2023-2024 CHF Community Report : simplebooklet.com

CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 3DDo you remember your family putting on the o you remember your family putting on the record player on Saturday mornings? Or record player on Saturday mornings? Or dialing a payphone to call for a ride home? dialing a payphone to call for a ride home? Or the constant battle between using your landline or Or the constant battle between using your landline or the Internet? the Internet? Technology and the world look very dierent today. Technology and the world look very dierent today. We chuckle to see the new generations struggle to We chuckle to see the new generations struggle to work or even identify the relics of our younger years. work or even identify the relics of our younger years. They’ll never know the simplicity of our childhoods, They’ll never know the simplicity of our childhoods, and they will also, fortunately, never know some of and they will also, fortunately, never know some of the tragedies our families experienced. the tragedies our families experienced. Medical professionals today are saving babies born Medical professionals today are saving babies born as early as 22 weeks gestation. Children diagnosed as early as 22 weeks gestation. Children diagnosed with cancer have more hope than ever before. Little with cancer have more hope than ever before. Little ones born with congenital heart defects are growing ones born with congenital heart defects are growing up and starting families of their own. up and starting families of their own. Health care has evolved rapidly in the past Health care has evolved rapidly in the past few decades, along with every other facet of our few decades, along with every other facet of our world. More children are surviving the previously world. More children are surviving the previously unsurvivable. Innovative, passionate, and caring unsurvivable. Innovative, passionate, and caring people working together have brought us here. Our people working together have brought us here. Our grandparents, parents and even you and I have been grandparents, parents and even you and I have been part of shaping lifesaving and life-changing paediatric part of shaping lifesaving and life-changing paediatric care. care. In this issue of celebrations!, we celebrate some In this issue of celebrations!, we celebrate some of the accomplishments of this past year and the of the accomplishments of this past year and the past few decades. We also look to the future – past few decades. We also look to the future – because, as far as we have come, there is more exciting because, as far as we have come, there is more exciting and transformative work to be done. and transformative work to be done. Increased survivorship, a growing population in Increased survivorship, a growing population in Southwestern Ontario and modern care models, Southwestern Ontario and modern care models, means change is necessary. means change is necessary. Children’s Hospital and London Health Sciences Children’s Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre have an ambitious plan to revolutionize the Centre have an ambitious plan to revolutionize the delivery of health care and enhance the pursuit of delivery of health care and enhance the pursuit of game-changing research. game-changing research. The goal is to save more young lives while also The goal is to save more young lives while also giving children the greatest quality of life in and out giving children the greatest quality of life in and out of hospital. of hospital. As we look to these new horizons, we are reminded As we look to these new horizons, we are reminded of how far we have come and that brighter futures are of how far we have come and that brighter futures are never created alone. We call again on our community never created alone. We call again on our community of innovative, passionate, and caring people. of innovative, passionate, and caring people. Let us join together once more to shape a powerful Let us join together once more to shape a powerful and lasting legacy that will benet generations to and lasting legacy that will benet generations to come. come. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our children. We can’t wait to share more of the vision our children. We can’t wait to share more of the vision with you in the coming months. with you in the coming months. At 10 months old, Walter was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer which started as a tumour in his lip. He underwent two surgeries to remove the tumour and months of chemotherapy. Walter and his family celebrated the end of his treatment in January 2023 at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. His oncologist, Dr. Chantel Cacciotti, continues to monitor him closely to ensure his cancer remains in remission. Thank you for helping children, like Walter! ON THEON THE COVERFEATURESIN BRIEFCHF HIGHLIGHTSLetter from the CEO & Board ChairA New Level of CareHistoric donation supercharges cancer carePERSPECTIVES Letter from the CEO & Board ChairBrain Tumours’ Worst Enemy Q&A with Dr. Chantel CacciottiUnlocking Childhood CancerPrecision medicine vital to driving innovation Building Virtual FriendshipsTVCC researchers exploring impact of online friendships From Hospital to Second HomeThe ins and outs of creating ‘normality’ in hospital06A Heart of GoldJoanne’s decision to make a gift in her Will 20Did you Know?Donor supported programs11Breakthroughs to Talk AboutDecades of transforming kids’ health care12Our Community in ActionA photo collage 21Your Generosity and Impact2023-2024 nancials 22Children’s Board of Directors230403 081814CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION2Chair, Board of DirectorsChair, Board of DirectorsChildren’s Health Children’s Health FoundationFoundationFarah Rohoman,President & CEO, President & CEO, Children’s Health Children’s Health FoundationFoundationScott Fortnum,

