Zealand's story

Kyra and Justin are parents to three energetic young children Zia, Zane and Zealand.

When their youngest, Zealand, was born, he was diagnosed with Lipomyelomeningocele, a rare form of spina bifida, a condition that causes spinal fluid buildup on the spine. 

“After receiving Zealand’s diagnoses, we weren’t even sure where to start,” says Kyra. “All I wanted was for my little boy to be OK.”

Before the age of two, Zealand underwent 22 surgeries between the Janeway Children’s Hospital and IWK Children’s Hospital. Hailing from Green’s Harbour, NL, about two hours away from the Janeway hospital and a 20-hour travel day to the IWK in Halifax, NS, transportation was one of their main concerns.

“We wouldn’t have made it through this without a little extra help,” says Kyra. “Taking out the stress of how we would fill our fuel tank for each appointment helped more than anyone could understand.”

Zealand is now walking after many doctors said he never would. He loves to swim and play with his two older siblings. “You would never know what he’s been through if you saw him today,” says Kyra.

Kyra says she is thankful every day that she can watch Zealand play.