Tell Your Story

Steph: The Mighty Quinn

Our youngest son Quinn, our baby boy, had JUST turned 3 years old when he told us his
back was hurting, so we got him looked at.
Different doctors from clinics and hospitals couldn’t say what was wrong, and we were
sent home repeatedly to give him Tylenol and Advil and watch him for changes. A week had
passed this way and Quinn was STILL saying that his back hurt. We were now pretty worried.
After all, what 3-year-old complains of back pain?
Despite the medicine, Quinn’s pain was getting worse. We returned for more tests
to be done, and this time blood was taken.
Something strange and was noticed in the sample, but they couldn’t identify it.
It wasn’t until March 27th, 2020, when his tests were shared with the experts at
Sick Kids Hospital that a definite diagnosis was made.
“We’ve seen this before and we know what it is.”
The relief of finally knowing the reason was short lived, as we heard the devastating news:
“Quinn has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.” LEUKEMIA.
Our hearts just sank. Absolutely nothing could have prepared us for such a thing.
Never have we been so utterly terrified. Our sweet, brilliant baby Quinn has Leukemia.

It happens to children. I know this. When it threatens the life of your own it shakes your very core.

I think every parent has had a secret dark grim foreboding feeling, about their child getting so
terribly sick. It’s in the back of the mind. Then when brought to reality, that fear seems tangible.

Although the Doctors must share this dire news countless times, they were so caring, soothing and
patient in its delivery and explanation. Still our grief was overwhelming.
“Without intervention this would be fatal.” Echoed over and over in my head.
He then told us: “We know what to do, and here is the action we are going to take together.”
After an information session, and our countless questions, I remember my wife Stephanie asking:
“So when can this happen?” The Doctor’s answer was simple. “Well, we are going to begin right now.”
Just as he said, Quinn’s treatment began that very day.

Sick Kids was diligent in their process, and attention to all Quinn’s needs.
All the while, our son’s oncology team led by Dr. Sumit Gupta, took such great care as they
performed a Bone Marrow Aspiration and over the course of time, multiple blood transfusions,
administered different kinds and levels of chemotherapy, steroids and antibiotics all the while
monitoring Quinn’s condition with every step. Quinn also receives lumbar punctures which
he gets every 3 months. This is when he is put under, and a needle is inserted into his spinal / cerebral
fluid to deliver chemotherapy there.
This is where Cancer cells have been known to hide. Yes, they HIDE there.
Such a pure EVIL thing, Cancer is. I now see the Sick Kids Staff as the Heroes put
here to counter and conquer that evil.
Quinn has been through the ups and downs of treatment, and in and out of the hospital,
for both scheduled visits and lengthy stays, but as of August 2021, he has been in the Maintenance
Phase and doing well.
Quinn is now 5 years old, and as we are following the doctor’s orders of “Let Quinn be a kid,”
He now continues to be the life of the party, plays Ice Hockey and Soccer, is a great
student who loves his teacher, his friends and enjoys backyard play with his brother Rhys and
sister Sloane. I feel uneasy to say it – so as not to jinx, but he is expected to complete his care
in May of 2023.
I must say in reflection that the entire Sick Kids staff are incredibly patient and kind individuals.

Never before have we witnessed firsthand such caring compassion and
unwavering tenacity, as they had put forth in their collective efforts to restore
Quinn’s health with world-leading research and treatment.
I cannot even fathom what this might be like without having them not just in our
corner but also leading the charge.
From the deepest realms of my being, I am so eternally grateful for
the work that Sick Kids has done and continues to do, every second of each day
for all the children in need.
We will never ever forget that it is the work that they all do, which makes this all
even possible, as they enter the ring to fight for our most
cherished and most innocent.
On behalf of ALL families, thank you Sick Kids,
for your countless hours of work, and outstanding efforts to save the very lives of our children.
Thank you for being there for us, and thank you all for listening to our story.

Fiore: My story in brief

I was a so-called “blue baby”, I think. I was born with a congenital heart defect: a ventricular septal defect, I think. I’ve never been certain of the diagnoses. I know that in Italy, where I was born, corrective surgery was unavailable, so my family came to Canada, where I was fortunate to meet the great heart surgeon William Thornton Mustard. He performed corrective surgery in September of 1967.
My parents always told me that without corrective surgery I would not have lived beyond age 20. I don’t know if that’s true, but I will always be grateful to Dr. Mustard and his team at Sick Kids. I have lived a good, healthy life, well into my 60’s and I’m hoping for many more healthy years. I will never forget what Dr. Mustard told me at my first 6 month post surgery checkup: you’re doing well Fiore, now you have as much chance of dying from heart problems as any other Canadian. He was right, I guess, and kind of funny. I’ll never forget him.

Rebecca: Becca: Flesh Eating Miracle!

My journey started when I was omitted to SickKids in 2001 with flesh-eating disease in my neck after one of my chicken poxes got infected. I was seven at the time and in the hospital for about a month. I don’t remember much, just having multiple surgeries, doing my homework in my room and trying very hard to feed myself. I remember eating at very strict times after they would clean out the wound in my neck 3 times per day and the medication I was on was so strong I didn’t remember certain family members. I am incredibly grateful to have received treatment from SickKids, as they told my family my survival rate was very low. But, just like a miracle, they were able to heal me and they are the reason I am alive today! I have no side effects from the flesh-eating disease, only some scarring that left a few marks. When I see those scares, it reminds me of how lucky I am to of had SickKids in my life. I became inspired to be a SickKids supporter when my grandfather passed away, as my grandparents starting donating monthly to SickKids when I was omitted in the hospital. I wanted to carry on their legacy, so my husband and I started becoming monthly donors. Our hope is that the money we donate will help in some way the thousands of children that go through those doors each year and to have further development and remarkable success in children’s medicine.

Lucas: The Story of My Life

Hello,

My name is Lucas Goncalves Pereira de Aragao, and I am 23 years old. I was born in Recife, Brazil, and grew up playing soccer. When I was nine, my family decided to move to Canada for a better quality of life as Brazil is a very dangerous country. As a young child, I was very upset to leave my entire family and friends behind to go to a country where I did not know the language or any friends. My first day in Canada was September 2nd, 2008. I saw my first squirrel and raccoon and already thought it might not have been a bad idea. After a lot of hard work from my parents, we finally found a place to stay, and I started elementary school in grade 4. I was very scared to start school and was bullied based on my looks and because I did not speak English. I had a very harsh first month at school until I was the last one chosen to be a part of a team during a soccer game at recess. As I am Brazilian, playing soccer with the other kids was very easy and allowed me to showcase my soccer skills and abilities. A few weeks later, my best friend’s father came to watch me play during recess and asked to me try out for the local soccer team he coached. I tried out in running shoes as I did not have cleats as I played futsal/indoor soccer in Brazil. I then made the team and became the happiest kid in Toronto. I made many new friends with whom I am still in contact today and am very thankful for everything my best friend and his dad have ever done for me. I also played every sport in elementary school except for hockey, as skating seemed impossible to me. Despite this, hockey became a strong passion, and I became a huge Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. I then graduated elementary school with honours and was the male athlete of the year.
I then started a new chapter in high school. In grade 9, I became a starter for the varsity boys’ soccer team and got experience playing with boys much older than me. In grade 10, I became the captain of the junior soccer team and was the top scorer on the team. We won the north division title which had not been accomplished for many years. From this point on, things began going downhill.
In early February 2015, I started seeing two of every object in my sight when playing and thought it was fatigue. I did every possible vision testing and nothing was found. This went on for months until I played my last soccer game on May 24th, 2015, after I permanently went cross-eyed. After a few weeks of more testing and no results, I went to Sick Kids Hospital and found out I had a brain tumour. Being diagnosed with cancer was the worst day of my life. As a fifteen-year-old, I believed my life was going to end. I had brain surgery in June 2015 and began chemotherapy and radiation in the coming months. Treatment was the worst. I did not have the energy for anything, was always tired, and always vomiting. My family and friends were the ones that kept me going and I am super grateful for every single individual that was a part of this. Following nine intense months of treatment, I was officially cancer-free on April 6th, 2016. It was the best day of my life and the best birthday present I could have ever received as my birthday is April 8th. This cancer termination date is now engraved as a tattoo on my right biceps (which can see in the uploaded picture) so it stays with me forever, and so will my story. As a Brazilian immigrant, my family and I did not have OHIP, thus treatment had to be paid for from our own pockets. We could not afford treatment and created a GoFundMe page here in Toronto and one in Brazil to gather some money to help with treatment. The money collected significantly helped to pay for treatment but there was much more to be paid. During treatment, I lost a year of high school, and my family went into large debts. All my friends graduated, and I stayed an extra year in high school to complete grade 12 and figure out my university path. I was inspired to study in the health field for the university following my treatment and am super happy I chose to study Kinesiology and Physical Education.
I have now graduate from the University of Toronto (UofT). I know I made a great choice to study Kinesiology. My goal is to go into cancer research or be a teacher. I either want to become a teacher and assist the growth and development of children or do cancer research to help kids with cancer. This decision was fully impacted by my own experience with cancer, and I would love to help others and their lives just like others did to me at Sick Kids Hospital. I love being around and helping children; thus, these two options are currently a dream of mine. I have numerous volunteer experiences in relation to research or children. I have volunteered and worked part time coaching children of all ages in Toronto and also in Brazil, volunteer in hockey tournaments fundraising for Sick Kids, completed research with cancer survivors during fourth year at UofT, am on my fourth year of the Great Cycle Challenge fundraising to help little children with cancer, and have spent the last two summer doing cancer research at Sick Kids Hospital to better the lives of children with cancer.
As a cancer survivor, I have mentally struggled all my years of university worrying about studying, grades, tuition, and many other things. Cancer has left many remarks on my life and many side effects that negatively impact me on a daily basis, especially with university. Even through this, I was able to graduate with high honours from a top university in Canada. Nothing in my life would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the Sick Kids community saving my life and inspiring me to succeed not only academically but also in life. Sick Kids Hospital iOS the reason I want to become a researcher or a teacher and base all my experience on how it will help and benefit all children. I want a future where children are cancer free and do not suffer the way I did during my own cancer treatment.

