Owen Hill Davie and his family have spent far more time in hospital than any family should.
With a host of medical issues, the five-year-old from Ladner continues to struggle with day-to-day living.
The Optimist first told his family's story in April 2015. Mother Stephanie Beharrell and husband Peter Hill Davie, through the support of family and friends, launched a crowdfunding campaign at that time to help cover the cost of some renovations and equipment to make their home more accessible and improve Owen's quality of life.
The initial ask was for $10,000 to help pave their driveway and install a wheelchair ramp.
Jody Waldron, a Delta police officer, was introduced to Beharrell and the family through another colleague, Rich Stabler, who went to school with Beharrell and reconnected their friendship through Facebook.
"They are just such a wonderful family and really just need some help," said Waldron. "Through phone calls we were able to get a paving company to asphalt the driveway for a reduced price and another police officer donated his labour and built the ramp at the back of the house. He was also able to get a number of local companies to donate materials. The community support has been fantastic."
Dunbar Lumber, North Coast Building Supplies, South Fraser Concrete and A1 Paving Ltd. helped out with the projects, which were completed in August. Waldron said there's still $3,000 left of the initial $10,000 raised. Now the family is seeking upwards of $70,000 to help purchase a wheelchair accessible van.
"The reason why we didn't initially ask for a higher amount in the fundraising was because we were hopeful his last surgery would work for his hip," said Beharrell. "It's failing and now his tibia is failing on the left and the right is dislocating as well, so he will need a final surgery and the likelihood of him standing is not promising."
Waldron said the Delta Fire Fighters Charitable Society has pledged $1,000 and other groups are also stepping up.
Beharrell said the family is grateful for the support it has received.
"You never know unless you put something out there and the support that we have received from the community, and especially Jody, has been incredible," she said.
"I had no idea that an elementary school friend would connect me with such loving people. And when we initially put out the request to the community, the letters that came, donations that poured in, it just gives more hope for Owen for a future and that there are genuine loving and caring people."
For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.youcaring.com and search for Owen Hill Davie.
