My son has beaten all the odds — thanks to the Stollery and YOU!
Okimasis’ family was told he would never walk or talk. Today, he is a happy young boy who loves to play hockey and cheer on the Edmonton Oilers. Below is a letter from his mom, Sakawiskwew, to the Stollery and its supporters.
The Stollery Children’s Hospital will always hold a special place in our hearts. It has been a part of our family’s story since our son, Okimasis, was born.
My name is Sakawiskwew. I come from Onicikiskwapowin — the Saddle Lake Cree Nation.
Okimasis was only three days old when we first felt that something was wrong. He was airlifted from St. Paul to Edmonton, where he was admitted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
That’s when an MRI revealed that he’d had a traumatic brain injury due to high glucose levels, which was resulting in epileptic seizures. At first, I was scared. There was a chance that Okimasis would never walk or talk. Then I remembered my teachings, and I knew that our ways of being and the current health care system could work together to heal my baby son. And I knew deep down that Okimasis was a fighter.
At the Stollery, we received world-class health care. Whenever we’re there, we’re welcomed and treated well.
Okimasis is twelve years old now. He loves hockey, especially the Edmonton Oilers. He loves playing hockey and basketball. He enjoys oskapew — being a helper. He’s partially blind and still has epilepsy and severe migraines. But he meets every challenge and every obstacle with a zest for life.
Okimasis will be a Stollery kid for his whole childhood. He still sees his Stollery neurology team and his ophthalmologist. His neurologist has cared for him since he was a baby. They’re all a part of his healing journey. Thanks to the team at the Stollery, Okimasis has been able to beat all the odds.
To all the people who support the Stollery Children’s Hospital, know that you’re helping with life-changing care for children and their families at the hardest times in their lives. I’m sharing my story to let other families know that this help and healing is out there … and that they are not alone.
Kitatminan — with gratitude,
Sakawiskwew, Okimasis’s grateful mom