I love you Sick Kids Hospital,

Lucas Aragao

Meryl: Their fight song

I was moved to start donating after seeing Jaden and her mom’s story on TV. To the sound of Fight Song, I watched both deal with Jaden’s health situation with positivity and hope.

I’ve always been a fan of the work done at Sick Kids and after viewing seconds in their lives, I knew I wanted to start donating. A child’s life should be safe, stress free and full of smiles. And that is my hope for them and their families in the future.

Supporting Sick Kids makes me feeling like I am a part of a larger community that’s primary focus is ensuring healthy and happy children. And that’s a great cause 🙂

Michael William: Grand-parents of Sick Kids Patients

We have two beautiful grandchildren who have and continue to receive care at Sick Kids since birth. One grandchild, 12-year-old Oliver, was born with bilateral ectrodactyly. He has 3 fingers on each hand and is followed by the Plastics and Burns department. Our other grandchild, 10-year-old Owen, has a host of medical conditions and is followed by 12 different departments. Owen is our little medical marvel and is truly thriving because of Sick Kids. In addition to taking care of the patient, the staff manage to comfort and relieve the anxiety, stress, and worry that we as caregivers may experience. Their quality of care, devotion and dedication are unsurpassable!! We truly are grateful for all they have done for our grandchildren and wish to give back whenever we can so the hospital can continue to provide the best medical care for all Sick Kids patients. We hope Sick Kids continues to push boundaries and limits for the well-being of all kids. We are so proud to be part of the Sick Kids family which we think it is the best!

Very grateful grandparents,
Michael & Jackie Sansom

Diana: Look at me now

My son William was born at 26 weeks, weighing 485 grams. He had a 50% chance of survival. William spent the first few weeks of his life at Sunnybrook hospital. He was intubated, chest tubes, iv, countless medications, PDA, sepsis, the list could go on and on. We had countless conversations with doctors telling us he wouldn’t make it through the night. Our only hope was getting him to Sick Kids, where he could have the surgery he desperately needed, a PDA ligation. We were told he likely wouldn’t survive the transfer. But he did, on December 19th 2013 we made it to sick kids and he had a successful PDA ligation. The second we got to Sick Kids we knew he was exactly where he needed to be. We spent 10 long months at sick kids. We had multiple set backs throughout our journey. There were times where I thought we would never make it home. From all the surgeries, infections, intubations, extubations, there were times where I lost hope. But, sick kids never did, no matter what. If something didn’t work, the doctors would try something else that did. Williams nurses became my family. I spent all day every day with them, they made the hospital a home. I could never thank them enough for saving my boy, for giving me the strength to fight, when at times I wanted to give up. I owe everything to Sick Kids.

Zeeshan: Umer’s Mircale

Before the birth of my son, sick children were simply another hospital to me. At just 26 weeks pregnant, my son was born on October 31, 2021, with STAGE 4 nec (short bowel prefaration), necessitating many surgeries at Sick Kids. There were further issues with the brain injury. The professionalism and care that my son received from the doctors and nurses at Sick Kids has given us peace of mind knowing he is in capable hands. It is a miracle that I can now watch my son at home playing with his siblings after losing hope that he will survive, and Sick Kids played a significant part in this. I observed many children in the lobby during my eight-month stay at Sick Kids, and I made the firm decision that every child here deserves an equal shot at a better life, and that Sick Kids requires community support to achieve that goal. That led me to make the decision that I would join the Sick Kids donor list in order to support the organization’s efforts to assist children in need.

Semona: Gabriel’s story

When I had my son 18yrs ago he had complications and was rushed to sick kids for emergency surgery. The care, love and support we received was incredible and till this day I remember it and appreciate it. Staff was so kind and patient and did an amazing job taking care my son and giving me the emotional support I needed. Forever greatful

Katarzyna: Million dollar kid

1st of all how can you not support sick kids!!! I have a very personal connection to sick kids. My son was born premature and anything that could go wrong, went wrong. He was born at Mount Sinai Hospital at 25 week gestation . He weighed under 900g when he was born, quickly things started to go wrong and we were transported to sick kids. Terrell spent 6 months undergoing countless procedures and tests. It was dark times for our family , we were the lucky ones. My husband and I always say that our son is a million dollar kid. Without the time , love and attention our son would not be here with us. We know that if we didn’t have sick kids I wouldn’t have my sweet, loving, super, fantastic son. We still have a few appointments each year at sickkids but nothing we can’t handle.

Laura: What no parent wants to think about

My SickKids story was so life-changing that I wrote a book about it. Here’s a condensed version:

I knew SickKids was there for other people’s sick kids, but I never imagined needing it.

In March, 1998, my eldest daughter Leiah, 14, had been feeling poorly since the weekend.. We thought it was the flu. So did the doctor. On Wednesday night, when she didn’t want to watch her favourite show, Party of Five, we all went to bed, hoping one more good night’s sleep would turn things around.

Thursday morning we woke up and found Leiah on the floor, limbs shaking, and in a depressed state of consciousness. We called 911. I remember being chilled as I followed her outside into the ambulance. It took her to our local hospital, where doctors said she needed more care; they sent her to SickKids.

I have many memories of our six weeks at SickKids:

*The doctors and nurses putting Leiah into a drug-induced coma to give her brain a chance to heal
*The angst I felt each time she had another seizure; I wondered if that was the seizure that killed the last brain cell that would keep her brain viable
*Many nurses, doctors, the chaplain, a social worker, and even the cleaning staff
*When Leiah grew more ill, being given a room for our family to stay in
*Hanging on to one nurse’s words: “As long as there is life, there is hope”
*Lots of medical tests, and the last ditch brain surgery to try to find some clue as to what was happening to Leiah and why.

And I remember sitting around a table with several doctors and nurses, hearing the prognosis. After they asked, “What would Leiah want?” I pictured her dancing about freely, her sparkling blue eyes vibrant. I will never forget the gut-wrenching pain of telling that I believed that my daughter did not want to be kept alive artificially — that she wanted: to be taken off life support

When Leiah took her last breath, I collapsed. Knowing I’d never be with her again in life, was agonizing. After other family members and the chaplain left, the nurse and I stayed. We looked at her beautiful face, with no tubes attached, and washed her hair. The nurse let me stay as long as I needed. It was a holy, peace-filled experience that I needed before I could leave the hospital without her.

Four days later when the nurse came to the funeral home, I was touched. After all, we had both shared something no one else had.

More than a decade later, after I had been able to process my grief more fully, I wrote a book about my daughter called “Special”. My SickKids experience is a large part of that book. The hospital chaplain, Michael Marshall, generously wrote the foreward.

So, as you can tell, SickKids means a lot to me.

Although my daughter did not survive her illness, I witnessed the staff at SickKids doing everything possible to save her. I am grateful for the gifts of their skill, compassion, expertise, and care.

Because I have experienced the loss that no parent wants to think about, I chose to become a monthly donor.
My hope is that my donations, and those of many others, will build a stronger SickKids that is able to response to all families who need them. Because the only thing that matters when your child is sick, is getting them the right care.

Lynn: Sibling Experience at Sick Kids

My brother is 6 years younger than me. My brother is 29 years old now. He was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. He spent many months of his infancy at Sick Kids for numerous surgeries. He had many more surgeries in years to follow. As his sister, I spent a lot of time at Sick Kids as a visitor in the games room or in the cafeteria during the ages of 6 and 16. While I understand now, the severity of my brothers’ time there, I never felt like I was in a negative space. Our family always felt welcomed by the staff, nurses and doctors. I know that Sick Kids changed my brothers life as well and my Mom and Dad’s life… So of course of changed mine. I haven’t been to Sick Kids in 20 years, but 20 years later I hope that families can have the same experiences my family had.

Vanessa: From sepsis survivor to competitive athlete

SickKids saved my son’s life. When he was six he became sick with a bacterial infection that turned into sepsis. Sick Kids emergency services retrieved him from the smaller hospital we were in as he was going into septic shock and brought him for emergency surgery and critical care. He was hospitalized for months as he recovered and received treatment as an outpatient for years (big shout out to the Infectious Disease and Ortho units). He received a hip replacement at Sick Kids at age 10 as the initial infection caused his left hip to collapse. Now at age 12 he’s a healthy boy playing competitive sports. We owe it all to Sick Kids.

Kimberley Jean: Generations of giving

My first experience with sick kids was nearly 40 years ago. I was born in a third world country with a congenital disorder which my birth country did not have adequate treatment for. As the first born, my parents were willing to do anything to get me adequate care and were directed to Canada and sick kids. Not only did I receive the proper treatment, I was cleared at the age of 4 of any ongoing remnants of the disorder. My parents, seeing the amazing care in Canada, chose to become citizens and have lived in Canada since 1989. I have been a proud Canadian for as long as I have known myself . Sick kids again came into my life when my son was born with a different congenital disorder and he required surgery at 6 months. I then was able to experience the first hand care as the parent of a child that sick kids is world renowned for. I owe my health, my mobility, my citizenship, my education, my career, my bilingualism, and the health my current family to the involvement of sick kids in my life.

Nora: How Sick Children’s Hospital and staff helped me to be strong .