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After four months of fter four months of treatment and a bone treatment and a bone marrow transplant, marrow transplant, Luka’s cancer was nally in Luka’s cancer was nally in remission. His family celebrated remission. His family celebrated the news with laughter and smiles the news with laughter and smiles – particularly because Ollie the – particularly because Ollie the Therapeutic Clown had marked Therapeutic Clown had marked the occasion with a toilet paper the occasion with a toilet paper prank. prank. Luka was healthy and thriving. Luka was healthy and thriving. But then a little over two years later, But then a little over two years later, during some routine monitoring, during some routine monitoring, medical professionals at Children’s medical professionals at Children’s Hospital found some concerning Hospital found some concerning results. The disease had returned. results. The disease had returned. Over the past 40 years, the Over the past 40 years, the overall survival rate of childhood overall survival rate of childhood cancer has risen signicantly to cancer has risen signicantly to above 80%. However, this number above 80%. However, this number doesn’t tell the full story. doesn’t tell the full story. By age 45, as many as 80 By age 45, as many as 80 per cent of childhood cancer per cent of childhood cancer survivors will develop a serious survivors will develop a serious or life-threatening late eect, or life-threatening late eect, from hearing loss and impaired from hearing loss and impaired vision to organ damage and the vision to organ damage and the development of subsequent development of subsequent cancers. cancers. “Luka is the strongest kid I know “Luka is the strongest kid I know and to tell him, I’m sorry it’s back and to tell him, I’m sorry it’s back again…” says his mom, Michelle, again…” says his mom, Michelle, pausing to ght back her tears. “It pausing to ght back her tears. “It broke my heart.” broke my heart.” Children’s Childhood Cancer Children’s Childhood Cancer Program team once again Program team once again wrapped around Luka and his wrapped around Luka and his family, providing exceptional family, providing exceptional supportive care and treatment. supportive care and treatment. “You can’t get any better than “You can’t get any better than here in London,” says Michelle. here in London,” says Michelle. Led by Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, Led by Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, Division Head, Children’s Division Head, Children’s Childhood Cancer Program Childhood Cancer Program team are dedicated to providing team are dedicated to providing world-class care and exploring world-class care and exploring new horizons for advancement. new horizons for advancement. “Our children diagnosed “Our children diagnosed with cancer deserve to have with cancer deserve to have their childhoods protected and their childhoods protected and to grow up to enjoy a healthy to grow up to enjoy a healthy adulthood free of complications,” adulthood free of complications,” says Dr. Zorzi. “It’s why our team is says Dr. Zorzi. “It’s why our team is fervently committed to pushing fervently committed to pushing the boundaries of care.” the boundaries of care.” The team has one of the The team has one of the highest numbers of clinical highest numbers of clinical trials running at London Health trials running at London Health Sciences Centre, connecting Sciences Centre, connecting patients to novel therapies patients to novel therapies years sooner. They are leaders in years sooner. They are leaders in research on quality improvement research on quality improvement and quality care. They have and quality care. They have amassed a signicant genomics amassed a signicant genomics database for personalized database for personalized medicine research and they’re medicine research and they’re part of Precision Oncology for part of Precision Oncology for Young People (PROFYLE), a Young People (PROFYLE), a pan-Canadian project to nd pan-Canadian project to nd new treatment avenues for new treatment avenues for patients with hard-to-treat or rare patients with hard-to-treat or rare cancers. cancers. A historic donation from a local A historic donation from a local London couple has supercharged London couple has supercharged the team’s inspiring work. Dieter the team’s inspiring work. Dieter and Lyse Jahnke gifted $5 million and Lyse Jahnke gifted $5 million toward the Childhood Cancer toward the Childhood Cancer Program this past year. It is the Program this past year. It is the largest gift Children’s Health largest gift Children’s Health Foundation has ever received for Foundation has ever received for Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital. The Jahnke family’s investment The Jahnke family’s investment will be foundational in establishing will be foundational in establishing The Jahnke Family Paediatric The Jahnke Family Paediatric A NewA New Level of CareHistoric donation supercharges the Childhood Cancer Program team’s inspiring work to protect children’s futures.LUKALUKA 20162016CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION4

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Oncology Centre of Excellence.Oncology Centre of Excellence.“This generous and heartfelt “This generous and heartfelt gift from the Jahnke family is gift from the Jahnke family is empowering us to rethink and empowering us to rethink and redesign how space, technology, redesign how space, technology, and our care team wraps around and our care team wraps around each and every patient, which will each and every patient, which will help us reach a new level of care,” help us reach a new level of care,” says Dr. Zorzi. says Dr. Zorzi. Children’s Hospital is the Children’s Hospital is the regional paediatric oncology regional paediatric oncology centre for Southwestern Ontario centre for Southwestern Ontario and parts of Northwestern and parts of Northwestern Ontario. Each year, 70 children Ontario. Each year, 70 children are newly diagnosed with cancer, are newly diagnosed with cancer, 150 children are currently on 150 children are currently on active therapy, and more than 300 active therapy, and more than 300 childhood cancer survivors are childhood cancer survivors are monitored and cared for in the monitored and cared for in the Aftercare Program. Aftercare Program. The new centre will enhance The new centre will enhance and integrate all aspects of cancer and integrate all aspects of cancer care at Children’s Hospital to care at Children’s Hospital to modernize and create a nimble modernize and create a nimble delivery mode to meet and exceed delivery mode to meet and exceed the evolving practice of oncology the evolving practice of oncology care, while also streamlining and care, while also streamlining and strengthening clinical trial work strengthening clinical trial work and research. and research. Today, Luka is in remission. The Today, Luka is in remission. The 19-year-old is working to become 19-year-old is working to become an electrician. When he and his an electrician. When he and his family heard about the Jahnke’s family heard about the Jahnke’s investment in the Childhood investment in the Childhood Cancer Program, they were Cancer Program, they were overjoyed.overjoyed. “What an amazing gift, this “What an amazing gift, this brings tears to our eyes. This brings tears to our eyes. This generous donation will make a generous donation will make a world of dierence for our kids,” world of dierence for our kids,” says Luka and his family.says Luka and his family.After four months of fter four months of treatment and a bone treatment and