Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

Ashley Glover, a mother of twins, has spent the last eight years in Fort McMurray watching her children navigate challenges that would test any family. Wyatt, her son, faced severe behavioral issues and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He struggled to connect with peers at school and was often sent home after meltdowns. For Ashley, it was heartbreaking to see her child struggle to make friends and succeed academically.  

Recognizing that expert help was needed, Wyatt was referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Centre located at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, one of the only acute psychiatric units for children in Northern Alberta. 

From the moment they walked through the doors, Ashley and Wyatt were met with compassion and understanding. After several weeks of dedicated inpatient care, Wyatt learned how to manage his triggers, and the transformation was remarkable. He began successfully socializing with other children and avoided the triggers that had previously hindered his ability to learn and enjoy school. Even the principal at his school couldn't stop praising the positive changes brought about by the CAMH program. It was not the only connection to the CAMH program for Ashley and her family, however. 

It was during this time when Ashley and Wyatt were away, driving between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, that Ashley’s daughter, Maddie, was diagnosed with ADHD and began experiencing separation anxiety, placing additional strain on the family. Maddie had experienced sleep issues since infancy, but these additional struggles were more than a side effect of that. Ashley knew that the CAMH Centre would be the right place to get her the help she needed.  

Maddie spent four weeks at the centre, she and Wyatt shared success in the program. Maddie now enjoys restful sleep—sometimes sleeping up to 12 hours a night—and with a regular sleep schedule, her focus at school has improved. She has built the resiliency and confidence necessary to thrive. 

Thanks to CAMH, both of Ashley’s children are now actively engaged in their studies and pursuing their passions—something she hadn’t been sure would be possible without the program’s support.  

“I cannot even tell you what this program has done for us. Wyatt has done a full 180, Maddie is sleeping 12 hours a night... it has changed our lives.” - Ashley Glover 

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The CAMH Centre is the only one of its kind in Northern Alberta and offers hope for a better quality of life for children and families. Now, it is time to support the centre so it can continue to provide the same level of care that Wyatt and Maddie received to other children who need it. Upgrades and refurbishments of facilities are needed in order to provide the spaces children need to recover and thrive. Ashley and her family are grateful for the support they received from the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and they hope that others will consider donating to ensure that other families can benefit in the same way.  

DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Thank you to all those who have generously provided support for families like Wyatt and Maddie's.