I am now 90 yrs old, In the 1950’s my 4 children 3 sons & 1 daughter were taken to Sick Children’s as soon as they were born to have transfusions due to RH negative factor. We were young and had no family in Toronto, and because they were admitted as a new patient none of their stay was covered by any insurance, it was a very hard time for our family, my daughter was there for a month. I often wonder how we managed without any help. I believe this is why I want to help others. Eleven years ago my great grandson was in Sick Kids for several months waiting on a new heart, he was born missing the left ventricle of his heart. He still goes for check ups and this is part of his life. They were told to abort him in early pregnancy which they wouldn’t do. Today he is an active boy going on 12 with an older brother and sister and loved by all. Their experience with Sick Children’s as to care, and just everything was wonderful. His name is Riley Haveron. This is why it means so much to put Sick Children’s Hospital in my budget. I have been widowed twice and last Feb. lost my eldest son of cancer just days after he was 69 Riley’s grandpa. I have great empathy for others who are going through things in life. You are all in my prayers Nora

Nicole: You are my sunshine

My story started with my 3 year old Laurel who was sent to another hospital with a simple cold that had triggered her asthma. She wasn’t getting better then collapsed. I thought she was dying literally in my arms and nurses rushed to aid her. They looked as scared as I did. Laurel threw up alot of blood when she woke up. This is when sick kids were called and they rushed to come get her. As things kept getting worst, I looked at the drs and nurses that flooded her room/hallway. I looked to gauge how to feel. Was she dying???? The staff at sick kids were calm and collected. Which helped me so much. I felt if anyone was going to help her they would be able. She went threw 3 surgery’s in 24 hrs. She had a massive ulcer that almost took her life. Sick kids saved her and made the worst days of my life as best as it could be in every way. In the biggest way and threw the smallest things such as helping me sing you are my sunshine to Laurel when I couldn’t threw the tears. The clowns that came to make her laugh when I hadn’t seen her laugh in weeks. We were supported every step of the way. This was my inspiration to support Sick Kids. They saved my child’s life and I wanted to help them save others threw the darkest of times. Thank you so very much. Laurel Levesque is here and healthy today because of you!

Stacey: Helping the kids ❤️

I first started my 20 a month contribution after speaking with a rep from Sick Kids. They were coming door to door asking for help. 20 is not a lot but along with other donors hopefully it makes a difference. My late brother in law was also a donor. His last wishes were that others donate as well. As a mom and now a grandma, children hold a special place in my heart. I can’t imagine what the kids and their families go thru. I admire their strength!!!!!!! I have received a few thank yous from the kids that receive your help. I love that!!! Thank u! It’s nice to hear their stories and see their beautiful faces!

Jessica: A sisters story

As a child ( 4 ) I would come to sick kids often to visit my little sister Ada ( 3 months ) as she underwent multiple surgeries for two holes in her heart. I specifically remember the staff not only caring for her but helping me understand her treatments as well using little dolls. I played in little playrooms near her room and even threw her pretend parties with balloons and music. Ada did amazing and we are so thankful

Anna: Rachel’s Journey

We first became involved with SickKids when our daughter, Rachel de Langley, was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) at the age of 4. Truly a nightmare but the wonderful staff at SickKids talked us through the options for treatment (experimental I believe at the time) and made my husband and I feel safe and understood throughout the next few years. Rachel ‘gave back’ as a ‘Terry’s team member’ for years and is now a stunning, healthy woman of 29 with 3 young boys (ages 6,5 and 2:).
I hope for families with children at SickKids they are still supported and cared for as we were all those years ago.
Eternally grateful am I to the SickKids community. Thank you, Anna de Langley

Patricia: Our special boy, 1 in 1.3 million

Our Sick Kids story is a very long journey that started in December 2012. Our beautiful son Mark, was born June 6, 2012 in our small town hospital. It soon became clear that Mark needed more medical help than they were capable of giving and Mark was transferred by medical ambulance to London Children’s Hospital. Our hearts were torn as we watched the team of medical specialists load Mark into his little incubator and wheel him away. We were to follow as soon as we could. It was soon discovered that Mark was born with Tracheoesophageal Fistula, which meant that his trachea and esophagus were connected. Mark had emergency surgery to save his life when he was less than 24 hours old. The next months were a roller coaster of ups and downs, a journey where Mark’s health would improve, and then suddenly in a shocking jolt his health would falter again. Parents should never have to hear the words “we don’t know if he will make it through” and yet those words are burned in our hearts forever. In the roller coaster of ups and downs, Mark also developed Pyloric Stenosis, another condition completely unrelated which caused so many complications in Mark’s health. We discovered how rare it is to have both of these conditions, only a 1 in 1.3 million probability. After a few months, and multiple surgeries, London Children’s Hospital needed the assistance of Sick Kids as they just did not have the equipment to manage the next surgery that Mark needed to undergo.
On December 10, 2012 Mark was again loaded into an ambulance, this time for the journey from London to Toronto. Once we settled into the new hospital, met our new surgeon, new nurses and a whole new ‘home away from home’ Mark was scheduled for surgery. A hospital is a challenging place to be, Mark was in a room with a very limited amount of space. Never have we been so thankful for a rocking chair or a chair with cushions. Even though Mark had multiple tubes and wires attached, there was nothing that made him happier than snuggles with Mom or Dad, so a comfortable chair became more important that we ever thought it could be. Mark’s surgery was scheduled for December 22, just a few short days before Christmas. Our hearts were heavy with worry as we walked the halls of Sick Kids in anticipation, and yet the joy of the miracle of Christmas was brought to life in the hospital. Mark’s surgery was a long process, 6 hours, we were confident in the ability of Mark’s new surgeon, and our surgeon from London had come to be a part of the surgery as well. And as the doctors worked on our son, we waited with a handful of extended family members – never willing to leave the waiting room in case things took a turn for the worse. I don’t think the volunteers who work in the waiting room realise how valuable they are to the families who wait, knowing they would connect us to Mark’s team as soon as would be possible is a huge gift.
Mark spent Christmas in the ICU, the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and everyone involved helped us through this challenging time as we waited, prayed for Mark to heal. Finally, on January 11, 2013 Mark was discharged, we went home with a feeding tube, a food pump, and oxygen tubing ready to use. We were ready to care for our son in all his challenges since the nurses helped us learn and worked so well with us on his care in hospital and made the transition to home care a breeze. But even though we were home again, Sick Kids continued and still continues to play such a huge roll in our lives. Mark was back in Sick Kids for a week just after his 1st birthday, this time for another surgery. We come back multiple times a year for follow up appointments, procedures that take place in the operating room, blood works, tests, etc., etc. So yes, our journey with Sick Kids has been a long one and most likely will continue until Mark is an adult. And our journey with Sick Kids is a personal one, and therefore we like to give back in a personal way. We love to donate to treatments and research to help kids of today and kids of tomorrow. But our absolute favourite way to give back is through the Get Better Gifts Program. Instead of a mother’s or father’s day gift for each other, we often prefer to give a parent who is walking the halls of Sick Kids with their child something that will brighten their day. Mark has collected beer cans from the community and donated the funds through Get Better Gifts. Mark loves to give towards gaming systems, colouring pages, games or the music program as these are the things that kept him busy or that he still values on his trips to Sick Kids. We love to give gifts for crafting, special gifts for parents and to put money towards chairs for parents at the bed side. When our children struggle, we struggle, when our kids go through tough times our hearts break for them, but the help and care that they receive at Sick Kids makes the challenge just a little more bearable.

Elena: Elenas heart gives back

At 20 weeks pregnant we found out Elena had TGA. We were sent for all kinds of test and scans between 11 and 20 weeks. Many test and scans were done between 20 weeks and birth as well. Elena’smom was booked to have induction on the 15th of March though true Elena style she had her own ideas for a birthday. Elena’s mom went into labour on March 5th during church. We had her checked at our local hospital to see how labour was going to see if we needed to be rushed via ambulance to Toronto for birth or if we could drive ourselves. After two hours of monitoring Elena and checking mom over they finally let us drive. Keeping track of contractions from Woodstock to Toronto we made our way as fast as we could to Mt Sinai. We were checked in and they were watching her closely. But we could finally relax we were where we had to be to keep Elena safe and give her the best chance. Even our car being broken in to and all our stuff being taken that we brought to document and make memories with gone. Could not bring us down. Our little lady was on her way. To start to battle to live. They let Elena’s mom labour watching and checking often. Well we the family slept in labour room floor and chairs helping as much as we could. On March 7th early morning Elena was in distress and they decided to do a C section. Elena was born on March 7th 2017 at 10:03 am pink and doing better then what they thought she was going to do. She was stabilized given prostaglandin and sent to Sick kids right away. Where she was prepped for her first procedure. A balloon atrial septostomy “Means keeping the hole between the two chambers that is open during pregnancy open longer.” Shortly after birth they say that not only did Elena have TGA but also had bilateral pulmonary artery narrowing and hypoplasia of the aortic arch. We had 5 glorious days before they told us was Elena had reached time for her open heart surgery. We had her baptized at 6 am before her scheduled surgery. We made it down to the waiting spot in the or before going to the operating room before they realized she had a collapsed lower right lung and they could not do the surgery and it was postponed. We were sent back to cccu. Where she recovered with help of a special mask and went back up to 4d 2 days later. The night after returning to 4d we were told she would have her open heart surgery the next morning. We walked her down to the Or. yet again with all the emotions flowing around. And we handed our little lady to surgeons to fix her broken heart. We were shown to a waiting room where we started our 14 .5 hour wait. The Doctor came out about 8.5 and said she’s doing good and they did have some trouble with her coronary artery’s they were coming up side by side at the bottom of her heart. And they had to very carefully correct them and thank god for Dr Hickey they did. They were waiting for her to stop bleeding. And off the doctor went to be with her again. 6 hours later we were told they were going to move her back to cccu get her settled and we could see her. Another 2 hours passed and we got to go in and be by her bedside where we seen the most spooky site we will ever see. Our child with her chest open with a retractor tubes coming out of her all over. On a breathing system and 3 to 4 time the size we gave her away at. We took our turns seeing our lil angel holding her hand talking to her. Then it happened one of the oddest events of our full recovery. She opened her eyes and looked at us with her heart beating outside her chest. Her recovery was very slow she had a lot of trouble getting rid of the extra fluid on her body. Needed lots of help with that. As well they had trouble closing her chest because of many reasons too. Chest closure happened 7 days later. 8 days after her chest was closed she was extubated and put on O2. We spent a total of 20 days in cccu. And returned to 4d to work on our way home. Once we got to 4d we seen her having some Eye rolling episodes. Where they did eeg and saw high spikes on the front right side of her brain and was put on a med to help with seizures. We continued on our recovery and got to go home the day before good Friday. Elena has been recovering slowly and still requires 3 meds and is still on NG feeding tube. But over all her heart is holding its own . We started seeing the team every 3 months for her heart. Now 5 years later we have made it to every 2 years. Elena is now 5 years old. She has had many more bumps in the road. She is followed by ENT do to airway troubles Strider and floppy arithnoide and narrow ariway and GI as well she suffers bad from acid reflux. We are happy to say Nero cleared her of seizures at 1 year. We did have a few issues but only after surgeries. Elena has also been dx with autism just about a year ago. We are so over greatful for sick kids and all they did for Elena and are continuing to do for kids.

