by Lara Gladych –
Little Piper Bowman’s life started out differently than hoped. On September 8, 2014, she greeted the world prematurely with an array of frightening health conditions that landed her and her family at Vancouver’s Children’s Hospital very shortly after birth.
Piper was born with a collapsed lung and acute kidney failure, and was later found to have high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and profound hearing loss, among other concerns. Piper also has what’s known as chromosome 7q32.2-7q31.6 deletion, the only recorded case in history.
Today, Piper is approaching her second birthday, crawling everywhere and wooing everyone with a beautiful smile and huge personality. “She’s always smiling! She isn’t shy, and gets along with pretty much anyone. She loves the attention on her. She’s super funny and quirky, always making people laugh.”
Shawnie Blinko is Piper’s mom. “Piper is the strongest girl I know!” she touts of her baby girl on the Facebook page she started: “Piper’s Journey – With Kidney Disease and a Chromosome Deletion.” Shawnie posts about Piper’s progress and all the things, little and big, in her development that are celebration-worthy … reaching 13 pounds in June, waving hello to people … it’s all wonderful for a little one who’s had such an uncertain future from the very beginning.
Shawnie’s positivity is remarkable. She leans heavily on the good: the milestones, the support, the progress, the love from other families and parents going through similar struggles. “Yes, Piper is delayed but she’s always taking huge strides forward.
“I don’t know what I would have done without family and also the community. So many have stepped up and shown their love and support, and it’s really amazing! When we were staying at Children’s Hospital, I was asked if it was okay if the fire hall did a small fundraiser for Piper. Wow, it ended up being huge! I was amazed at the community and how everyone came together. So many people shared such kind words with me and I was shocked with how much they raised!”
Hughesman Morris CPAs, in Sidney, also held a successful fundraiser for Piper’s family last year, raising over $3,000. The firm hosts a pancake breakfast every summer, with all proceeds going towards a local cause of their choosing. Piper’s unique story resonated with them, and being a family in need right here in Sidney made them just the right fit for the company’s annual fundraiser.
“It’s important for us as a firm to give back,” says Elaine Hughesman. For their company, giving back to the community in which they do business is an integral part of their operation, as is setting an example for their younger employees.
Elaine’s advice for anyone wanting to make a charitable difference of their own is to “get involved in conversations!” Do volunteer work, get a feel for what’s going on around you and figure out how you can help. For Elaine, making a difference in the lives of others quite simply “feels great.” For Piper and her family, the generosity of others undoubtably feels pretty great too.