a bone marrow transplant, marrow transplant, Luka’s cancer was nally in Luka’s cancer was nally in remission. His family celebrated remission. His family celebrated the news with laughter and smiles the news with laughter and smiles – particularly because Ollie the – particularly because Ollie the Therapeutic Clown had marked Therapeutic Clown had marked the occasion with a toilet paper the occasion with a toilet paper prank. prank. Luka was healthy and thriving. Luka was healthy and thriving. But then a little over two years later, But then a little over two years later, during some routine monitoring, during some routine monitoring, medical professionals at Children’s medical professionals at Children’s Hospital found some concerning Hospital found some concerning results. The disease had returned. results. The disease had returned. Over the past 40 years, the Over the past 40 years, the overall survival rate of childhood overall survival rate of childhood cancer has risen signicantly to cancer has risen signicantly to above 80%. However, this number above 80%. However, this number doesn’t tell the full story. doesn’t tell the full story. By age 45, as many as 80 By age 45, as many as 80 per cent of childhood cancer per cent of childhood cancer survivors will develop a serious survivors will develop a serious or life-threatening late eect, or life-threatening late eect, from hearing loss and impaired from hearing loss and impaired vision to organ damage and the vision to organ damage and the development of subsequent development of subsequent cancers. cancers. “Luka is the strongest kid I know “Luka is the strongest kid I know and to tell him, I’m sorry it’s back and to tell him, I’m sorry it’s back again…” says his mom, Michelle, again…” says his mom, Michelle, pausing to ght back her tears. “It pausing to ght back her tears. “It broke my heart.” broke my heart.” Children’s Childhood Cancer Children’s Childhood Cancer Program team once again Program team once again wrapped around Luka and his wrapped around Luka and his family, providing exceptional family, providing exceptional supportive care and treatment. supportive care and treatment. “You can’t get any better than “You can’t get any better than here in London,” says Michelle. here in London,” says Michelle. Led by Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, Led by Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, Division Head, Children’s Division Head, Children’s Childhood Cancer Program Childhood Cancer Program team are dedicated to providing team are dedicated to providing world-class care and exploring world-class care and exploring new horizons for advancement. new horizons for advancement. “Our children diagnosed “Our children diagnosed with cancer deserve to have with cancer deserve to have their childhoods protected and their childhoods protected and to grow up to enjoy a healthy to grow up to enjoy a healthy adulthood free of complications,” adulthood free of complications,” says Dr. Zorzi. “It’s why our team is says Dr. Zorzi. “It’s why our team is fervently committed to pushing fervently committed to pushing the boundaries of care.” the boundaries of care.” The team has one of the The team has one of the highest numbers of clinical highest numbers of clinical trials running at London Health trials running at London Health Sciences Centre, connecting Sciences Centre, connecting patients to novel therapies patients to novel therapies years sooner. They are leaders in years sooner. They are leaders in research on quality improvement research on quality improvement and quality care. They have and quality care. They have amassed a signicant genomics amassed a signicant genomics database for personalized database for personalized medicine research and they’re medicine research and they’re part of Precision Oncology for part of Precision Oncology for Young People (PROFYLE), a Young People (PROFYLE), a pan-Canadian project to nd pan-Canadian project to nd new treatment avenues for new treatment avenues for patients with hard-to-treat or rare patients with hard-to-treat or rare cancers. cancers. A historic donation from a local A historic donation from a local London couple has supercharged London couple has supercharged the team’s inspiring work. Dieter the team’s inspiring work. Dieter and Lyse Jahnke gifted $5 million and Lyse Jahnke gifted $5 million toward the Childhood Cancer toward the Childhood Cancer Program this past year. It is the Program this past year. It is the largest gift Children’s Health largest gift Children’s Health Foundation has ever received for Foundation has ever received for Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital. The Jahnke family’s investment The Jahnke family’s investment will be foundational in establishing will be foundational in establishing The Jahnke Family Paediatric The Jahnke Family Paediatric A NewA New Level of CareHistoric donation supercharges the Childhood Cancer Program team’s inspiring work to protect children’s futures.LUKALUKA 1997LUKALUKA 2019LUKALUKA 2022“There is nothing more meaningful than writing the last chapter of your life and dedicating an everlasting gift for children that will impact many generations. We invite other community-minded individuals and companies to join us in investing in Children’s Hospital's Childhood Cancer Program to protect children from this horrible disease.” DIETER AND LYSE JAHNKEDIETER AND LYSE JAHNKECHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION4 CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 5

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When we think of hen we think of childhood cancer, most childhood cancer, most of us immediately picture of us immediately picture children with no hair, experiencing children with no hair, experiencing severe nausea. The reality of cancer severe nausea. The reality of cancer care is that kids and teens respond care is that kids and teens respond to treatment in vastly dierent to treatment in vastly dierent ways. ways. One form of chemotherapy for One form of chemotherapy for a seven-year-old boy might make a seven-year-old boy might make him nauseous all day; for another him nauseous all day; for another seven-year-old boy, that same seven-year-old boy, that same round of chemo might be nearly round of chemo might be nearly symptom-free. symptom-free. Within Children’s Hospital’s Within Children’s Hospital’s Childhood Cancer Program, each Childhood Cancer Program, each young patient is seen as the unique young patient is seen as the unique kid they are, with their own coping kid they are, with their own coping strategies, genetic make-up and strategies, genetic make-up and symptoms. symptoms. Viewing kids and their cancer in Viewing kids and their cancer in this patient-specic way means the this patient-specic way means the team stays