Cheryl: Just”in” Time

Our son Justin was diagnosed at 3 yrs. old with low IGG and we spent the first 6 years of his life fighting for some understanding of his continual infections. His 6th year was great, and I thought we were finally on the mend as we were continuously told by local doctors that his low IGG was nothing to concern ourselves with and he would outgrow his issues.
The summer after he turned 7 was so much fun and I finally relaxed. Then on Sept 16th, 2016, he came home screaming in pain from what I assumed was a cramp in his leg. After high fevers, screaming for 4 days straight, a misdiagnosis at our local hospital Justin was admitted to Sick kids for the first time on Sept 21st, 2016. After a very scary night of the unknown Justin was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis of his right femur bone. To put it in simpler terms a bug was eating our son’s femur from the inside out! If it wasn’t for Sick kids my son would not be able to play high end AAA hockey today which he loves. Although Sick kids did hope and so did, we that this was a one-time thing sadly during the pandemic Justin had it come back but this time in his left foot on June 3rd, 2021. He didn’t quite make it to 5 years in between these two extremely painful bone infections. Again, after being sent home from our local hospital when we insisted it was the same pain and Justin knew he was in trouble again, Sick kids answered our panic email and saved our sons foot which allowed him to continue the sports he loves. Thank you, Sick Kids, and although I pray every day that this bug doesn’t attack my son again, I know and so does he that there is only one place he wants to be to deal with Osteomyelitis and it’s at Sick Kids!! We titled his walk that he did in 2017 to raise money and this story “Justin Time” because too often in his life he has been diagnosed just in time!

Patricia: Niko’s Story

We were first involved with Sick Kids in 1991 when our younger son Niko was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at the age of 7. Our son was given a chance to live by the amazing team at sick kids during 8 long years of superb care, that is why I support and will continue to support Sick Kids so the the present and future generations continue to have this wonderful hospital.

Sharon: Miracle Work Performed Here!

Sick Kids Hospital became our new home in 1981. I had just had my second son when my two year old, after being misdiagnosed at another hospital for two months, was found to have a rare form of cancer. He went through surgery (by the amazing Dr Filler, who separated the conjoined twins years ago) and then 18 months of chemo. The love and support from EVERYONE at Sick Kids, from the doctors and nurses to the volunteers and kitchen staff was insurmountable. I just can’t thank them enough for always making us feel like family and that Brandon was THEIR child too. The little angel he made there in the playroom when he was three still sits at the top of our Christmas tree every year. How lucky are we to have an amazing place like Sick Kids in our country! Oh and that beautiful two year old bald-headed cancer warrior……is now a beautiful (still bald-headed lol!) 43 year old! Thanks Sick Kids, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Lena Yu-Yu: Lena’s story

It was 1976 when I was admitted to Sick Kid’s after visiting multiple doctors and specialists and spending 3 months at Scarborough General Hospital. I was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease. Dr. Sass Kortsak, the father of Wilson’s, was my primary physician at Sick Kid’s. I spent about a year at Sick Kid’s. I had tremendous tremors in my hands and lost my speech and balance (thus, I was unable to walk and feed myself). Dr. Sass Kortsak saved my life. The nurses were all very kind and patient with me. I remember my favourite nurse, Pauline, would used to come and tell me a joke every time when she was on duty. I was and still am a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Darryl Sittler is my all time favourite player. The nurses on my floor took me to a sporting goods store and bought me a ’76 team Canada Sittler jersey. Even though I was too sick to visit the recreational floor, the staff there would often try to get special guests to visit my floor. Although it took me several years to regain full capacity of my body, I am very grateful to all the staff at Sick Kid’s. Today, I am living my dream as an elementary school teacher. Recently, I also became a grandma!

Shiraz: Hope

Ahmed 14 year old.
I was a high risk pregnancy at 20 weeks had in utero surgery for bilateral lung infusions. Stents were placed at Mt Sinai, I was a premie was in Nicu until Feb 2008. I was born 30.12.2007.
I involved with sick kids since Nicu stay for coarctation of the Aorta and pulmonary issues. I was diagnosed with rare genetic disorder Noonans Syndrome.
I feel blessed and supported by Sick Kids team. Hematology, IBD clunic, Genetics, cardio, Dentistry and Psychology. Recently I was diagnosed with Autism, and Ulcerative Colitis.
The team, nurses and doctors are always pleasant and welcoming. My hopes are that children to be supported and experience the welcoming environment that I experienced. That inspired me to support sick kids. Sick kids is patient and family centered approach and my wish is that it continues to be that.

Gillian: Charlie

Thank you for reaching out to hear my story. In April 2018 my grandson Charlie needed a kidney transplant due to his Chronic Kidney Disease. His mother Catharine was the donor. It was an overwhelming event in our family to have a young child needing a life-saving surgery. He is monitored along his journey to make sure he is well.
I cannot express how grateful we are for all the incredible help and care that Charlie has received. In addition to monetary donations, not long ago I came into contact with Claudia Kugelmass of “Comfy Cases” which is a group of people that make/sew pillowcases in child-friendly, happy designed materials for children. It brings smiles and comfort to children when they are in the hospital and they can take them home. Our group loves to give to these children and it is a real joy to be part of the program.
Gillian Scheurer (Omee)

Sukhpal: Navdeep – My son’s story

At 3 yrs old, my son Navdeep had a echo cardiogram. He was diagnosed with right atrial isomerism, absent left AV connection . In short he had a complicated heart problem. We consulted many doctors in India. It was extremely hard time for us. We kept moving to find right answer and treatment for Navdeep. But we didn’t get the right answer.
Navdeep was six years old, then with the support of my friend in Canada we did the application in International Patient Program (Herbie Fund) at SickKids to get his heart treatment. After the waiting of few weeks, we remember that we were so happy, when we had received a mail from SickKids and found that our applications had been approved by Herbie Fund. Then we fly to Canada for the heart surgery of our son. We are forever thankful to the Herbie Fund who had provided the expenses for our son’s treatment.

After the pre-diagnosis, finally , on May 8th , 2002, our son had a long heart surgery. In that tough time we were scared but feeling safe that Navdeep is in the safe hands of such a supportive and expert group of SickKids staff .

Navdeep is now 26yrs old young boy. Excellent care he had received from SickKids has made his life close to a normal person and he has done 8 years of schooling and completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree(MBA).
Currently he is working as a senior consultant in a company.

As parents we felt SickKids is not only a hospital but it is lot more. At SickKids we found comfort, piece of mind, expert medical care. We felt our child was in safe hands.
SickKids is a place where doctors don’t give up, they keep finding the solution.

We love SickKids.
We believe in SickKids.
Sukhpal and Manjinder

Wayne: Aidans Journey

Aidan began with seizures in September of 2015. He was seen at BGH and Sick Kids and Kingston were consulted. At this time he was diagnosed with what they thought could be cortical dysplasia. After being placed on seizure medication the seizures were not ceasing so an MRI was ordered in November at Sick Kids. These scans showed growth and Aidan was fast tracked to surgery. 3 days later Aidan was admitted and off for surgery and after a long week of recovery we were told Aidan had been diagnosed with a stage 3 inoperable brain tumor called Gliomatosis Cerebri. At this time Aidan was placed on chemotherapy in December of 2015….all was stable until an MRI in June of 2016 which was showing growth again. At this time we were given options for his next course of treatment. We opted at that time for radiation which consisted of a 6 week stay in Toronto for the duration of radiation. Since that time he had undergone more chemotherapy which had put us making frequent hospital trips and stays. He remained stable until July of 2017 when the MRI indicated there was possible growth happening. In 2018 we were given the devastating news that the tumour was growing out of control and going more could be done. Over those 3 years Sick Kids was home away from home. And there couldn’t have been a better place for him if we’d imagined it ourselves.

Tania: Miranda double the strength

Miranda was born with heart disease and had open heart surgery the following day after she was born. Later on before her 2nd birthday she was also diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. We are involved by giving back and supporting every way we can and hope that any child who receives a diagnosis will always receive the same care and compassion we’ve always received from all the doctors and clinics.

Stefanie: Penny’s team is the best team.

SickKids was where our family found comfort, stability, resiliency and expert medical care when needed it most. Our oldest child was born with Cystic Fibrosis
In 2017. Our relationship with the hospital team has been fundamental to the healthy mental and physical growth of our daughter as well as the expansion of our family to include another baby boy unaffected by CF. We have absolute trust for the entire CF team at SickKids and it makes an entire world of difference to our family. While we do not ever revel in having to spend time in those walls, we always enter feeling eternally grateful for their existence and for the absolutely second to none care that we know we will receive from every human in there.

elizabeth: Sick Kids is a family affair.

I first became impacted by Sick Kids when my 8 month old daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. The CF Team provided us with not only the education to care for Madi, but more importantly they provided the emotional support to deal with a child with a chronic illness. My hope would be that families not need the services of Sick Kids, but in the case they do, I would hope that families would lean into the amazing professionals who go above and beyond caring for the sick children.

