The family's days are now filled with hospital visits and plenty of blood work, but they say every day at home is a gift.

“For a family that is contributing to the community, that is not sucking any resources from Canada – they are contributing – the idea of sending them home? I can’t wrap my head around it,” family friend Inge French said.

Two years ago marked a big change for the Okotoks, Alta. family after the kids began referring to their "mom" as "dad."