curious, investigating team stays curious, investigating and unlocking new ways to save and unlocking new ways to save kids’ lives. kids’ lives. Understanding targeted Understanding targeted therapy; how each child’s cancer therapy; how each child’s cancer responds to dierent medications responds to dierent medications and treatments, and personalized and treatments, and personalized medicine; how each child tolerates medicine; how each child tolerates their therapy, are the two crucial their therapy, are the two crucial components of precision medicine components of precision medicine and are vital to innovation in and are vital to innovation in childhood cancer treatments. childhood cancer treatments. Targeted Therapy Creates Targeted Therapy Creates New Options for Hard-to-Treat-New Options for Hard-to-Treat-CancersCancers With the team’s involvement in With the team’s involvement in international and national research international and national research projects like Precision Oncology projects like Precision Oncology for Young People (PROFYLE), they for Young People (PROFYLE), they can begin to understand some of can begin to understand some of the unique molecular mechanisms the unique molecular mechanisms behind a specic tumour or cancer behind a specic tumour or cancer and match that mechanism with and match that mechanism with existing medication. existing medication. This is known as targeted This is known as targeted therapy, where patients may therapy, where patients may benet from being treated with benet from being treated with a drug not before used on their a drug not before used on their particular type of cancer. PROFYLE particular type of cancer. PROFYLE specically focuses on cancers that specically focuses on cancers that are dicult to treat, and assisting are dicult to treat, and assisting children who face poor outcomes. children who face poor outcomes. As the Division Head of As the Division Head of Children’s Childhood Cancer Children’s Childhood Cancer Program, Dr. Alexandra Zorzi Program, Dr. Alexandra Zorzi explains, “Childhood cancer is not explains, “Childhood cancer is not the same as adult cancer. But we the same as adult cancer. But we explore overlaps – things we can explore overlaps – things we can learn from adults’ tumours and learn from adults’ tumours and treatments that may allow us to treatments that may allow us to Precision medicine vital to driving innovation in cancer careunderstand childhood cancer understand childhood cancer better.” better.” Imagine each cancer is a lock, Imagine each cancer is a lock, and every medication is a key. and every medication is a key. Currently, the team can use all the Currently, the team can use all the keys at their disposal for a certain keys at their disposal for a certain lock, but they don’t always have lock, but they don’t always have the right one. the right one. Targeted therapy makes it Targeted therapy makes it possible for clinicians to nd more possible for clinicians to nd more keys – more medication options – keys – more medication options – and more chances to save lives. and more chances to save lives. A recent success is adult A recent success is adult lung cancer medications lung cancer medications being connected to paediatric being connected to paediatric neuroblastomas, a cancer that is neuroblastomas, a cancer that is extremely dicult to treat. extremely dicult to treat. Through PROFYLE, these Through PROFYLE, these cancers have been found to share a cancers have been found to share a mutation, which means Children’s mutation, which means Children’s can help work towards lung cancer can help work towards lung cancer medications being used to help medications being used to help kids with neuroblastomas. kids with neuroblastomas. Children’s dedication to helping Children’s dedication to helping study complex mutations and study complex mutations and cancers brings an abundance of cancers brings an abundance of hope for future patients.hope for future patients.As a dedicated mother, Sarah, As a dedicated mother, Sarah, explains, “My son Hunter didn’t explains, “My son Hunter didn’t have a textbook neuroblastoma. have a textbook neuroblastoma. His cancer had a unique mutation, His cancer had a unique mutation, and cases like his are studied to and cases like his are studied to help more kids. My creative, truck-help more kids. My creative, truck-loving and imaginative little boy loving and imaginative little boy will help save the next child. I am will help save the next child. I am so proud of my son, knowing his so proud of my son, knowing his legacy will be helping his Children’s legacy will be helping his Children’s team that loved him provide more team that loved him provide more advanced care for our kids.” advanced care for our kids.” Personalized Medicine Helps Personalized Medicine Helps Reduce Harsh Side Eects Reduce Harsh Side Eects The Childhood Cancer Program The Childhood Cancer Program team doesn’t stop at having more team doesn’t stop at having more keys. Giving kids the best care also keys. Giving kids the best care also means studying their genetics means studying their genetics to help discover how they may to help discover how they may react to new medication options, react to new medication options, known as pharmacogenomics or known as pharmacogenomics or personalized medicine. personalized medicine. “While chemotherapy is a “While chemotherapy is a tried-and-true drug for treating tried-and-true drug for treating cancer, combining chemotherapy cancer, combining chemotherapy with specic keys to a child’s with specic keys to a child’s cancer has the potential to improve cancer has the potential to improve children’s outcomes and lessen children’s outcomes and lessen their side eects,” explains Dr. Zorzi. their side eects,” explains Dr. Zorzi. In partnership with Dr. In partnership with Dr. Richard Kim, a leading expert in Richard Kim, a leading expert in pharmacogenomics, Dr. Zorzi is pharmacogenomics, Dr. Zorzi is matching kids’ genetics with their matching kids’ genetics with their treatments and outcomes. The treatments and outcomes. The pair is working towards predicting pair is working towards predicting how patients’ bodies will handle how patients’ bodies will handle their medications – whether it’s their medications – whether it’s traditional chemotherapy or one of traditional chemotherapy or one of the new keys Children’s is working the new keys Children’s is working so hard to help nd. so hard to help nd. When children’s genetics are When children’s genetics are considered alongside their new considered alongside their new medication, incredible things medication, incredible things can happen. For one of Dr. Zorzi’s can happen. For one of Dr. Zorzi’s young patients, a clinical trial at young patients, a clinical trial at Children’s changed the way