This is my little brother Shakeel… he’s 10 years old, in grade five and a budding hockey player and video game enthusiast. 
Love him to death!
This past October, Shakeel had a horrible accident where he fell close to 40 feet in to a gulley off a rope swing. He was rushed to Abbotsford’s new hospital by ambulance and before even entering the hospital, was helivac’d to Children’s Hospital. He was treated in emergency for a broken arm and a very serious head trauma. While unconcious and on a breathing tube, he was in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit for three days (seemed like months).
Shakeel was EXTREMELY lucky and we were told that repeatedly. He not only survived the fall against most odds, but he also did no injury to his neck or spine and his brain swelling was not nearly as bad as originally thought and he was moved up to the neuro ward for the remainder of his stay there.
He still has some language issues and will need some help getting it all back but every day he gets a little closer to the old Shak! And I’m soooo happy about that.
Every year we donate to Children’s Hospital but this year, for obvious reasons, we’re feeling a little bit more thankful that we have such an amazing facility in our area… and they really are amazing. So let’s have some fun!!! 
For every comment we get on this post, we’ll donate $1 to BC’s Children’s Hospital… So comment anytime between now and Sunday December 13th at midnight! Get your friends to comment… get your family to comment… get your co-workers to comment… get your kids to comment! The more comments the better!
Here’s a couple more shots of Shakeel that I took of him tonight… did I mention that my kiddos absolutely adore “uncle” as well. awwww.
122 comments
These pictures are absolutely beautiful Jill, I hope you can get as many comments on here to go to benefit a great cause!! These little wonders deserve it!! Great job Shakeel,Jake and Ashleigh!!
jillian, he’s a heartbreaker and ur kids are too cute. I wish ur brother a speedy recovery!!
what a handsome young guy! I can only imagine how scary that situation must have been, so glad to hear he’s on the road to recovery. My brother had a serious brain injury some 15ish years ago, and Children’s Hospital was absolutely amazing. You are awesome for doing this!
He is so handsome! Must run in the family. Great shots Jill…these will be cherished forever and ever. You are amazing. hugs.
Jillian,
Oh gosh did’nt kmow your family went through such a horrible fright. Very glad to hear he is doing well. Shak is a very handsome young man.such great shots. Love the last one. He must love being an uncle to your sweet children.
Happy holiday season to all of you.
Xo Wanda xo
Jill, I have no doubt that your brother will surpass every doctors’ expectation and his recovery will blow them away. He is such a lucky guy to have a sister as caring as you. I’ll be sure to pass on your story and get my friends in to post a comment!
what a great story for the holidays! It puts life in perspective! thanks Jillian for sharing
this is a great thing ur doing Jill great blog and beautiful pictures! so glad to hear hes doing well! xoxo
Beautiful kids. So glad that Shaklee will make a complete recovery.
i am so glad to read this post! my heart is singing for you and your family and especially your brother! great idea too, donating to childrens hospital!
Great shots.. Love the 1st one!
FYI…I donate to Children’s every year, but I wait til Save On Foods or Costco are collecting, cause they match your donation, so if you raise $100 Jimmy Pattison will donate $100, as will Costco, up to 100K or something…
Just love these shots… what an amazing story… a true miracle! Good luck with the posts.
Love the shot on the chair!! Good to see such a happy Shakeel. xoxo
What a miracle! Love the last picture. What a great thing for you to do!!
Murphys wishing Shaq all the best and what a great idea to help out the way that you are.! Way to go!
Great photos, Great Kids Love to all.
These are such great shots!! And such a good idea too. I hope Shakeel continues to improve.
Thanks for sharing the story & that is awesome to hear that he’s doing so well! Love the photos… he’s one handsome man!
I love that last one! I’m glad to hear he’s doing well.
A-M
Wow, so happy to hear everything worked out Jill. Great cause, and great photos!!
aww, jillian, i can’t imagine what you all must have gone through. hugs.
I love the one of Jake looking up at Shakeel, sooo cute! Glad to hear he is recovering so quickly Jill!
I love the pics Jill! They’re all great. I wish the best for Shakeel and I hope he recovers quick. All my love -Katie
Jill they are the Best You Captured Him as we all see him and Love him… Great Job so Damn proud
Love you
American Anne
Wow Jillian. These photos are beautiful – LOVE his eyes in the one below the text. How blessed your family is.
What a happy ending! So glad to hear he is doing so well!
Go Comments Go!