Omer J: The dreaded Iron Lung

Dear friends of Sick Kids,
I currently reside in Sarnia On. When I was 2 1/2 years old I was diagnosed with Polio. I spent some time at Sick Kids in the 50’s, in and Iron Lung. I do not remember any of it, but my parents (deceased now) told me about it. I am not paralized anymore. I became a Big Brother in 1971 and my little brother and I are still matched. The reason for telling you this is to let you know that my little brother was also a Timmy March of Dimes recepient. His daughter Allison works at Sick Kids. That is the reason I support the Foundation for Sick Kids. Thank you for letting me share my story. Mr Omer Foisy The picture is of my little brother and myself, still matched after 51 years

Sherry: Second chances

In 1998, I was an 8yr old patient of Sick Kids Hospital. As a matter of fact, I was told I was the first child at that hospital to have had the case I had. I had an aneurysm and almost died but thanks to God and the wonderful team at Sick Kids, I came out alive and well. I am living a blessed life at 33yrs old today and happy I’m able to share my story in hopes of inspiring and encouraging others of never giving up and that this hospital is more than a building. This hospital was my home for 5+ months and it did not feel as though I was ill or even in a hospital because the atmosphere is so calm and inviting. My parents had to leave me overnight and at the time I couldn’t have even imagined or understood the pain they must have had to gone through having a sick kid and probably feeling helpless and scared. But The Sick Kids staff were amazing to me as well as my family from the stories I was told and the little I could also remember experiencing myself. To this day, I continue to donate to this hospital even if it is just in small increments at a time yearly but no money can compare to getting a second chance in life however any little monetary donation can surely make a difference and help the hospital to continue to strive and being it’s best. Thank you Sick Kids Hospital for all that you do each and every day!

Adam: Overcoming the odds

I was born with a congenital heart disease and rushed to sick kids. Doctors at the hospital I was born didn’t expect me to make it through the night but with the amazing help of all the nurses and doctors at sick kids hospital I’m still alive today. I’ve been through many surgeries and stays at sick kids and it never felt scary as a kid. The hospital was such a friendly welcoming place with games, shows and so many things to allow kids to be kids even in grim times. Thanks to sick kids I now have a wife and beautiful baby girl of my own that I love dearly
and without the amazing staff and hospital it would not have been possible.

Sara: My story begins with 2 years in the Epilepsy classroom, a desire to learn and teachers that saw my potential

My name is Ruby.
I started my Sick Kids journey in the Epilepsy classroom. It was the best school experience I had throughout my years of education.
I became an embassador for Sick Kids and was very luck to support the Hospital and represent at many wonderful events.
Since my time with Sick Kids my life has changed quite a bit. I life life on the Autism Spectrum and have a progressive neurological disorder that interferes with my mobility.
If Sick Kids taught me anything it was determination and resiliency. These lessons stick with me as I persue my dream of being a Paralympian.
This summer I represented Ontario and the Canada Games and won a Bronze Medal.
My time at Sick Kids will always be special to me and helped make me the person i am today and the champion I hope to be in the future.

Mary: Raymond: Giving Back

My son, Raymond was born in June of 1989 and was diagnosed at Sick Kids in November of 1989 with a rare blood disorder called Kostmann’s Neutropenia. That changed our lives and began our journey with Sick Kids Hospital. We lived in Stayner about a 90 minute drive from Sick Kids. Raymond was hospitalized in 1990 after he was becoming septic and remained at Sick Kids for nearly 2 months. Sick Kids was able to obtain an experimental drug for Raymond from California which saved his life. In 1993, Raymond was diagnosed with AML and the search was on for a Bone Marrow Donor. An unrelated match was found, and in April of 1994, he underwent at Bone Marrow Transplant at HSC. Complications arose from the BMT and Raymond was diagnosed with Graft Versus Host Disease which has left him with physical disabilities. Raymond continued to receive care over the years from Sick Kids with other illnesses and routine checkups and until he was 18 years old. In 2008, Raymond began employment with our local Dairy Queen. Children’s Miracle Network is the charity of choice for Dairy Queen and each year, employees were involved in fundraising for this great cause. Due to his years at Sick Kids, Raymond took this fundraising to heart in an effort to give back to the hospital that saved him more than once. Since 2008, Raymond has raised over $127,000.00. His wish is to have other children looked after as well as he was.

Lauren: My Determined Warrior

My family found itself living at SickKids when my son was 3.5 months old. He was in sudden and severe heart failure. Within 2 weeks he was placed on a Berlin Heart where he stayed for 7 more months until his transplant. I personally feel like the hospital definitely saved his life and he’s now a thriving 2.5 year old

Grayden: On October 6 2019, I was diagnosed with embryonal anapalastic rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive sarcoma cancer with a 20% survival rate.

On October 24 2019 The incredible Dr Lorenzo at SickKids performed a successful 11 hour Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection surgery and I began an extensive treatment plan with SickKids Hospital receiving 14 rounds of chemotherapy (64 treatments ), 45 blood tests, 1 angiogram, 2 MRI’s, 3 PET/CT scans and 2 X-rays over a 48 week period. On September 23 2020 I had my port removed During this time I continued with my winter part time job as a snow board instructor, and completed grade 11 with full credits. My senior year was focused on regaining my strength. I graduated with my class in 2021 with honours and worked at my summer landscaping job. Since then I have entered University and spent the past summer backpacking through Europe I was told I had a table of up to 32 Doctors that would discuss my prognosis and plan of attack monthly. Dr. Shaikh, fellow Adam Yan and my Co-ordinator Arvinder were amazing, they became a 2nd family, always able to put a smile on my face, making my stay as comfortable as possible and answering as many questions that I had. Nobody wants to have Cancer, but I am grateful that I had SickKids Hospital taking care of me. My battle vs cancer has helped to shape the person I am today. Life is not something to take for granted, it is meant to be appreciated, enjoyed and valued very day. I am now in my 2nd year of University working my way towards a degree in Engineering. It will still be another 3 years until I am officially considered Cancer free but a positive attitude and the great support and care I received at Sick Kids Hospital saved my life. I am ready to start my next chapter by helping to change the world through new engineering discoveries and my ‘you got this’ outlook. Thank you to Sick Kids Hospital and everyone that has been a part of my journey Grayden Shea

Miriam: The Road to Giving Begins with Understanding

I give in honour of my mother who had the privilege of working amongst this inspiring, humble and dedicated group of professionals. Everyone matters at Sick Kids- from the cleaners to the medical specialists to the patients. That’s why I give.

Janelle: A friend

I don’t have an immediate connection with sick kids per say, I was however taken aback by all of the stories I heard upon moving to Toronto. I had met friends whose lives had been changed at sick kids hospital. The more I read and learned the more I knew I wanted to help in whatever I could, and well that was that. I vowed to always donate to sick kids. I am proud of everyone who is a part of that hospital and foundation. If one day I can do more, I assure you I will.

Michelle: Our Reason.. Samuel

My son Samuel was born with a hearing issue that required medical review. We first met the ENT team in summer of 2016 and quickly felt like we became part of a family. At a year old Samuel went in for an MRI and the team was incredible with him and us. As he gets older our visits become further apart but every time we are in the care of the SK team we are treated with compassion, care and urgency.
We decided to become donors to give back and help ensure other families can receive the same exceptional care Samuel has and continues to receive!

Lisa: With Gratitude and Love, Lisa Greco

Hello there!!!!

My name is Lisa Greco, I was a patient at Sick Kids for 18 years(from birth to my 18 birthday). I was born in March of 1973, with what is called Hemangioma in my cheek and on my lower lip. As this condition was not very common, I saw the head of plastic surgery who specialized in burns and performing surgery on cleft lip patients..
His name was Dr. Lindsay. He was a tall slender man, calm kind and always polite. He always wore a bow tie and a smile. The nurses were always so sweet and enthusiastic when greeting me. My earliest memory of coming to Sick Kids was when I entered a waiting room with my mother, with several burn victims waiting to see Dr. Lindsay . I remember feeling very intimidated and a little scared. This was the case every six months as that was how often I had to get checked out. The reason for this was that the hemangioma growth was so close to brain that the fear was that it would cause damage. Over the years, Dr. Lindsay had observed and discovered that the hemangioma stoped growing; and as a matter of fact, the bulge that it caused on my right cheek, was slowly starting to decrease! The more I grew, the smaller my cheek got. It started out when I was born not being visible at all. After a month, however, my cheek and lip began to grow .
Dre. Lindsay performed two lip surgeries to decrease the bulge; one when I was in 12 and the other was when I was 14. The first surgery was very invasive, as Dr. Lindsay attempted to reconstruct my lower lip. The second was not as invasive, but was more of a touch up procedure.
Dr. Lindsay was very straightforward with not feeling comfortable doing anything to my face(cheek), as the facial nerves were too close to the surface of the skin. This was what I was told was the case through out the years I was at Sick Kids. When I turned 18 and was not able to be a patient at Sick Kids, Dr. Lindsay referred me to another plastic surgeon- Dr Martin.
Since being a patient at Sick Kids, I have had two more surgeries. One to decrease the circular scar on my cheek as the skin had ripped open when I was an infant- the skin was so thin and when falling out of my crib, the skin tore open. De. Martin performed a small procedure to make it a liner scar.
After Dr. Martin said that there was nothing else he could do for me, I accepted that and moved on.
Several years later my mother was watching Dateline and they did a story on a Dr. in NYC.
Dr. Waner performed major surgery on my cheek and removed most of the hemangioma!!!!
I am forever humbled and fortunate to have been a patient at Sick Kids. It was my experience there that gave me the confidence and drive to never give up on me.
Thank you so much!!!!
I will forever hold a special place in my heart for this amazing facility; who not only gives attention those precious children who need it, but also provides a safe and friendly environment for their patients and parents, who look to them for that reassurance when they need it most.
Thank you!!!

Natasza: Be the the light in someone’s darkness

Our story started when Dominik was 2 and a half years old. We were scared , unsure and had so many worries for his future and health. Sick kids took us under their wings (like a guardian angel) and not only took care of my super silly, fun, adventurous boy but also educated us about his epilepsy all through our journey. Education is power in having the right tools and road maps to any healing journey. We were not just gifted the best care you could hope for , but a family. A family that fought with us, protected us in storms and gave Dominik a future we could only pray for. Dominiks journey ended with the hospital just days before his 16th birthday. He had the opportunity for two life changing brain surgeries and boy were they ever!! He has graduated highschool , is in the automotive industry , and owns the power to his health. All because sick kids hospital had him become one of their own.

