Even tiny feet make their mark in the world

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/02/2015 (4050 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today’s column is dedicated to all those who strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
I’d like to introduce you to Colin and Janet Paterson, who have turned their family’s loss into a very meaningful endeavour.

Colin and Janet’s story begins the same way as many others do: a happy couple expecting their first child. As their pregnancy progressed, there were signs that something may be wrong and additional testing was needed. It was determined that their baby had a condition called Russell-Silver syndrome, where their child would be physically smaller than others yet could still live a relatively normal life. 

On May 11, 2009, Hailey Marie Paterson was born full term weighing only two pounds, 15 ounces. It was discovered after her birth that she also had primary pulmonary hypertension and would require the aid of a ventilator. The road ahead was going to be challenging and Hailey would have to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Children’s Hospital. Weeks and then months passed, with the Patersons visiting their little girl daily and celebrating those typical milestones any parent does with their child. Sadly, after 10 and a half months of many obstacles and struggles, they said goodbye to their little angel.

Hailey touched so many people in her short life and the Patersons wanted her legacy to live on. With the help of The Winnipeg Foundation, they established the Friends of Hailey Foundation (FOHF) in June of 2013. Gifts to this fund provide support to families and staff at the NICU at Children’s Hospital as well as support a scholarship for a graduating student at St. Mary’s Academy who plans to pursue a career in any medical field.

Today Colin and Janet are proud parents to four-year-old Noah, a happy, healthy and energetic boy who is extremely proud to tell people about his sister Hailey who is up in heaven and likes “pink monkeys.”

With the tremendous amount of support from family and friends, Colin and Janet hosted their second annual fundraising dinner on Feb. 5. To date the Friends of Hailey Foundation has raised over $20,000. I certainly have much respect and appreciation for Colin and Janet and the numerous other families in our community who pay it forward.

There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

If you are interested in learning more about the Paterson Family and the Friends of Hailey Foundation you can visit their website at www.patersonfamily.ca