Uniting passion with purpose: How volunteering led to a summer student role with Canuck Place’s Research Initiative

Throughout the summer, we have celebrated our Canuck Place Research Initiative (CPRI) summer students and their impactful work in pediatric palliative care research. Delbert Yip is one of our exceptional CPRI summer students; however, before Delbert began working with the CPRI, he was a dedicated Canuck Place Peer Volunteer supporting children and their families staying in house at Canuck Place Vancouver – Glen Brae Manor. Delbert credits the time he spent as a peer volunteer as one of the driving forces to apply for one of our summer student positions.  

We asked Delbert to share his experience as both a CPRI summer student and a Canuck Place volunteer.

Can you introduce yourself and your role as a CPRI summer student?

I joined the Siden Lab in the summer of 2024 and my role has been to identify potential biomarkers for use in a study on post-operative changes in children with severe neurological impairment. Prior to this, I was a Peer and Family Volunteer at Canuck Place Vancouver – Glen Brae Manor.

How did you initially come to volunteer with Canuck Place? Was there something specific that inspired you?

When I applied to volunteer at Canuck Place during the summer of 2023, my motivations were primarily circumstantial. I volunteered in an adult hospice in Richmond for about a decade, but because I was spending most of my time at the University of British Columbia (UBC), for my studies and work, commuting back and forth between Vancouver and Richmond became difficult. I found Canuck Place after looking for similar opportunities nearby and was keen to learn more about pediatric palliative care and compare it to my experience in the adult setting.

Do you have a memorable moment or memory volunteering with Canuck Place?

In general, I deeply enjoyed meeting many diverse and like-minded individuals and growing beyond my comfort zone.

Did volunteering at Canuck Place influence your decision to focus your studies/work on pediatric palliative care?

Yes, volunteering at Canuck Place motivated me to pursue research opportunities in the palliative field and had a profound personal impact. I began volunteering shortly after completing my MSc at UBC, feeling uncertain about my career path. My experiences at Canuck Place, particularly the sense of unity and purpose, were a crucial source of support as I applied to medical school.

Is there a specific field of study that the Canuck Place Research Initiative is focused on that excites you the most?  

I am still fairly new to the field, so I admittedly am not familiar with all aspects of the CPRI. As a biologist, I am biased towards upcoming studies that will shed light on the pathophysiology and clinical management of children with severe neurological impairments. I also appreciate some of the older work that the CPRI published, including efforts to raise awareness on the use of opioids in the pediatric palliative population.

What are your hopes and goals as you continue your studies and grow your career in palliative care?  

I am starting medical school this August at UBC, where I hope to explore opportunities to combine my scientific and clinical interests, namely, electrophysiology and palliative care.

Delbert’s work is a testament to the incredible impact our dedicated volunteers, students, and staff can have on our organization in various capacities.

It is through community support and donations that the Canuck Place Research Initiative can improve the quality of care for children and youth living with life-threatening illnesses and their families. To learn more and support continuing research, visit our website.