she Children’s changed the way she and her family experienced her and her family experienced her cancer relapse. cancer relapse. “An experimental “An experimental immunotherapy medication, immunotherapy medication, Blinatumomab, replaced a Blinatumomab, replaced a whole block of my daughter’s whole block of my daughter’s chemotherapy and made a world of chemotherapy and made a world of dierence,” says Adrienne, a grateful dierence,” says Adrienne, a grateful mother. “With Blinatumomab, my mother. “With Blinatumomab, my daughter had energy and none of daughter had energy and none of the lethargy and weakness she did the lethargy and weakness she did during chemo. I couldn’t believe it! during chemo. I couldn’t believe it! I was blown away that she could be I was blown away that she could be social and attend school.” social and attend school.” Watching kids face cancer Watching kids face cancer while feeling better than anyone while feeling better than anyone thought possible is exactly what thought possible is exactly what the Children’s team hopes for. the Children’s team hopes for. “My intention for kids is for “My intention for kids is for them to be everything they were them to be everything they were supposed to be had we never met,” supposed to be had we never met,” says Dr. Zorzi. “To go to school, get says Dr. Zorzi. “To go to school, get into trouble, play their favourite into trouble, play their favourite sports – to enjoy all those life sports – to enjoy all those life experiences.” experiences.” That dream gets closer every That dream gets closer every day with the team’s dedication to day with the team’s dedication to nding more life-saving keys for nding more life-saving keys for kids’ cancer, prescribed with their kids’ cancer, prescribed with their genes in mind. genes in mind. Children’s Childhood Cancer Children’s Childhood Cancer Program continues to push toward Program continues to push toward the innovations that help protect the innovations that help protect every child who walks through every child who walks through their door – and every parent who their door – and every parent who asks, “Why us?” asks, “Why us?” CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION6 CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 7UNLOCKINGUNLOCKING CHILDHOOD CANCERCHILDHOOD CANCERDID YOU KNOW? Not every child loses their hair when they undergo cancer treatments. While hair loss is the most common and most recognizable side eect of cancer treatment, it doesn’t happen to every child. How much hair kids and teens lose depends on the types of medications, the dosage, the combination of medications, how they are administered, and the length of their treatments.

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biopsy. Our aim is to detect circulating tumor cells in biopsy. Our aim is to detect circulating tumor cells in cerebrospinal uid or blood. We believe that with a cerebrospinal uid or blood. We believe that with a simple blood test or uid from a spinal tap, we will simple blood test or uid from a spinal tap, we will be able to determine if someone is responding to be able to determine if someone is responding to treatment, if their tumor is coming back or if they’re at treatment, if their tumor is coming back or if they’re at a higher potential for relapse. The cerebrospinal uid a higher potential for relapse. The cerebrospinal uid may also allow us to diagnose tumours that are in may also allow us to diagnose tumours that are in locations that are unsafe for surgeons to biopsy. This locations that are unsafe for surgeons to biopsy. This could change the way we manage patients with brain could change the way we manage patients with brain tumours. tumours. WHAT ARE SOME AVENUES YOU’RE WHAT ARE SOME AVENUES YOU’RE INVESTIGATING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY INVESTIGATING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF BRAIN TUMOUR SURVIVORS? OF LIFE OF BRAIN TUMOUR SURVIVORS? Toxicity from cancer treatment can have a life-long Toxicity from cancer treatment can have a life-long impact. Part of my research focuses on the long-term impact. Part of my research focuses on the long-term survivor population and the impacts the treatment survivor population and the impacts the treatment may have had on them. One such example is cardiac may have had on them. One such example is cardiac toxicity, where the heart may be damaged by the toxicity, where the heart may be damaged by the cancer treatment. I am involved in collaborative cancer treatment. I am involved in collaborative research with other international centres to evaluate research with other international centres to evaluate patients at risk for these long-term side eects. patients at risk for these long-term side eects. Earlier detection of this would allow us to put Earlier detection of this would allow us to put preventative measures into place sooner. Through preventative measures into place sooner. Through these collaborative survivor-based projects, I am these collaborative survivor-based projects, I am also researching the optimal monitoring, in terms of also researching the optimal monitoring, in terms of frequency, type of imaging and other aspects, that is frequency, type of imaging and other aspects, that is most benecial in cancer survivors. most benecial in cancer survivors. YOU ARE PART OF THE CANADIAN YOU ARE PART OF THE CANADIAN BRAIN TUMOUR CONSORTIUM. TELL BRAIN TUMOUR CONSORTIUM. TELL US ABOUT THAT WORK AND HOW IT IS US ABOUT THAT WORK AND HOW IT IS IMPACTING CARE. IMPACTING CARE. The Canadian Brain Tumour Consortium is a The Canadian Brain Tumour Consortium is a national investigator network composed of brain national investigator network composed of brain tumour specialists and researchers. Through this tumour specialists and researchers. Through this large-scale collaboration we are participating in large-scale collaboration we are participating in exciting multi-site clinical trials. These clinical trials exciting multi-site clinical trials. These clinical trials provide our patients with early access to promising provide our patients with early access to promising new therapies while also helping shape the future of new therapies while also helping shape the future of neuro-oncology care for the world. neuro-oncology care for the world. To read the full interview visit To read the full interview visit childhealth.ca/brain childhealth.ca/brain WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WANT TO WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WANT TO CARE FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CARE FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND PARTICULARLY THOSE CANCER AND PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH BRAIN TUMORS?WITH BRAIN TUMORS?My sister was diagnosed with cancer when she was My sister was diagnosed with cancer when she was just an infant. Watching the care that she received just an infant. Watching the care that she received opened my eyes to this area and made me want opened my eyes to this area and made me want to pursue a career in paediatric oncology from a to pursue a career in paediatric oncology from a young age. My fellowship at McMaster University young age. My fellowship at McMaster University inspired me to sub-specialize in neuro-oncology. inspired me to sub-specialize in neuro-oncology. I truly feel like we have room to improve the I truly feel like we have room to improve the treatments, outcomes and toxicities of our therapy in treatments, outcomes and toxicities of our therapy in this population. this population. BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD TUMOURS BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD TUMOURS ACCOUNT FOR 25% OF ALL CHILDHOOD ACCOUNT FOR 25% OF ALL CHILDHOOD CANCERS. