Every parent hopes to give their child as many opportunities as possible in life - the best school, music and dance lessons, team sports - the list is endless.

But when a child is born with a disability, it can be a frustrating, as well as a frightening, experience.

Six-year-old Eshan Chand was born premature, deaf and blind, and with cerebral palsy.

On Feb. 17, 2006, when his mom Anita was 29 weeks pregnant, she and her husband Lawrence went for

a standard ultrasound. The doctors were concerned with the blood flow and two hours later an emergency C-section was done.

"Our due date wasn't until May," said Anita, who recalled recognizing the difficulties that lay ahead and that is when Variety - The Children's Charity become a part of the Chand family's life.

Variety's BC Bowls For Kids, a two-month long fundraising campaign held in partnership with Bowl BC and Youth Bowling Canada, encourages leagues, teams, and individuals to collect pledges and bowl for Variety.

This year marked the 27th anniversary of the campaign, which has raised $3 million for children with special needs like Eshan Chand.

Variety first helped the Chands with baby Eshan's glasses.

"When he was about six months old he was negative 20 in one eye and negative 17 in the other. The lenses were special order and very expensive," said Anita, who was on maternity leave from her job as a licenced practical nurse.

"That was a big help," she said. Variety also replaced Eshan's cochlear implant and donated $2,000 towards a minivan with a special lift.

"At school they are getting to know his different cries and facial expressions. They don't isolate the children anymore."

smclaren@mrtimes.com