Pictured Above: Cody Courtemanche, Eric Lau, Whitney Davidson, and Andrea Fraser from the Misericordia Respiratory Therapy Department
Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s greatest joys. For many families, it’s an exciting time – parents finally holding their baby in the nursery they’ve lovingly prepared, siblings working on a “Welcome home!” sign, and relatives eagerly refreshing their phones for the first shared photo of their new bundle of joy.
For some families, however, that joyful homecoming must wait. Babies born prematurely or with respiratory complications often need specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help stabilize their breathing before they can go home.
That's where the right equipment can make all the difference. The Respiratory Therapy team at the Misericordia Community Hospital (MCH) sees their new Fabian Evolution ventilator as a game-changer – it helps our fragile newborns breathe easier, sleep better, and go home sooner. This advanced, state-of-the-art equipment was made possible through a grant from Covenant Foundation and the generous donation of the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation for their generous donation of the Fabian Evolution and to Covenant Foundation for this grant. Their support is truly making a difference in the lives of our tiniest patients and their families." - Cody Courtemanche, NICU Clinical Lead, Misericordia
The Gift
Every feature of the Fabian Evolution ventilator is thoughtfully designed with newborns in mind, helping reduce the risk of lung injury, respond quickly to changing conditions, and ultimately give these babies the best possible start in life.
“Our lungs are like balloons – they can inflate and deflate. This ventilator helps keep the baby's lungs inflated so oxygen can be delivered more effectively to the blood. Their tiny lungs won’t have to exert too much effort while breathing.” - Whitney Davidson Assistant Program Manager, Respiratory Therapy
One of the key features of the ventilator is its ability to deliver higher CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) levels. This gentle air pressure helps keep a baby’s lungs open.
The Generous Donor
The Fabian Evolution ventilator – which had been on the respiratory therapy team’s wish list for a long time – became a reality thanks to a donation from the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation to Covenant Foundation. Also known as Treasure Life, the Foundation was created to honour the memory of Evan Ty Jenkins. This volunteer-run organization is making a difference for children and families affected by heart disease and stroke through research, programming, and advanced medical equipment.
Their mission beautifully aligns with Covenant Foundation’s commitment to advancing children’s health. By funding game-changing equipment like the Fabian Evolution ventilator for the Misericordia’s NICU, the Foundation is helping ensure fragile newborns receive the specialized, life-saving care they need.
“This donation speaks volumes about the Foundation’s commitment to advancing neonatal care and supporting frontline teams with the tools they need.”
- Cody Courtemanche, NICU Clinical Lead, Misericordia
The Impact
According to the respiratory therapy team, approximately thirty babies will benefit from the ventilator at the Misericordia each month. That’s 360 babies a year – enough to fill an entire elementary school with children who got the support they needed right at the start. That’s also thousands of loved ones – parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family – finding comfort in knowing that their baby is receiving the highest level of care.
“For families, knowing their baby is being supported by the best technology available offers a sense of reassurance during an incredibly stressful time”, Cody says.
This feeling of reassurance extends to the care team. “Having equipment like this at the bedside enhances not only our care delivery but also our confidence, especially during critical moments”, Cody adds.
Program Manager Eric Lau is encouraged by the impact this new device will have on their team’s workflow. He says, “Our previous devices couldn’t connect to patients’ electronic medical records. This new one streams data directly into the system, so therapists spend less time charting and more time focusing on their patients. They’ll still monitor pressures and make adjustments, but they don't have to enter everything manually anymore."
The Best Part
But the most meaningful impact of all? Thanks to our generous donor, this gift is helping families reach that long-anticipated moment: bringing their baby home. As Whitney beautifully put it:
"Just knowing that the family and the baby are one step closer to being discharged and going home makes a whole lot of difference. That's the goal – to get everybody home with their families at the soonest possible time.”
One generous gift from the Evan Ty Jenkins Foundation has already made a powerful impact on the lives of children and families. Imagine what we can achieve together. Will you consider making a donation today? Click here to learn more.