You come to sick kids shaken, scared and sometimes with lots of tears. You leave with hope, gratitude, love and light. Thank you sick kids hospital for being in our life when we were unable to breathe some days. You gave us air and this is why now that we can, we GIVE.

All the years we spent at sick kids we knew how much it took for everything to work. It happened from not only the incredible staff but from the outstanding donors. Donors we will never meet but feel connected to.

Now, we get to pay it forward. We now become a part of the next stories of hope. Sick kids is a gift that inspires next generations to do the same and become a gift.

Our hope for the future is that all those who can become a gift for a sick kids patient ,do! It transforms your heart into magic. It makes your smile shine a little brighter. It causes a chain reaction!
Give today whatever it may be small or large. Because whatever it is will be the reason a child and their family finds light in a journey that feels so dark. Create that crack in the wall of darkness and be someone’s light that they won’t ever forget!

Marci: Marci’s Survivor Story

In the latter half of 1979 my health began to decline, I was experiencing severe stomach pains for which there was no obvious cause. On the advice of a family friend, my parents took me to a new paediatrician, Dr. Gerard MacGillivray of Oshawa (an honorary consultant to SickKids) who requisitioned blood work. Based on the results, I was admitted to SickKids in January of 1980 and the following day, I was officially diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Under the tremendous care of Dr. Melvin Freedman and his team, I began treatment, chemotherapy and radiation. I was only 8 at the time and although I didn’t really understand what was going on, I knew I was in good hands. At the age of 13, I was considered cured. I credit the stellar SickKids Haematology/Oncology Team, the compassionate Radiology Team at Princess Margaret Hospital, and the unwavering love and support of my family/friends for contributing to my survivor story.

In 1995 I was scheduled to undergo surgery for an unrelated illness at Toronto General Hospital. I went to SickKids to say hello to Dr. Freedman, but he wasn’t in his office – after my surgery, I woke up one day to find Dr. Freedman seated at my bedside. I will never forgot his quirky sense of humour or his dedication to his research and treatment of childhood cancers at SickKids.

Marci resides in Toronto with her 12-year old daughter Lily.

Randi: In their shoes

We first started at sick kids was when my daughter was under 3 months old. She was supposed to be home with us but instead was living in the Nicu. She was a premature baby. She was born at 28.5 weeks and it was the most dreadful time of our lives. We were being transported by an ambulance and her little tiny body coming into Sixk kids was a the darkest time. Hearing her cries, but knowing she was in the best expert hands for her eye abnormality was reassuring. They were comforting and walked us through the steps that would be involved in our babies future. My daughter is now healthy happy and 4 years old. Going to sick kids have become routine we go 3-6 months and if there’s an opportunity for more kids to still be kids during medical appointments that is worthwhile. Having the games and coloring and paintings on the wall go along for these little people. Supports for parents would be greatly appreciated during these long appointments. I am certain that we are not the only parents who experience PTSD in the hallways

Melissa: Isabella’s Heart

At three weeks old our youngest daughter, Isabella, required a procedure on her heart to correct a pulmonary stenosis. The doctors and nurses at Sick Kids could not have been more wonderful. We will be Sick Kids supporters for life because of the outstanding care and support we received. Thank you!

Norah: A Twisted Tale

I first become involved with SickKids as a patient. I developed Scoliosis at an early age and needed treatment. SickKids performed a surgery when I was 11 years old that fused a piece of my hip bone to my spine, halting any further curve progression. Thanks to SickKids I now live a pretty active life. My Scoliosis does not prevent me from doing what the average person can do, walk, bike, hike, run, even sky dive (only one time though, that was enough!). Yes, my spine is still curved but thanks to SickKids I am able to live life with almost full range of mobility. Thank you, SickKids!

Mirian: Home away from Home

Josh was born with a heart condition. From pre birth to the time he had to be discharged due to age, SickKids provided the best care not only to Josh but also to the family. During his surgeries, many stays and visits to Sick kids, Josh enjoyed playing video games, watching movies, choosing his meals, art, being silly with the amazing staff…just been a kid/your during a difficult situation. Sickkids made that possible with all its amazing services and staff. Josh’s little sister often stayed at the day care offered for free in the hospital. Josh older brother often enjoyed family dinners at the hospital with Josh when he was able to step out of his room to the Atrium. And ofcourse as a mom I was especially blessed to be able to sleep in the same room as Josh during his stays at Sickkids. I recall the nurses being supportive during my down times. Just saying thank you wasn’t enough, this is the reason I support SickKids. My dream is that SickKids will expand and continue to provide all the wonderful services to as many children and families as possible. I feel so blessed to have an amazing hospital in Toronto.

Sarah: Emerson’s Journey with EDS

My son has received a multitude of support through the EDS clinic psychologist at Sick Kids. She has helped him learn a lot about who he is, and build his confidence back. Having a hospital that specializes in children brings a special kind of understanding for child medical issues and how they cope with them compared to adults. They’re able to look at situations through a child’s eyes to better understand what they’re going through. This level of understanding can’t just be found anywhere. The EDS clinic has never dismissed him, and has always taken his health and mental well being seriously. They look at the whole person. He now has the confidence to do things that he was afraid to do before because he couldn’t keep up with his peers. He feels better understood and can cope with his daily pain.

Dominga: This is why I care

I enjoy being a part of the SickKids community since I was a sick kid twice I had P. Anca Vasculitis in the kidney and T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. I wish that the community grows and continues to help children and their families.

Autumn: I am Rare

I was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called urea cycle disorder (UCD) also known as ( OTC) Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency when I was a young infant. At this point, you’re most likely wondering what that means. As someone who has UCD, I am missing enzymes that break down the protein urea and get rid of any ammonia in my system. Ammonia is the by-product of extra amino acids built up in the body. We get amino acids in our bodies through proteins in the food we eat and some are produced naturally by our bodies. Amino acids are something that our bodies can not live without. Amino acids help with things like building muscle and are a source of protein for our bodies. When I have high ammonia levels it can be dangerous because my body can not get rid of this extra waste product, it can travel to my brain, which can cause any of the following symptoms: feeling very tired, staring or zoning out, vomiting or nausea, losing touch with reality/hallucinating, irritable or uncooperative, aggression, lack of appetite, slurring words, and headaches. If I have any of those symptoms and don’t seek medical attention right away it can cause permanent brain damage or lead to a coma.

As a child, I had many hospital visits due to high ammonia levels accumulated in my system. I would be treated with IV therapy and have my blood drawn to check my levels. As the years have gone on and I have gotten older I have learned how to manage my health. I’ve learned to make sure I am eating right, watching my protein intake, getting enough sleep, taking my medications on time, and seeing my doctor on a regular basis.

I have learned over the years how to balance my work life with my illness and that it is okay to tell others about my rare disease and share my story. I have learned to embrace this medical condition and do not allow it to hold me back from doing the things I have wanted to do. I went to college for six years and worked full-time in a childcare center while taking night classes. I worked eight years in childcare centers. Then I decided to leave college and leave the education field because it wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore.

A few years later I moved out of the home I grew up in and moved an hour away with my now fiance. I then got a job working at a local restaurant in Trenton Ontario where we are now living. When I am not working at the restaurant I am also doing advocacy work for rare diseases and I am now working with a company called Arcturus Therapeutics. I just got engaged in December to my boyfriend of five years and we are now planning our 2024 wedding as well as enjoying our first home together. Doing these things have allowed me to grow and learn so much. I traveled to a whole bunch of different places and have seen some cool things.One of my favorite trips was when we went to Nashville Tennessee. I love country music so when I got to go on a trip with my aunt,uncle and my mom we had so much fun. When I am not doing these things you can find me traveling, spending time with family and friends, or with my fiance. You will also find me at the gym, which is one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. I also enjoy dancing and miss the days when I was able to dance every week. I dance any time I get a chance to do so. Sometimes I will take a class with my friends or we just go out dancing somewhere. I have done all these things while learning how to live, love, and manage to live with OTC deficiency . As someone who has a rare disease, I want to share my story with others in the hopes that it may help others going through similar struggles and strides. Even though we might have to climb these rare-disease-mountains, that does not mean we have to climb them alone. Sick kids played a very important role in my life and I will be forever grateful for the work, time and love all the healthcare workers dedicate to patients like myself. I would not be alive if not for Sick Kids hospital. Sick kids is more then just a hospital it’s a home away from home. For me it was my second home and the staff make it feel like your not in a hospital.

Katelynn:

My name is Katelynn, I first starting fundraising for SickKids 4 years ago with the Great Cycle Challenge. I don’t personally know any SickKids, however as a mother of 2 boys I know how important the SickKids Foundation is. Seeing and sharing these young kids stories are so inspiring. The amount of heartache they have with their families is beyond words yet they are so loving and strong and are always smiling. This foundations helps tell the community their stories when they can’t themselves. I one thousand precent agree with you ‘Kids should be living life, NOT fighting for it. ‘

Carolyn: Ava’s story

On November 30th 2017, overnight, everything changed., our 10-year-old daughter Ava was with us in the emergency ward facing an immediate blood transfusion. That night, we were told Ava had leukemia. Ava went from being an active 10 year old girl, enjoying school, skating and family activities to spending 5 months in the hospital, receiving chemo, blood transfusions and mauplite scans.
During her battle she endured 5 intense rounds of chemotherapy, a fungus infection on her liver and lungs, a staff infection, and the norovirus. She eventually received a life saving bone marrow transplant from her 7 year old brother. After the transplant Ava spent 5 weeks in full isolation, she wasn’t able to leave the room even for the bathroom, and was only able to have one parent in the room with her and was not able to see her brother. As a parent this was the scariest and devastating experience and we are so grateful to have Sick Kids who not only saved her life with groundbreaking treatments, but focused on the whole child and made her mental health a priority as well. Today thanks to Sick Kids Ava is almost 5 years in remission and is able to enjoy a “normal” childhood again and we are forever grateful.

