Thank You For Making A Difference!

Ely loves to sing and dance, but a mass in her nasal cavity once made it difficult for her to breathe. At just 29 days old, she needed a tracheostomy. Thanks to the donor-funded, world-class KidSIM Pediatric Simulation Program, her parents could receive specialized training on how to care for her at home. Once she grew strong enough, she had two operations to remove the mass with the help of community-funded technology. Her tracheostomy was then removed at 18 months old. “The first time we heard her laugh, it was the most beautiful sound,” says her mom.

Lola is a vibrant child who loves all things Disney. Diagnosed with epilepsy at four months old, she endured daily seizures for years. At age four, she underwent a life-changing functional hemispherectomy at BC Children’s Hospital to disconnect the affected side of her brain. The complex surgery required a lengthy recovery, but through the donor-funded Child Life program at BC Children’s Hospital, she pushed through emotional, physical and social hurdles with a certified Child Life specialist by her side. After weeks of rehabilitation, Lola re-learned how to walk and adapt post-surgery. Lola is now seizure-free and enjoys performing and dancing.

Eluin, or “Lu,” loves reading and playing ringette. After a move from Norway to Canada, school bullying, and the loss of their cat, Lu struggled with anxiety and sensory challenges, spiraling into a mental health crisis. Through a donor-funded 24-hour Emergency department youth counsellor and 1Call1Click.ca program, Lu and their family were connected to vital mental health resources. Lu also participated in CHEO’s 12-week Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) program for tweens, teens and their families. Lu is now flourishing and advocates for families living with mental health challenges. “It’s so important to make sure parents and kids who are struggling realize they’re not alone,” says Lu.

Lauren loves to laugh and dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Her world turned upside down at age five when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Within 24 hours, Lauren was rushed to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Lauren received exceptional oncology care and compassionate support at Children’s Hospital, where Child Life and Therapeutic Clown programs helped her conquer her fears and make her treatments more manageable. Over two years, Lauren earned bravery beads for every procedure, crafting a necklace that is now as tall as she is. Today, Lauren is cancer-free and loves spending time with her family.

Jack is a bright and determined child who loves collecting flags, flying kites, and fishing. Born at 26 weeks, he underwent seven neurosurgeries as an infant to treat fluid build-up in his brain. This condition led to cerebral palsy, which affects his motor skills. Despite these challenges, Jack’s resilience shines, and his favourite phrase is, “I can do it!” Thanks to donor-supported surgical equipment, research, and ongoing care at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital, Jack is now thriving. His parents are deeply grateful for the support and care that saved Jack’s life.

Norah, a vibrant child with a love for dance, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and faced speech and hearing challenges. Adopted from India, she arrived in Canada and had her first check-up at the IWK. The IWK is deeply meaningful to her mother, Marie, who had life-saving heart surgery there as a newborn. The IWK team helped build Norah’s trust and eased her anxiety from past experiences. Thanks to expert care and donor support, including Therapeutic Clown and Music Therapy, Norah is thriving. She now speaks English, attends speech therapy, and dreams of her favourite Disney princesses.

Zander and his brother Lyndon share a special bond and love for school. Born prematurely, the boys faced immense health challenges. Tragically, their triplet brother, Billy, passed away shortly after birth. Zander had breathing issues, and a heart condition called PDA. Lyndon spent 209 days in the NICU battling infections, blood clots, and fractures, later being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Thanks to donor-funded care at the Janeway Children’s Hospital, Zander and Lyndon received lifesaving treatment. Expert care from the neurology, cardiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy and ophthalmology teams supported their remarkable progress. Today, both boys are happy and thriving. “We owe the lives of our boys to the Janeway,” says their mom.

Mey-Lin est née avec syndrome de Beckwith-Wiedemann, une maladie rare qui affecte sa croissance et augmente le risque de développer des tumeurs. Sans une intervention immédiate, son cerveau risquait d’être endommagé en raison d’une production excessive d’insuline et d’une glycémie dangereusement basse. À l’Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants, où son équipe de soins s’est efforcée de la stabiliser, Mey-Lin a reçu une injection spécialisée qui a changé sa vie. Aujourd’hui, elle porte une pompe d’alimentation dans un sac à dos, ce qui lui permet de courir et de jouer comme les autres enfants. Grâce au soutien des donateurs, Mey-Lin a accès à des équipements d’alimentation vitaux, notamment des injections mensuelles pour gérer sa glycémie, ainsi qu’à des examens d’imagerie médicale et d’oncologie avancés pour surveiller la croissance de tumeurs. Aujourd’hui, Mey-Lin répand la joie partout où elle va, son petit sac à dos étant un symbole de résilience.

Maxen is known for his charm and will proudly tell you his name means “the greatest.” Before he was born, doctors discovered a congenital heart defect and complications involving his kidney. Plans were made to rush Maxen through the underground tunnel to SickKids immediately after birth. At SickKids, Maxen underwent critical esophageal surgery within his first 24 hours of life, heart surgery at just four days old, followed by a successful esophageal repair and two other open-heart surgeries. Maxen’s recovery is remarkable. “Every day, we go to battle against our child’s diagnosis, but we’ve got the best warriors on our side,” says his mom. Today, Maxen thrives, overcoming every challenge with a smile.

Ryder loves playing hockey and the Edmonton Oilers, but his journey began with a fight for his life. At just 10 days old, Ryder was rushed to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, where he had emergency surgery to remove a second stomach that was disrupting normal body functions. Needing to heal, Ryder was placed in a medically induced coma for a week, followed by several weeks in the NICU. Thanks to generous donors, Ryder’s team had access to advanced pediatric ultrasound technology, which played a crucial role in diagnosing and managing his condition, leading to his full recovery.

Aaliyah is a creative child who loves her family. After experiencing severe leg pain at age 10, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Over the next two years, Aaliyah underwent chemotherapy, countless tests, and regular hospital visits. Thanks to donor support of MacKids, Aaliyah received specialized care in a newly renovated, child-friendly Oncology Unit. Donor-funded toys and activities brought moments of joy during her treatment, while Child Life Specialists offered emotional support. Cutting-edge research funded by donors was also crucial to her recovery. Aaliyah is now cancer-free and doing what she loves: cooking, playing volleyball, and spending time with loved ones.

Blaze loves adventure, though his journey has involved overcoming several physical challenges, including surgeries for bilateral club feet and a tethered spine. After a severe bike accident in 2022 left him with a broken femur and humerus, Blaze was air-transported by Saskatchewan’s Pediatric Critical Care Team to receive specialized care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. “Without our provincial children’s hospital, I am not sure where Blaze would have been sent. He got the specialized care he needed close to home,” says his mom. Despite ongoing treatment, Blaze enjoys swimming and quadding with his dad.