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES FOR CANCERS. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES FOR THESE PATIENTS?THESE PATIENTS? There are many dierent types of brain and spinal There are many dierent types of brain and spinal tumours, and survival rates depend on the type of tumours, and survival rates depend on the type of tumour, diagnosis and how advanced the disease tumour, diagnosis and how advanced the disease is. Some brain tumors have excellent survival rates, is. Some brain tumors have excellent survival rates, whereas others are dismal. Some children who do whereas others are dismal. Some children who do survive experience life-altering complications. They survive experience life-altering complications. They may live with seizures, learning diculties, weakness may live with seizures, learning diculties, weakness or mobility challenges, to name a few. or mobility challenges, to name a few. DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS ARE DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS ARE OBVIOUSLY CRUCIAL FIRST STEPS IN OBVIOUSLY CRUCIAL FIRST STEPS IN CHILDHOOD CANCER CARE. CAN YOU TELL CHILDHOOD CANCER CARE. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXCITING RESEARCH IN US ABOUT YOUR EXCITING RESEARCH IN THIS AREA? THIS AREA? Currently, I’m leading a national clinical trial, alongside Currently, I’m leading a national clinical trial, alongside my colleagues at SickKids, to investigate liquid my colleagues at SickKids, to investigate liquid Q+Awith with Dr. Chantel CacciottiDr. Chantel CacciottiNeuro-oncologist, Dr. Chantel Cacciotti is pushing the boundaries of cancer careDr. Chantel Cacciotti joined Children’s Hospital’s Childhood Cancer Program in 2020, following a Dr. Chantel Cacciotti joined Children’s Hospital’s Childhood Cancer Program in 2020, following a sub-specialty fellowship in paediatric neuro-oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital. With goals of sub-specialty fellowship in paediatric neuro-oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital. With goals of improving patient survival and quality of life, she is involved in national and international research improving patient survival and quality of life, she is involved in national and international research collaborations, paediatric clinical trials, and precision medicine-based studies. collaborations, paediatric clinical trials, and precision medicine-based studies. Brain Tumours’ Worst EnemyCHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION8 9

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CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION12 CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 13BREAKTHROUGHS TO TALK ABOUTWith over 100 years of history, Children’s Hospital With over 100 years of history, Children’s Hospital and Children’s Health Research Institute have and Children’s Health Research Institute have celebrated countless breakthroughs in paediatric care. celebrated countless breakthroughs in paediatric care. Children’s best care is possible because of our team’s Children’s best care is possible because of our team’s commitment to collaboration. At Children’s, leading commitment to collaboration. At Children’s, leading minds, equipment, research and the generosity of our minds, equipment, research and the generosity of our community all work together to foster innovations community all work together to foster innovations that transform kids’ health care. that transform kids’ health care. Children’s Hospital is the rst centre Children’s Hospital is the rst centre in Canada in Canada to perform Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation to perform Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for paediatric epilepsy treatment, using the for paediatric epilepsy treatment, using the ROSA One Brain Robotic Arm. Radiofrequency ROSA One Brain Robotic Arm. Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation is a Thermocoagulation is a procedure that uses procedure that uses radio waves, through radio waves, through electrodes, to heat and electrodes, to heat and destroy tissue in the destroy tissue in the areas of the brain that areas of the brain that have been identied have been identied as the source of seizure as the source of seizure activity. The rst patient to activity. The rst patient to receive this procedure went from having up to receive this procedure went from having up to 30 seizures a day to being seizure free. 30 seizures a day to being seizure free. 3WORLD’S YOUNGEST MULTIORGAN TRANSPLANT2CANADA FIRST IMPROVES SEVERE PAEDIATRIC EPILEPSY Local researchers, led by Dr. Douglas Fraser, Local researchers, led by Dr. Douglas Fraser, are harnessing revolutionary technology to are harnessing revolutionary technology to advance personalized medicine for children advance personalized medicine for children with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Armed with analytical and computational Armed with analytical and computational technologies, which seamlessly integrates technologies, which seamlessly integrates various data sets, they will be able to divide various data sets, they will be able to divide TBI patients into more meaningful subgroups TBI patients into more meaningful subgroups – which hasn’t previously been possible. – which hasn’t previously been possible. This will allow them to deliver interventions This will allow them to deliver interventions that are precisely targeted to optimize that are precisely targeted to optimize patient outcomes and bring in a new era patient outcomes and bring in a new era of transformative health care for of transformative health care for paediatric illness.paediatric illness. Children’s Hospital launched a novel midwifery Children’s Hospital launched a novel midwifery leadership structure to address barriers faced by leadership structure to