Infant Overcomes 240 Days in Hospital, Ready for Next Steps

A baby from Fort St. John, British Columbia, has spent a staggering 240 days at BC Children’s Hospital, marking a significant portion of his first year in a medical facility. Born on October 31, 2024, with Down syndrome and complex heart defects, Bensyn’s early life has been filled with challenges that his family has faced with resilience and determination.

Bensyn’s parents were informed during pregnancy about their son’s condition, which prepared them for a difficult journey ahead. Despite the challenges, they found solace in the care their son received at BC Children’s Hospital. “Spending so much time at BC Children’s changed us,” said Bensyn’s mother, Cailey. “It taught us how to slow down, to live moment by moment, and to see how much kindness and community can exist even in the hardest places.”

During their long hospital stay, the family benefited from various donor-supported programs. Volunteers provided essential support, offering music and pet therapy sessions that brought joy to both Bensyn and his siblings. These initiatives helped alleviate some of the emotional and psychological strain that comes with extended hospitalization.

Now, after a year of significant medical intervention, Bensyn is back home in Fort St. John, preparing for his next surgical procedure. His journey is far from over, as he will soon undergo heart surgery, which his medical team views as crucial for his continued development.

To support families like Bensyn’s, BC Children’s Hospital has launched the 2026 Choices Lottery. Funds raised from this initiative will not only support children requiring care but also advance research initiatives at the hospital. More than 2,000 research professionals work tirelessly to improve pediatric care, aiming to redefine treatment standards for young patients.

Tickets for the 2026 Choices Lottery are currently on sale, with a final sales deadline set for April 10, 2026, or until tickets are sold out. The lottery offers a range of enticing prizes, including twelve Grand Prize packages that winners can choose from. These options include luxurious homes located across various communities in British Columbia or a remarkable $2.5 million tax-free cash prize.

Some of the notable Grand Prize options include:

– **Choice #1**: A 3,597 sq ft home in White Rock, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms, alongside a 2026 Hyundai Palisade and $470,000 cash.

– **Choice #2**: Two luxury condos in Vancouver, one unit offering 1,176 sq ft of space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 and $330,000 cash.

– **Choice #3**: A 4,385 sq ft residence in South Surrey, complete with five bedrooms and a 2026 Ford Mustang, and $100,000 cash.

Each prize package is valued at over $3 million and includes additional incentives like gift cards for local businesses, enhancing the appeal for potential ticket buyers.

The Choices Lottery not only provides a chance for substantial rewards but also plays a vital role in supporting the healthcare needs of children like Bensyn and their families. As Bensyn continues his recovery, his story serves as a reminder of the impact of community support and the importance of ongoing medical research and care.