Meet Oliver

Oliver is 2 ½ years old and attends our Saskatoon Daycare. He’s full of energy and joy—whether he’s playing hide-and-seek, dressing up, swimming, riding his balance bike, working on puzzles, or spending time with his brothers.

Oliver has a Laryngeal Cleft Level 1, Silent Aspiration, Dysphagia, and Asthma. This means that when he swallows liquids, they sometimes enter his trachea and lungs instead of going down the esophagus. In December 2024, Oliver and his twin brother were unexpectedly recommended for tube feeding. This was a big change for the family, shifting them from the “typical” daycare population to our group of medically complex kids who benefit from on-site nursing care.

Thanks to Hope’s Home, Oliver’s family has always been able to say “yes” to medical interventions that improve his health. Since beginning tube feeding, Oliver’s lung health has significantly improved—he no longer gets out of breath while playing, his lungs sound clear, he recovers from illness faster, and his family hasn’t had an emergency visit or hospital stay in over five months.

His parents share how much they appreciate the care and connection Hope’s Home provides:

“We are continually impressed with the level of care and attention our children receive at Hope’s Home. Sometimes when you go to a Centre you think you are giving up a sense of warmth and attachment; the staff at Hope’s Home always share stories, listen to our parenting preferences, and greet us and our children with excitement and love. When Oliver arrives, he’s often sad I am leaving, but staff always encourage him with positivity, give him comfort, and distract him with his favourite toys. They really know him, and it is so special to see your child loved and celebrated by people not in their birth-family.”

Recently, Oliver’s family also had their first experience with other children in public, noticing his g-tube. It was a reminder of how important it is that he and his brother are surrounded by peers who understand and share similar experiences. At Hope’s Home, they are not only cared for medically but are also celebrated, included, and able to grow up in a community where their differences are normalized and embraced.

We are so proud to be part of Oliver’s journey and grateful to celebrate every milestone alongside his family.