address barriers faced by women and birthing people and improve health women and birthing people and improve health outcomes for them and their babies. The Department outcomes for them and their babies. The Department of Midwifery now has a rst-of-its-kind limited term of Midwifery now has a rst-of-its-kind limited term chair and a rst-in-Canada clinical lead and research chair and a rst-in-Canada clinical lead and research lead. As a result, the Department has already lead. As a result, the Department has already been able to create a Bilirubin Clinic and an Early been able to create a Bilirubin Clinic and an Early Discharge Program, change policies that directly Discharge Program, change policies that directly impact women’s care and reduce emergency room impact women’s care and reduce emergency room visits.visits. Children’s Hospital performed a multi-organ Children’s Hospital performed a multi-organ transplant to save the life of a six-month-old baby transplant to save the life of a six-month-old baby in 1997. Sarah was born with a genetic condition, in 1997. Sarah was born with a genetic condition, causing her bladder, intestines, pancreas, causing her bladder, intestines, pancreas, and liver to work and liver to work improperly. Because improperly. Because of her surgery, Sarah of her surgery, Sarah remains a Guinness remains a Guinness World Record-Book World Record-Book holder for being holder for being the world’s youngest the world’s youngest multi-organ transplant. multi-organ transplant. Today, she is 27 years old Today, she is 27 years old and thriving. and thriving. Children facing relapsed and refractory Acute Children facing relapsed and refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have improved Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have improved survival outcomes with blinatumomab, the survival outcomes with blinatumomab, the rst new paediatric cancer treatment for rst new paediatric cancer treatment for relapsed and refractory ALL since the days of relapsed and refractory ALL since the days of Terry Fox. As a member of the consortium of Terry Fox. As a member of the consortium of the Children's Oncology the Children's Oncology Group, Children’s Childhood Group, Children’s Childhood Cancer Program was a key Cancer Program was a key part of the cooperative part of the cooperative group trial that brought this group trial that brought this game-changing treatment game-changing treatment to patients worldwide.to patients worldwide.A national study led by local researcher, Dr. Naveen A national study led by local researcher, Dr. Naveen Poonai, could be signicant in driving critical system Poonai, could be signicant in driving critical system change in youth mental health. The study revealed change in youth mental health. The study revealed that adolescent emergency department visits and that adolescent emergency department visits and hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts, self-harm and hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts, self-harm and self-poisoning increased across Canada throughout self-poisoning increased across Canada throughout the pandemic, especially among teen girls ages 10 to the pandemic, especially among teen girls ages 10 to 14. These ndings highlight for community leaders 14. These ndings highlight for community leaders the need to invest in multiple ways for youth to the need to invest in multiple ways for youth to access mental health supports, as well as bolster early access mental health supports, as well as bolster early intervention initiatives. intervention initiatives.  Thousands of babies suering Thousands of babies suering from from neonatal respiratory distress neonatal respiratory distress syndrome have been saved syndrome have been saved through the development through the development of Bovine Lung Extract of Bovine Lung Extract Surfactant. This Surfactant. This discovery, made by discovery, made by Dr. Fred Possmayer Dr. Fred Possmayer and his research and his research team, including team, including Dr. Victor Han, Dr. Dr. Victor Han, Dr. Graham Chance and Graham Chance and Dr. Paul Harding, in the Dr. Paul Harding, in the 1980s, is now a standard for neonatal care. It is 1980s, is now a standard for neonatal care. It is recognized as one of the top ve discoveries in recognized as one of the top ve discoveries in Ontario, alongside insulin. Ontario, alongside insulin. 5NEW CANCER DRUG TRIALED AT CHILDREN’S IMPROVES SURVIVAL 4REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY TO ADVANCE PERSONALIZED MEDICINE6GENERATIONS OF NEWBORNS SAVED WITH SURFACTANT 1INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP MODEL IMPROVES EARLY CARE7RESEARCH DRIVING MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM CHANGE

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AAlong the centre of Maia’s long the centre of Maia’s chest runs a long and chest runs a long and bold red scar – and she is bold red scar – and she is ercely proud of it.ercely proud of it.“I call it my warrior wound,” says “I call it my warrior wound,” says Maia. “It’s the physical proof of Maia. “It’s the physical proof of what I survived and I’m so grateful what I survived and I’m so grateful for the care I received.” for the care I received.” Maia was born two months Maia was born two months premature and weighing a mere premature and weighing a mere 3lbs 15oz. Her prematurity caused 3lbs 15oz. Her prematurity caused complications, including ear and complications, including ear and eye issues and life-threatening eye issues and life-threatening congenital heart defects. She congenital heart defects. She needed intensive care and then needed intensive care and then open-heart surgery at seven open-heart surgery at seven months old. months old. Maia is among a growing Maia is among a growing number of children who, through number of children who, through modern medicine, are surviving modern medicine, are surviving conditions that were unsurvivable conditions that were unsurvivable in the past and growing up with a in the past and growing up with a close relationship with the health close relationship with the health care system. care system. Following her surgery, Maia Following her surgery, Maia needed ongoing care from needed ongoing care from Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital. “In Grade 3, I remember her “In Grade 3, I remember her standing in front of her class with standing in front of her class with her bravery beads, sharing what her bravery beads, sharing what each of them represented – the each of them represented – the bloodwork, transfusions, echoes, bloodwork, transfusions, echoes, needles and the surgery that she needles and the surgery that she had experienced,” recalls Maia’s had experienced,” recalls Maia’s mom, Kim. “It was a lot for a little mom, Kim. “It