The Gift of Care: Leo’s Story at Soldiers’
“Special kids like Leo go to special families like yours.”
I’ll never forget the nurse who said that to us during our stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. In those early days when everything felt overwhelming and new, those words offered both grounding and reassurance that Leo was exactly where he was meant to be… with us.
We first learned that something might be atypical during our pregnancy at our 21 week scan. We were initially referred to a hospital in Toronto where we had many ultrasounds and heard from three doctors who told us it wasn’t Down syndrome. Leo was measuring very small and they believed he had a growth restriction, so we were prepared for a NICU stay at Soldiers’ after birth. Nothing could have prepared us for what we went through.
Our delivery team at Soldiers’ was incredible. Looking back, we now realize how much distress Leo was in during delivery, but at the time they kept us calm and focused. Soldiers’ is small but remarkable- the Labor and Delivery, NICU and Pediatric staff are not only kind but also exceptionally skilled, which is rare for a hospital of this size.
After he was born, the team quickly recognized signs that he might have Trisomy 21. We were completely shocked. It was not what we prepared for. Those first moments felt surreal, our world was spinning. We had countless questions, fears, and so much uncertainty. But the staff walked alongside us with gentleness, clarity, and compassion. Those first days were emotional and full of unknowns, but we never felt alone.
Leo spent 16 days in the NICU, and the care was extraordinary. The team didn’t just care for him, they cared for us as parents. They arranged a courtesy room so that one of us could be with him at all times. They spoke to us as partners, encouraged us, taught us, and celebrated every small step with us. Near the very end of our stay, we transitioned briefly to the pediatric unit, and the support remained just as consistent, warm, and personal.
Leo received “kind and exceptionally skilled” care in the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
When we were discharged, we continued returning to Soldiers’ for follow-up care. Leo had some added health complexities, and after experiencing how responsive the care team was, we made the decision to move closer. Today, being just five minutes away has given us peace and, in one instance, may have truly saved our son’s life. Knowing immediate, trusted care is right here has changed everything.
Now, Leo is thriving. He is joyful, social, and full of bright energy. His milestones come in his own time, and every achievement feels meaningful. We are so proud of him and so grateful to everyone at Soldiers’ who has been part of his journey.
Soldiers’ stood with us and has continued to support us at our most vulnerable moments, and that support shaped our earliest experiences as parents to a medically complex child. I know their ability to go above and beyond is only possible because of generous supporters like you who fund essential equipment, like the panda warmers Leo relied on.
It’s hard to express in words the level of appreciation and gratitude we have for the support that Leo and our family have received from Soldiers’. The equipment Leo relied on, the staff who supported us, the programs that helped us understand his needs, all of it is supported by community donors like you. Your gift ensures that families who walk through those hospital doors are met with the same care, respect, and dignity that we received.
This holiday season, I ask you to consider giving a special gift to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital so that more families like ours can receive compassionate, skilled, close-to-home care when they need it most.
Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and healthy holiday season!
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Jodi, Leo’s mom