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A rail trip through the Rocky Mountains to see its natural splendour was just one of the highlights for a Richmond family that has dealt with the challenge of raising a child with a life-threatening illness.
Along with 11 other families in similar circumstances from across the country, the five-day journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer as part of the Life Changing Train for Heroes event recently was a chance to share experiences and find strength in unity, said Debbie Van Eeuwan.
“I think we all shared and understood that we were chosen, for whatever reason, for this,” said Van Eeuwan whose son, Matt, was born premature with a digestive system condition that eventually required a life-saving liver transplant when he was just eight months old. She was his donor. “When I say chosen, it’s not something religious, but rather an understanding that we were given a situation that we could handle.”
Matt is now 16, a Grade 11 student at Fraser Academy and from all outward appearances gives no hint at the challenges he’s endured, although he still faces ongoing issues as a result of his condition.
The trip, put on by the Rocky Mountaineer and Starlight Children’s Foundation was the opportunity to celebrate the dozen families and raise awareness for the charity that provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home.
Joining Van Eeuwan on the journey was her 14-year-old daughter Tayvie — due to responsibilities at school, Matt was unable to attend. This served to emphasize the situation where other family members are also affected when one of their siblings is seriously ill.
“Tayvie used to have night terrors when Matt was ill,” said Van Eeuwan. “She would wake (up) and be afraid about her brother dying.
“The effect on the rest of the family is something that’s often overlooked. And having her come on the trip was important.”
On the train, the families got to enjoy the scenery from the glass-domed observation car, as well as on-board cooking lessons and drumming class activities.
In Kamlopos, they were welcomed by members of the RCMP on horseback. And at Lake Louise, they took part in canoe and gondola trips.
“Rocky Mountaineer has proudly supported Starlight Children’s Foundation for 10 years through various initiatives including the annual Escape to Whistler program, and we’re excited to give back in a more impactful way by expanding the program to the Life Changing Train for Heroes,” said Randy Powell, president and CEO of Rocky Mountaineer in a press release. “For these heroes, this time together will create space to connect with each other and other Starlight families, which is the most precious gift. We are thrilled to play a part in creating these special memories.”
