This article was originally published on The Abbotsford News (Oct-11-2026): https://abbynews.com/sponsored-content/how-three-diagnoses-helped-one-family-find-more-grace-in-parenting
Formal assessments gave an Abbotsford mother the clarity she needed to better guide, support and advocate for her sons
When Emileigh Gessner noticed her oldest son, August, missing developmental milestones, she wondered if she was reading too much into it.
“As a parent, it can be easy to overanalyze every small delay and worry your child might be falling behind,” Gessner says.
In her family’s case, their pediatrician shared her concerns and pointed them toward a Variety BC program that could cover the cost of private assessments.
“I was a little hesitant to reach out at first,” Gessner says. “Society often leaves parents feeling like they should be able to figure everything out themselves. Asking for and accepting outside help felt a little bit like cheating.”
Ultimately, Gessner decided that formal assessments could give her family the answers it desperately needed.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child and we are so grateful that ours now includes the incredible team at Variety.”
During August’s assessment process, the family began to notice similar signs in his younger twin brothers, Holland and River. When Variety BC offered to cover assessments for them as well, Gessner was overcome with gratitude.
“We couldn’t have imagined pulling together the funds needed to cover one let alone three assessments,” Gessner says. “The generosity of Variety donors meant assessments for all three of our boys and that is something I will always be grateful for.”
Bringing understanding home
The diagnoses gave Gessner clear answers on how best to support each of her children, along with the reassurance that it was okay to give herself more grace as a parent. Knowing her sons will grow up in a world that isn’t designed for the way their brains work has changed how the Abbotsford mother approaches each day.
“We now see certain behaviours in the boys and we’re able to give them the tools they need to regulate, focus and succeed,” she says. “It goes a long way in helping us support our children’s needs without getting frustrated or discouraged.”
The assessments also opened the door to government funding for physical, occupational and speech therapy, along with equipment and other support.
“We are so, so grateful for Variety!” Gessner says. “I hope donors can see how their support made a substantial difference in our lives.”
To other B.C. parents who are hesitating to reach out, she offers reassurance.
“If you’re facing uncertainty, know that you don’t have to navigate everything on your own,” Gessner says. “They say it takes a village to raise a child and we are so grateful that ours now includes the incredible team at Variety.”
Variety Week returns to Global BC Oct. 26 to Nov. 1
For more than 60 years, Variety BC has stepped in to fund equipment, therapies, assessments and more for B.C. kids with disabilities and complex health needs. Fundraising initiatives such as the Variety Show of Hearts and Variety Week play a critical role in making that possible.
Tune in to Variety Week on Global BC to meet more Variety BC families supported by the generosity of B.C. donors.
Donations made from now until November will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift.
To learn more, visit variety.bc.ca and follow Variety BC on Facebook @variety.bc.ca.
To help B.C. children with disabilities and complex health needs, donate at www.variety.bc.ca.