Have you considered creating a Giving Page at http://www.canadahelps.org. I create one every year for a charity and get friends, family and strangers to help me reach my fundraising goal!
Good luck & Hugs for a speedy recovery for Shakeel.
Amazing – here’s my $1 worth…
Wil (my oldest son) got hit by a car this autumn; he walked away with some bruises and road rash, and later the same day was able to complain about not sticking the landing. Makes you feel lucky, don’t it?
I only know Shak through Anne and Sheilah. And was just beside myself when I heard the news. But I have faith that he will pull through and be back to his old self before you all know it! Best wishes my thoughts are with you
Great Photos!!!!! what A beautiful family
What a handsome guy! He looks like he could be your kids brother!!!
Love the last one Jill! Hope Shakeel is feeling better. He sure is getting handsome!!! And your kiddos are adorable… as usual! xoxox
great pics!!
Once again you never cease to amaze me!
This is just a wonderful wonderful cause, and not only for the amazing care they provided to Shakeel but to all those beautiful children that have to spend time at Children’s!
Your photo’s are stunning as usual and I am sure every parent out there that reads this site will thank you!
Hat’s off you you!
xo
Children’s rocks. So glad you guys had a successfull experience there
My little man was in the ICU in June and they saved his life no doubt … we were told another 12 hours and we would have lost him (he was in DKA and his body was shutting down). Thanks to the ongoing support of Childrens’ we are now managing my 14 month old’s type 1 diabetes. Give what you can everyone – you never know when you or someone you love will need the incredible care they provide.
Hey Jill, I’m so happy to hear that Shakeel is doing well. He is sure growing up to be a handsome young man. Killer hair and killer eyes! Great job on the photos Jill, they are amazing as usual! xo
Oh Jill, he looks like a little man in these pictures. We are all so glad that he is OK !!
That is such wonderful news!! and Children’s Hospital is amazing! I am a regular supporter of Children’s and know that every dollar sent helps in a big way. So happy for your brother, you and your family Jillian. Love, Pat Merry Christmas!! xox
What a great way to give back! Love the pictures and hope your brother has a speedy recovery!
Hi, I’m one of your auntie Kelly’s co-workers. What a blessing to hear you are recovering from your fall, we pray you keep moving forward in your recovery. Beautiful pictures, how could they not be with great looking kids…
I am a co-worker of Kelly. I am amazed that Shakeel made it through such a horrible fall. I wish him well. Those are great pictures, he is handsome little guy.
It’s so nice to hear happy stories – so glad he is healthy! He looks like he’d be a super fun uncle.
You are such an amazing big sister!! What a great thing you are doing!
Merry Christmas to all of you!!!!!
Jill I am SO happy to hear that your little brother is on his was to a great recovery! Looks like you got your Christmas miracle a little early this year. What a handsome young man
I just love your pictures, you are so talented!
Jill, I am soooo glad to hear your brother is getting better. From these pictures he looks happy, healthy and full of life! Glad it’s all worked out for you and your family! This is an awesome idea to raise $$ too!!!! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Glad to hear Shakeel is doing better
The pics look great!
Amazing pictures and story. This touches my heart, as my little sister lived through tradegy as well…despite the odds. I am sorry to hear of your bro’s terrible accident and delighted to hear he is living proof that miracles do happen. Thanks for giving back. Thank you Children’s Hospital and to all the professionals who make it their job to save lives and hurry recovery. Merry Christmas to you and your family Jillian.
Emerson hopes that she can play with Shakeel soon and ask if he is a teenage now??? LOL – too cute
Love Emerson
Got this posted on Facebook as my status – great cause! Emerson is a “Superhero” this year and has been raising money in her little hildren’s Hospital box. They have given so much to people we love – it is great to give back.
Great pictures – what a miracle that his recovery has gone so well.
Where’s the pic of him holding his niece and nephew in a headlock… crying, “Uncle!”? Great cause, Jill ~ great twist – well done.
Awesome pictures once again Jill! You capture such great moments! What a great cause! BC Children’s Hospital is amazing. So happy to hear a success story come from BCCH! xo
Keep working hard Shakeel. It sounds like you are surrounded by loving family who will be with you every step of the way!
He’s gorgeous! I am glad he is doing okay. Children’s hospital is a fantastic place and you are doing a great deed by donating to them
Beautiful photos and donations for a great cause. I give to Children’s Hospital every month. I know they do really great work in all these hospitals. I have 2 miracles to show for it. So happy that Shakeel is on the mend.