Kelly: The light in the tunnel

I married late in life, was a first time bride over 40, and although we started right away we had a lot of issues, multiple miscarriages, finally at 42 I got through my first trimester and was the happiest woman alive. However around 20 weeks I got the devastating news that life may not be viable, I spent the next several weeks, seemed like years, going between mount Sinai and sick kids for ultrasounds, an MRI and consultations. The medical care, understanding and genuine empathy I received by everyone I came in contact with will never be forgotten, my story had a happy ending and my beautiful son just turned 11, but I can’t imagine having to suffer through those dark days without the care and medical expertise of sick kids. I could write two additional stories of close family members however as they too support and contribute to sick kids, I will allow them to do so themselves. All my love and gratitude

Jeremy: My heart story

I became involved with sick kids pretty well right at birth. I was born with PDA and fused valves in my heart. I was in and out of sick kids for constant tests with the amazing cardiac team. I under went heart surgery at the age of 10 to correct my heart problems. Then continued monthly check ups until I was 18, I am truly great full for the staff and the magic they make there. I will always be a supporter.

Ananth: Inspired by the Difference SickKids is Making Everyday in the Lives of Children

When I was a graduate student from the University of Toronto in the early 90s, I was involved in the development of a robotic solution for DNA spotting on specimen glass plates. I learnt about Sick Kids for the first time then. I was intrigued by the level of research that Sick Kids was doing at that time. Subsequently, my son, when he was 7 years old, underwent a minor procedure at Sick Kids. Later, around 2005-06 I heard about the incredible surgery to separate Siamese Twins. My respect for the work and the contribution Sick Kids was providing to the community at large was growing every time I learnt something new about the institution. One fine day I decided to not just sit back and admire but also join them in their journey in my own (small) way. Every time a child’s life is saved or a breakthrough is achieved by Sick Kids, my heart is filled with joy and pride!

Ernest: It’s only the beginning

Hello, my name is Sarah Timchuk and I was born with truncus arteriosus which means I had one valve to my heart and two holes in the heart cavity. At 2 1/2 months with a 2 inch heart (not premature) I had open heart surgery to fix the problem. For the next 17 years I had yearly check ups to watch the progress of my developing heart. Now at the age of 32, God has continued to bless me with the miracle of living my whole life still with a small hole in my heart and no need for medication. That being said I’ve only have had 2 open heart surgeries in my life time even though the doctors pretedicted several surgeries before 7 years old. Even to this day it’s still one of the rarest heart conditions. I was on the front page of the Toronto star about in a article “A day in the life of a ICU nurse and child” in 1990 and on tv. Over the years my parents have financially and prayerfully supported the hospital that is giving children a better quality of life. Our family has been greatly impacted and we would greatly encourage others to support the cause.
From the bottom of my ❤️ thank you Sick Kids!

Deborah: World-class Care

Oh my goodness, I have so many stories to share about what SickKids has meant to my family! My daughter was born with severe physical disabilities 23 years ago. We became a “customer” at SickKids very soon after she was born. She was a regular customer – a frequent flyer, if you will – with numerous surgeries, visits to the Emergency department, as well as regular day clinic appointments where she was followed by her many physicians and medical practitioners. I am using the past tense because she is now in the adult medical world and, boy, do we miss SickKids!!
Here is what I miss, in no particular order: The world-class care, the sushi restaurant, the happy, colourful environment, how flexible and accommodating the staff is, the hospital rooms with extra beds for parents, the kinship with this special community of parents, access to the best diagnostic and medical minds available. But mostly the care – we felt so valued as a family.
A favourite memory of mine demonstrates the care given to parents as well as their children: My daughter and I were in the Emergency department where she was being treated for a severe respiratory illness. We had to wait a while for a bed to become available on one of the medical wards and we both fell asleep. I was sharing her stretcher and made sure she was snuggled in with blankets before I carved out a space alongside the bedrail. When I awoke, I noticed I had been covered with a blanket by one of the staff as I slept.
No matter where we were in the hospital during our 18 years as customers – for a day clinic appointment or a prolonged stay post-surgery – I felt as taken care of by the staff as I did that night in the Emergency department. World-class indeed.

Ann: Our Second Home

Our first introduction to SK was when our youngest son, as a toddler, had significant bleeding in his stool and was diagnosed with a juvenile intestinal polyp. It was removed at SK and after a week’s stay, he was able to come home. All of the staff involved in his care from the nursing staff, physicians, child life specialists, cleaning staff, volunteers and so forth, were kind, caring, and efficient.

Our second interaction with SK started in 2013 when our older son started having multiple seizures while we were camping in northern Ontario. We were told by a small tertiary hospital to drive our son immediately to the emergency department at Sick Kids, as they did not have the resources to investigate what was happening.

After being admitted and doing many investigations, our son was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. A type of epilepsy that he had most likely had all his life. During an MRI a bilateral congenital anomaly in his brain was also found. Corrective surgery was not an option. We were in shock and didn’t understand how this happened to our son, how as parents, we had missed the signs. As a mother, I especially felt guilty as the congenital anomaly happened inutero. Furthermore, as a direct result of his epilepsy, he was diagnosed with a learning disability and inattentive tendencies like those found in children with ADHD.

The team of neurologists at SK was very supportive at reassuring us, multiple times, for many years, that we were not to blame for our son’s condition. Furthermore, they included us as an important member of their team in treating our son, whose’s condition was not static and difficult to manage medically. Most importantly, they normalized his condition and educated us so that we could adequately prepare for his present and future needs.

Additionally, working with our SK family, our son has attended the Epilepsy Classroom at SK for two years, to help him get caught up in his academic studies. Furthermore, they have helped to normalize what living with epilepsy looks like for other children along with himself and how to recognize its impact emotionally. The wonderful staff at the Epilepsy Classroom have also advocated for him in regard to helping the regular school board understand how his brain processes, stores and recalls information. They have helped him in recognizing he is not alone in having epilepsy and that other kids also have this condition, that is not something to be scared or ashamed of.

Furthermore, to help our son’s independence and autonomy, when he was 9 years old, we applied for him to have a Seizure Response Guide Dog from the Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. With support from our son’s neurologist at SK, he was awarded a Guide Dog when he was 10 years old and they have been a working team ever since.

We have been part of the SK family for over 9 years now and we feel as if it is our second home. Our son has learned the importance of giving back and volunteering through growing up at SK. He volunteers in many research studies at SK to understand the impact of epilepsy on the quality of life of adolescents and children and families. He has also worked on research studies related to epilepsy and memory through SK. He is a mentor at his school, for Epilepsy Toronto and an ambassador for the Lion’s Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. Every year he does a family fundraiser for SK and the Epilepsy Classroom.

Our contribution to SK is inspired by the amazing people who work and volunteer there every day! It is rooted in the courage, bravery and resiliency of its patients and families. Our family’s hope for the future well-being and health of children and families of SK is simply this: That this outstanding institution remains a world leader in innovative medical science, family-centred care, research and education, and a beacon of hope and strength to all those that pass through its doors on the journey of life.

Rina: Liv it up

Aliva was born a twin to her brother Domenic.
When she was in utero i was told she had Congenital Heart disease with an intact ventricle septum and she was gravely Ill .
They were born and she was wisked away to Sickkids for immediate critical care in the heart unit.
In weeks Liv underwent 2 surjuries. There were complications and she passed away, shy of 1 month old.
Since then I wanted to give back .
I started a fundraising page in her honor making home decor items and selling them to Raise money.
Liv it up home decor.
To date we have raised over $30,000 and received the honor plaque on the sickkids donar wall.
I will Continue to spread awareness about Congenital Heart disease in children and keep for memory aLIVe ❤
She will always be loved and LIVed in our hearts , especially her twin.

Debbie: Tribute to Ashley

In 1983 my daughter was taken to Sick Kids hospital with what turned out to be a malignant brain tumour. The experience was extremely overwhelming for my family. My daughter was only 3 months old at the time of the diagnosis. I spent many hours at the hospital during my daughters short life. The support, compassion and understanding I received is beyond words. My daughter passed away in October in 1984. Although she was only 13 months old her life impacted so many people. Years later I was at Sick Kids to support a friend. When I entered the elevator one of Ashley’s doctors was in the elevator and remembered who I was. I was very touched that in an environment where so many people come and go that I was remembered. I can not say enough about the staff and hospital. Keep up the great work and always learn from your experiences.

Chelsea: Molly’s Story

Molly is our first born daughter, arriving on August 6th 2021. She was born with a case of Moderate/Severe HIE. She was without vital signs for some time and was promptly transferred to SickKids where she underwent therapeutic hypothermia for 72 hours. Molly is a very rare case of HIE where, despite her unpromising signs upon her arrival, had a clear MRI after her cooling period and was sent home less than a week later. Molly is now 13 months old and is a healthy, happy girl. We are very aware of how lucky we are to be in this position given what most parents with HIE babies experience. It is not lost on us that Molly is the healthy girl she is today because of the quick action and critical care that SickKids provided her during her days in the NICU. We owe everything to SickKids and are forever grateful.

Ashlee: HSC saved my life

When I was born I swallowed mecronium and burnt a hole in my lung. I was rushed from Etobicoke general to sick kids where I was well taken care of. I’m 36 and married. I can’t thank sick kids enough for saving my life. My hope is that the hospital continues to grow and help more and more children and save more lives. Thank you sick kids! From the bottom of my….lungs!

Brenda: How important donations are especially for sick kids.

As I have been donating now for the last 5 yrs it is important that kids get the best quality of care and Sick Kids Hospital is doing this each and every day.

Andrea: Teamwork makes the dream work

My Sick Kids story started 46 years ago, when specialists diagnosed me with a congenital heart defect. As my parents were told when I was seven months old, this diagnosis also meant a 50/50 chance or survival after surgery, have developmental delays (both mentally and physically), and I’d never be able to have biological children.

