Jeevan Basra was only two days old when she was transported from her local hospital to BC Children’s in need of specialized medical care. Doctors suspected a serious condition when her first cry never fully developed.
Once Jeevan arrived at BC Children’s Hospital, she was diagnosed with pulmonary valvular stenosis, a congenital heart condition.
After receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and having some time to grow, she underwent her first open-heart surgery at the age of six months. The procedure was a success but her recovery was not – doctors were unable to wake Jeevan from her medically induced coma and she needed an emergency blood transfusion, as her blood was failing to clot properly after surgery.
Waking up two weeks later, she began to thrive for the first time in her life.
Doctors confirmed Noonan syndrome, a congenital genetic condition, as the cause of her many health problems.
In March 2014, at 12 years old, Jeevan returned to BC Children’s for another operation – this time, to replace the pulmonary valve in her heart.
Jeevan was able to go home after spending just three days in the hospital to recover.
Her mother Sarb says her daughter has never been better, is grateful for how far her daughter has come and cherishes each day she gets to spend with her.
A friendly and active child, Jeevan enjoys going to school, dancing, baking, riding her bike, listening to music and looking after her Cabbage Patch Kids family.
Thursday, Aug. 13 is DQ Miracle Treat Day, a one-day event that raise money for children's hospitals across North America.
Proceeds from all Blizzards sold at participating Dairy Queen locations will be donated to BC Children's Hospital to support life-saving research, education programs and the purchase of medical equipment.
In 2014, Dairy Queen stores in the province raised more than $400,000 at DQ Miracle Treat Day.