Okanagan baby born 3 months premature airlifted to Vancouver

It was an unexpected surprise when Kayce Cook came into the world on the evening of Feb. 11.

Mother Blaire Cook went into preterm labour and delivered the baby boy 84 days ahead of her May 5 due date.

Weighing just 3.3 pounds, Kayce was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver alongside Blaire and father Kian.

The newborn is now receiving plenty of medical attention, which includes breathing support, IV antibiotics for sepsis, parenteral nutrition through an IV, a PICC insertion and more.

The Vernon family is now expected to be in Vancouver for two to three months before being transferred to Kelowna General Hospital and eventually Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

As a result, Emma Hutson has created a GoFundMe to support the family while they navigate this scary medical experience.

“As Blaire and Kian were expecting baby boy to arrive near Blaire’s due date of May 5, I am creating this GoFundMe to help this loving family out,” Hutson explained.

“They would never ask for any monetary assistance, but due to these unforeseen circumstances, Kian will be off work to support Blaire and Kayce as they navigate being new parents in an unfamiliar setting.”

Hutson says the money raised will help alleviate some of the financial stress on the family, since Blaire and Kian expected to be able to work for a few more weeks before Kayce arrived.

Until they can be moved into Ronald McDonald House, they’re forced to stay in a Vancouver hotel and make arrangements for care of their four animals back home in Vernon.

Hutson added that no couple is more deserving of support than Blaire and Kian, and added a post to the GoFundMe expressing gratitude from the family after a wave of early donations.

As of 5 pm on Wednesday, the fundraiser had brought in nearly $9,000 toward a $10,000 goal. You can click here to donate.