For 18 years, through four open heart surgeries and the recovery that followed each one of them, a transition to blood thinners at the age of nine, annual appointments and everything in between, the care I received at Sick Kids changed my life. It offered me the opportunity to live a full life and gave me hope for the future (I was a 6 foot tall honour roll student in high school). I’m happy to share that, thanks to the specialists at Toronto General (the hospital I transitioned to at the age of 18), I was able to welcome a baby boy into the world eight years ago. I even got to visit Sick Kids again when I was 20 weeks pregnant so an echocardiogram could be performed on the baby’s heart in utero before birth to see if I had passed down my heart condition (thankfully, the results were clear).

Supporting Sick Kids was a no brainer. Having grown up at the hospital, not only did I know what kids that need its care are going through, as a parent now myself I can only imagine the heartbreak and worry that they endure as they navigate their child’s illness. To be able to help support the hospital’s mission, even in the smallest of ways, and for parents to know they are not alone is the least I can do for a hospital and community that has given so much to me.

My hope for the health and well-being of children and their families is to know they are not alone; the staff at Sick Kids will fight the good fight right along with you while they care for your children and you will build relationships and find community and support with other families in the same boat. I also want them to know that a diagnosis is never an end, but only just a beginning. Your child is stronger and more resilient than you might think. Encourage them, support them, and be their biggest cheerleader and they will continue to surprise you.

I have a saying that I once shared with my son’s teachers – “teamwork makes the dream work”. Thank you, Sick Kids, for being part of the team that has helped make a difference in the lives of patients like me.

Patricia: Supporting SickKids to support research and find better outcomes

I have a special kinship with SickKids Hospital because I have lived with memories of being a 11 year old dealing with petit mal in Victoria BC where knowledge of this neurological condition was limited to “you either get better or you get worse (progression to grandmal seizures for the rest of your life”. My wonderful aunt who lived in Toronto and was familiar with Montreal Neurological Institute invited me to fly east, and took me to Montreal where I was assessed by a team of pediatric neurologists and then put through an EEG clinic with many other children. My petitmal spells diminished once diagnosed and meds were stabilized. Unfortunately, I was weaned off meds while before attending university (stressful years) and I experienced 2 grand mal seizures. This was quite a setback emotionally and career planning wise. I learned the cruel reality of being told we could not progress further in an interview because I could not drive, and how mean people could be if I mentioned I had a seizure disorder. However, my career path progressed smoothly including advanced degrees (MSc, MBA) and a professorship at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and serving as Director of the School of Nutrition in the 1990’s. I also married and had a wonderful life with my late husband Ted Jensen. He encouraged me to drive and I bought my first car at age 40 because he worried that something might happen to him and I would not be mobile. So, while I take meds as my own insurance precaution, I never experience a spell or seizure during our 38 years together. By supporting SickKids, my mission is to support research into developing solutions for children with a similar diagnosis to be seizure free for the rest of their lives and not to experience odds of a worsened condition .

Leah: Amazing Maisie inspires our commitment

My husband Mark and I decided to first get involved with SickKids when our first child Levi was born in 2016. We realized how important having access to great healthcare would be for our son, should he ever require it. We wanted to show our gratitude and ensure this type of healthcare can continue on in the future for other generations. Little did we know just how important SickKids would become for us, as just recently our third child, Maisie was admitted for two weeks when she was just 19 days old. This was our first time at SickKids, and we had a wonderful experience. We are so incredibly grateful for the world class health care teams who gave Maisie life-saving treatment while also ensuring we were supported as parents. SickKids has now become an integral part of our lives, and we are forever changed by this experience. Not only has it inspired our family and friends to donate blood, but they have also stepped up as donors to SickKids. We hope that stories like ours inspire others to see just how fragile life can be, and that if it weren’t for the advances in modern medicine and access to world-class healthcare we may not have been so fortunate. We need to ensure this type of care and support is possible for future generations, so that everyone can have the best experience they require.

Kristin: A happy ending, thanks to SickKids

Our family’s journey with SickKids began in 2010. My first pregnancy with our daughter, Anna, resulted in her needing support in ways we never imagined. When a routine ultrasound resulted in a diagnosis for Anna of a “CDH” or Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, SickKids quickly became part of our path to hope. Anna spent her first days (many, MANY days) in the PICU at SickKids. In the fog of being new parents, we were so grateful for the nurses and doctors who lovingly cared for not just Anna, but for us as we were filled with anxiety and sadness watching our sick little baby battle for her life. After her care and surgery, I can honestly say that SickKids saved her life, more than once. How could we just walk away after months of our life were spent there? We were forever changed. Our eyes were opened that summer, watching not just our child, but countless other children be brought in for reasons you would never want to think about. I know that our lives are better because SickKids exists. Children are our most precious resource, and every facet of SickKids operates with this in mind. If I could go back in time 12 years, I would tell that new mom “don’t worry…Anna’s going to not just be fine, but THRIVE, and you’ll be a donor forever!”.

Tony: A grateful and indebted past patient

I was inspired to support SickKids because I was a patient there myself. My first visit, when I was five, I have very little personal recollection of. I became suddenly became paralyzed and spent a month in SickKids recovering. I was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and for me, it impacted my joints and made me completely paralyzed and unable to move. 3 years later, I had another episode but this time I vividly remember waking up in the middle of the night, trying to stand up and falling out of bed, once again completely unable to move my legs. I called for my parents and my dad rushed me immediately to SickKids, by passing all of the hospitals closer to our house. Again, I was in for a month stay with rheumatic fever. I remember the comfort of the hospital and I can even picture the nurse that looked after me with such compassionate care. After that, I continued to have annual checks at SickKids and they continued to see me into my early twenties. I recall laughing at myself as I was a giant twenty year old sitting in the waiting rooms with a bunch of young children. But just like when I was hospitalized, the care and compassion by all the staff made my annual visits a comfortable experience. I am so indebted and I am so grateful for the care I received here and feel that it is important to support the hospital for children today and tomorrow.

Renu: Giving in honour of my parents and what they taught me.

I was inspired to support SickKids because of my parents – Savji Ramji & Jadav Jasmat Chavda. My parents also loved children. They raised me to give back to others and taught me that whenever and whatever you have, you need to share and help others. I was born in Tanzania and lived there for some years before coming to Canada. I am very impressed with the Herbie Fund and the remarkable work that SickKids does to help children around the world. I know that in so countries it is so hard to get proper medical care which might be life saving/life changing for those children. The Herbie program helps provide children in other countries with these opportunities and options. The program is truly inspiring and matches what my parents always taught me. I give today and through my legacy to honour my parents and the values that they left behind.

Tom: A gift in honour of Louis

I was inspired to support the hospital because of my partner, Louis de Niverville. Louis is the artist who created the mural titled, FOR THE KIDS, in the Atrium of Sick Kids. I assisted him.
As a child Louis was hospitalized for 5 years to be treated for spinal TB. The hospital was in Ottawa and this was during the years of WW II, so there was no program to educate the children. It was a dull and boring experience. So Louis used his imagination to create an imaginary world while he dreamed of getting out of the hospital to explore the world. He also dreamed of becoming an artist. When he grew up he became a well known artist who created many huge paintings.
The mural at SickKids is his largest project. Louis also donated several smaller paintings to the hospital, and his paintings are in many museums. Eb Zeidler, the architect of the atrium, knew of Louis’ childhood illness and Louis was thrilled to be chosen to create the mural. Because of his lonely experience in hospital, Louis created images of dreams and hope to inspire the children at SickKids and their families.

Carlos: Where Miracles Happen

I became aware and involved with sickKidds after seeing TV coverage about Herbie Quinones story, how SickKids hospital world known Institution were involved to help Herbie and his family. How the Herbie fund was going to help kids around the world, that were less privileged.
In the past I have had family members use the Institution and saw the level of care the institution provided for the needy.
On June 6, 2004, our son at the age of 14, was involved in a very serious dirt bike accident in Belleville, he was transported to SikKids hospital, where we met him as he arrived at the emergency department.
The various teams that were on hand to assess and evaluate our son was incredible and overwhelming. The level of Care that he was being given, the constant communication between the teams and the family.
it was assuring to us, at a time when one was in disbelieve on what had happen to a young family member and possible future consequences as the result of his injuries.
Our son was admitted to Sickkids for a period of time, was treated for; pancreas and spleen injury, spine injury effecting the “T “section of the spine, 4 vertebrae’s, compounding fractures to, ranging 50%-20%, and various contusions.
He was treated, released, with various monthly quarterly follow up with various doctors at the hospital, he has done well, fully recovered, today lives a very active normal life.
Having seen and benefited from the level of care, treatment, dedicated caring staff from every level, from a community Institution, also a world known institution, with a mission, to treat everyone for the betterment of one’s health and enjoyment of life
That’s what inspires me personally to continue support SickKids,

Archie: Celebrating My Mum Margaret Isobel Nicholas Platt R.N.

My Mum was very proud of her work as a Registered Nurse and was very proud to be part of the nursing profession. Being a Registered Nurse was an integral part of who my Mum was. I wanted to do something special for her. I wanted to celebrate her as the deeply caring person that she was and to celebrate her work as a Registered Nurse.

I knew that I wanted to set-up an endowment fund in Mum’s name. I asked my Mum what organization should I make arrangements with to set-up an endowment fund in her name. She thought for a moment and replied SickKids. Mum had very fond memories of SickKids. She received her paediatric training at SickKids. She often spoke in glowing terms of her training and her time at SickKids.

I reached out to SickKids Gift & Estate Planning and discussed setting up the Margaret Isobel Nicholas Platt R.N. Endowment Fund for nursing education. SickKids Gift & Estate Planning guided me through the process for setting up the endowment fund. I was able to share with Mum the annual reports SickKids provided on the status of the endowment fund. Mum was thrilled to see the progress of the endowment fund in her name at SickKids. I set-up this endowment fund to honour my Mum. This was my way of celebrating my Mum for who she was as a person and who she was as a Registered Nurse.

Archie Platt