Love Abby
Jill, Glad to hear that your brother is doing so well…. Hope you have a Merry Christmas, All the best in the New Year!
What a great cause to donate to… and what a blessing that he wasn’t hurt as bad as first thought.
Megan- Ashleigh how is your brother doing?
Tessa- Hey Ash I saw a picture of you with you brother and uncle
So happy that you are looking and feeling good Shakeel. You gave everyone quite a scare!
xx
Children’s Hospital- A place you hope to never go but thankful they are there.
Thanks goodness they were there for your brother!
Jill, this photos are fantastic. He is so handsome! Heartbreaker for sure. Amazing story and wish him well in his recovery and best wishes to your family over the holidays.
Amy
Great photos! I’m so glad to hear he’s pulled through as well as he has. I hope his recovery continues and kudos to you for doing this for BCCH!
I’m so glad for you that all turned out well. Children’s Hospital has helped my family as well. Merry Christmas to all!
Can I comment more than once???
I’m glad things turned out so well for Shakeel. Such a good cause…post, post, post ppl!
Jill your brother is one very strong boy that has defined all odds that have been thrown his way. I love that you guys are going to donate to Children’s Hospital. You and Shannon do amazing work that it is only fitting that you help out the kids.
What courage and strength your lil brother must have Jillian…kudos to him for fighting to get better, and kudos for Children’s Hospital and all that they do! Fantastic images yet again.
May the miracles never cease!! Medical miracles warm my heart… as do everyday ones. Am I the only one to think that this gorgeous guy (Shakeel) looks like a younger Shia LaBeouf? (HUGE movie star from Transformers 1 & 2)What a good lookin’ kid! I’m glad you’re doing well buddy, speedy healing to you! Gorgeous pics!! Happy Holidays everyone!
You guys think of the best ideas!!! So happy your brother is on the road to recovery!
I’m so glad your brother is on the mend. What a terrible thing to have to go through! We have spent many days in Children’s too… they are amazing..
Wishing you a speedy and full recovery Shakeel. You are surrounded by the love of a great sister. Shakeel is so handsome…..love the redish hair and your kids are adorable. Great pictures for a great cause. Keep on doing what you do Jillian…you are amazing. Happy Holidays!!!
gorgeous pics!! love the one of him sitting in the funky chair….actually all of them are so great. keep up the great work!!!!
OH WOW! Look at all the great comments!
I am so happy that Shakeel is doing so much better. I keep wondering and then forget to ask. Your post and pictures are beautiful and brought some tears. Your family is blessed!
So glad he’s doing well Jillian. These shots of him are fabulous! Children’s Hospital is an amazing place, what a great idea!
Jill, what a wonderful, thoughtful thing to do!!! You keep amazing me with your insight, your talent and your ability to pull it altogether! The pictures are just beautiful and project the love between these dear kids.
With that kind of support, Shakeel can’t do anything but get better and better!!!
Love you all with all of my heart!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I am glad to hear that he is doing better! Good stuff. Childrens Hospital is a great cause!
Wow, he looks like a young Shia Laboeuf! Too cute. What a testimony his life his. Blessings
such a cutie.. hope the road to complete recovery is shorter than you think.
<3
Great job! Glad to hear he’s doing well!
God Bless you! x
Awww…so glad he is doing better! The last shot is so cute!!! Look at the kids loving their uncle! ..ha xoxo
great pics! great idea!
SO glad to hear your brother is on the road to recovery! I’m sure this Christmas will be extra special for your family this year
BC Children’s Hospital is an amazing place….they were/are so great to my step-daughter who has a very rare kidney disease. Definetly a worthy place to donate to!
When I first saw these photos your brother reminded me of somebody, but I didn’t know who. Has anyone ever said that he looks like Shia LaBeouf?? (the actor in the latest Indiana Jones movie)
|Good luck on your fund raising what a great idea! Merry Christmas
Here I am crying in my office again!! Jill, these pictures are absolutely beautiful. Love you so much!!
Love this Jill. What a blessing to be able to have the great help from the people at the Hospital, and that your little brother is getting closer and closer to being his old self.
Your Brother and your whole family is in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Marlena.
My daughter truly inspires me! I’m soooo very proud of all she does! And I thank-you Jill for the special person you are!!
Children’s hospital was a wonderful place for Shakeel and we are very thankful for all their caring staff that helped us through a truly devestating time in our lives.
Jill, your mom told Dr.Delair and I to look at these pictures of Shakeel…they are amazing!
