Canuck Children’s Place Hospice

June 19, 2025

Canuck Place is BC and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider, caring for over 920 children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Canuck Place provides pain and symptom management, medical respite care, art and education, music and recreation therapy, counselling and bereavement services, and end of life care, all at no cost to families.

For many families, welcoming a new baby into the world is filled with dreams about first steps, first words, and endless milestones ahead. But for Jiuyi and Derek Roy, their beautiful baby girl, Selina, would teach them profound lessons about life, love, and cherishing every fleeting moment. 

From the beginning, Selina was a radiant light—curious, calm, and quietly wise in a way that took people by surprise. But life would ask more of Selina than most babies. Diagnosed with two holes in her heart and a rare brain cancer—Selina’s short life was filled with medical complexities. Through it all, she held on, playful, vibrant, and strong. Her parents lovingly called her their “warrior princess.”

“Selina had this way of gripping your finger tightly, as if to say, ‘I know you love me, and I love you too,’” says Jiuyi. “She found her voice and learned to smile, showing how resilient, smart, and determined she was.”

Canuck Place provided Selina with expert care focused on her comfort. Her parents, too, were supported at every turn through nourishing meals from the kitchen staff during their medical respite stays, restful spaces, spiritual guidance, and compassionate counselling. Their spiritual care counsellor also introduced them to a Buddhist chaplain, who gave them solace and guidance during overwhelming times. But what made the greatest impact were the moments of normalcy, of joy, and memory-making. At Canuck Place, they could pause, breathe, and simply focus on being Selina’s parents.

“At that point in our life, we were the most vulnerable, and without realizing it we really needed Canuck Place. We had the freedom to focus on her with 100% of our energy and we got to be with her all the time in her final moments,” shares Jiuyi.

Selina passed away in September of 2024, held by her parents in a space filled with peace and unconditional love. Canuck Place walked with the Roys every step of the way, helping them through the most difficult goodbye—not only supporting them in their grief, but managing challenging logistical choices such as contacting funeral homes and cremation services. This support ensured Selina could be laid to rest properly, honouring her legacy, and supporting her parents along the way.

“Our time at Canuck Place reshaped our perspective on life. We learned that the most valuable moments are the ones happening right now,” Jiuyi reflects. “We realized that no one has to go through hardship alone. There is always kindness, community, and guidance available for those in need.”

With the support of generous donors, Canuck Place continues to provide pediatric palliative care that helps families find strength in the face of heartbreak—and joy in the smallest moments of life. 

Find out more about Canuck Place here.