowest moments is something no one could understand unless they have lived it,” she said.
“Sitting at your child’s bedside, watching monitors, trying to advocate for them — there’s many sleepless nights.”
Raeanne has a message for parents in the same situation as her family.
“Regardless of what anyone could ever tell you, you have watched your child go through the unimaginable. Your child is heaven-made. Please remember, ‘You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,’ ” she said.
Community comes together to help
With the holiday season nearing, Raeanne’s sister and two other organizers put together the online auction on Facebook.
Raeanne and Darren ended up being unable to return to work, and the organizers were hoping to lessen the financial burden put on the family.
They didn’t realize just how much the communities in the area would come together in support.
“Within that day (on which they launched the Facebook group), it just took off, (with) big items for the auction and very (high) bids,” said Whitney Inkster, Raeanne’s sister.
They totalled around 400 items within the auction from various businesses and residents.
Those items ranged from gift certificates to different businesses around the Battlefords to homemade goods to a spot on the morning show on North Battleford’s country station, CJNB.
“We’re very grateful that the community pitched in so much to help this family and a little boy who needs help,” said organizer Paula Noyce.
Inkster said while in the hospital with Braxton, the family spoke about the support from the community and how much it means to them.
“(Darren and Raeanne) are over the moon,” Inkster said. “They can’t believe all the support and love they’ve been getting.”
The auction closed Friday, and organizers are hoping for a large total that will be announced by the end of the week.
They’re hoping to organize a comedy night to raise more funds and will continue taking donations for Braxton through their Facebook group.
With the medical situation seemingly having no end in sight, they’re hoping support continues to come in to ensure the family is able to continue to look for answers while supporting their young family of six.
The McIntyre’s recently were told Braxton would have to go to Toronto to Sick Kids or to Vancouver, but he won’t be able to be moved until his condition is more stable.