Thank you for sharing your story and photos. Miracles do happen and Shakeel is proof of that. Work hard, Shakeel and get better soon. You have a lot of living left to do! God Bless you all.
Jill your brother is soooo lucky…to have survived the accident and to have an awesome big sister. Love the pictures. Have a wonderful Christmas. Love ya. Rita xox
Shakeel has “it” as you do with your photography he has a look,, should be modelling, what a sweetheart, I know he will be PERFECT again really soon, he is such a cool kid. Of course you captured THE LOOK.
What a beautiful strong family you have Jill! Somebody else mentioned that Shakeel looks like a hollywood star and I have to agree. Beautiful pics!!!
Great pics !!!!!!!!!!!! Love you guys you are so inspiring xoxoxo
These pictures are wonderful. You manage to capture the spirit of Shakeel.I truly hope he will recover fully; he ceratainly seems to have spunk. I think you will have great success with your photography. I will make sure to mention your name to my friends.
Jette
It’s so great to see your little brother recovering quickly! He’s got a great network or loving family and friends around him that surely helps
And thank you Lucy Lime for supporting BC Children’s Hospital!
These pictures are stunning and really capture the beauty of your work. Lindsay Klassen
Jillian-the pictures are adorable! I was Shak’s casual secretary for 7 weeks last year and I always remember that smilin’ face of his! Being a patient of Children’s hospital many years ago, I still remember how great the staff are there…….Merry Christmas Shak and Jillian and to everyone.
Handsome miracle boy…
What great photos Jill
So glad to hear your brother is doing so well. A true miracle!!!!
It’s so very fortunate that Shakeel is on the mend. These photos do not hint at all that he’d had such trauma. He’s got a great spark in his eyes!
What wonderful pictures to have! Shakeel looks like he is happy, healthy and ready for the holidays! Beautiful!
Nice work Shaq. Hope to see you with a hockey jersey on REAL soon!!!
What a wonderful way to raise funds for Children’s Hospital. The pictures of Shak are so cool!!!! I can’t wait to see them mounted on the wall. The pic of the three of them is so cute!!!
We are also indebted to Childrens’! Thanks for another opportunity to support, and so glad your brother’s on the mend.
Regards,
Roxanne and family
Great shots and what a great idea!
A full and speedy recover to the handsome devil!
So glad he’s okay. That must have been terrifying. Cute photos.
This is a good example of, when things look to be at there worst, it is possible that it can all turn around. I’m so glad he recovered and you can see his soul in his beautiful eyes!
What a heartwarming story.Thank you for all mtaht you are doing for others.
I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to comment on this post! It means a lot and we are so excited about the response we got!
Ps. I TOTALLY think my little brother looks like Shia Lebeouf… good eyes everyone!!
Thanks again!
gorgeous!!
It looks like your little ones sure look up to their uncle!!!
These are fabulous… he’s grown a LOT since I’ve seen him last… Crazy that I remember him being born and he’s ten years old… I’m old.
Wow – what a cutie! You’re gonna have trouble with the girls chasing Shakeel Tracy! So glad to hear that he is doing well! Great to see these photos of him – amazing shots! All our best to you Shakeel! And a great way to contribute – if my kids weren’t in bed I’d get them to comment! I know that they think Shakeel is a great kid and would also wish him all the best!
I’m glad to here your brother is doing well and will recover fully! Way to go Jill, excellent shots, wonderful sister and one an amazing idea!!
touching story, great photos. all the best to you and your family this year!!
So glad that he’s okay!!
he’s super cute! All the best to you and your family.
Wow – he is a heart breaker! Look out world! I wish him all the best in a speedy recovery!
This is awesome!! Shakeel is one loved little guy!! Merry xmas and happy holidays to everyone!!
Merry Christmas!
Well done Jill! Keep up the recovery Shakeel, Happy Holidays
Your brother has the most stunning eyes. He is going to be a heart breaker if he isn’t already!! I am just sneaking in a the last minute, I just came to have a look at Jacob, and saw this post. Children’s Hospital is the most worthy cause. Our family has not had to stay there for anything but I know many families that have. I am thankful we have such a great facility right here close to us. Hope you can raise lots of money!!
I’m 8 hours late…I’m SO sorry!!! But wanted to post anyway to tell you how happy I am your bro is doing well and what a wonderful thing you’re doing by raising a little extra $$ this year for such a great cause. Way to go! Merry Christmas!
Awesome pics Jill! I hope that I’m not too late. This is a great idea.
Merry Christmas, see you in January.