was a lot for a little kid, but she’s come to a place kid, but she’s come to a place where she owns her story.” where she owns her story.” Kim believes that the welcoming Kim believes that the welcoming and supportive environment at and supportive environment at Children’s was crucial in supporting Children’s was crucial in supporting Maia’s development. Maia’s development. Children’s Hospital is Children’s Hospital is transformed from a sterile, scary transformed from a sterile, scary and overwhelming facility into a and overwhelming facility into a second home by dedicated sta, second home by dedicated sta, poke free play spaces, calming poke free play spaces, calming nature areas and child and family-nature areas and child and family-centred programs, like Ollie the centred programs, like Ollie the Clown, Music and Art Therapy, Clown, Music and Art Therapy, and Child Life. Aside from the and Child Life. Aside from the sta, most of these are considered sta, most of these are considered ‘extras’ in tight health care budgets. ‘extras’ in tight health care budgets. They are only possible through They are only possible through complete or part funding by caring complete or part funding by caring and generous donors to Children’s and generous donors to Children’s Health Foundation. Health Foundation. Karen Groeneweg has worked Karen Groeneweg has worked as a Child Life Specialist at Children’s as a Child Life Specialist at Children’s Hospital for 15 years. She says it’s Hospital for 15 years. She says it’s critical for patients’ well-being to critical for patients’ well-being to have a hospital environment that is have a hospital environment that is as normal as possible for children. as normal as possible for children. “Frequent hospitalization can “Frequent hospitalization can negatively inuence a child’s negatively inuence a child’s physical, social, emotional and physical, social, emotional and cognitive development,” says cognitive development,” says Karen. “Being conned to a bed, Karen. “Being conned to a bed, requiring care in an isolation room, requiring care in an isolation room, experiencing a trauma, worrying experiencing a trauma, worrying From HOSPITAL to SECONDONDN CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION14about their survival – all of these about their survival – all of these dicult experiences can have a dicult experiences can have a long-term impact.” long-term impact.” Hospitalized children can miss Hospitalized children can miss important milestones. They are important milestones. They are at an increased risk of mental at an increased risk of mental health issues, including anxiety health issues, including anxiety and depression. And they are and depression. And they are also at increased risk of bullying also at increased risk of bullying involvement. involvement. Child Life Specialists are certied Child Life Specialists are certied professionals trained to mitigate the professionals trained to mitigate the eects of frequent hospitalization. eects of frequent hospitalization. They utilize the vast applications of They utilize the vast applications of play to promote psychosocial and play to promote psychosocial and emotional well-being in children. emotional well-being in children. From educating children about From educating children about their diagnosis to preparing them their diagnosis to preparing them for procedures to planning special for procedures to planning special holiday events and supporting holiday events and supporting peer interactions, every day looks peer interactions, every day looks dierent for Child Life Specialists. dierent for Child Life Specialists. CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 15 “Some people might think our “Some people might think our job is to make patients happy but job is to make patients happy but that’s not our focus,” says Karen. that’s not our focus,” says Karen. “We bring something really unique “We bring something really unique into the room. We have no medical into the room. We have no medical agenda, and we are able to just agenda, and we are able to just sit with kids in their challenging sit with kids in their challenging moments. Whether they are sad, moments. Whether they are sad, mad, frustrated or overwhelmed, mad, frustrated or overwhelmed, we validate their experience, help we validate their experience, help them feel heard and build their them feel heard and build their coping skills.” coping skills.” This past year, 23 Child Life This past year, 23 Child Life Specialists supported children Specialists supported children during nearly 21,400 sessions, a during nearly 21,400 sessions, a signicant increase over ve years signicant increase over ve years ago. Children’s Hospital is caring ago. Children’s Hospital is caring for more children than ever before, for more children than ever before, as a result of a rising population as a result of a rising population (London is one of Canada’s fastest (London is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities) and increased growing cities) and increased MAIA AFTER OPENHEART SURGERYMAIA AFTER OPENHEART SURGERY MAIA AND HER MOMMAIA AND HER MOM MAIA TODAY, WITH HER BRAVERY BEADSMAIA TODAY, WITH HER BRAVERY BEADSHHomeChild Life at Work

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CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION16survivorship. survivorship. “In addition to the increased “In addition to the increased numbers, we are also nding numbers, we are also nding that since the global pandemic, that since the global pandemic, children and families are requiring children and families are requiring more time and energy to help more time and energy to help develop strong coping skills,” says develop strong coping skills,” says Karen. “Given the pressures on the Karen. “Given the pressures on the program, we frequently have to program, we frequently have to triage.” triage.” Donor support helped to add Donor support helped to add two additional positions in 2022 two additional positions in 2022 and Child Life hopes to further and Child Life hopes to further build program capacity in the build program capacity in the future. future. The Music Therapy Program has The Music Therapy Program has also experienced a high demand also experienced a high demand for services and was able to for services and was able to expand through increased donor expand through increased donor support in 2022. support in 2022. This unique therapeutic avenue This unique therapeutic avenue uses a child or youth’s connection uses a child or youth’s connection with music as the foundation with music as the foundation to improve areas of health, to improve areas of health, development, and well-being. development, and well-being. “What makes Music Therapy “What makes Music Therapy distinct is that it can address distinct is that it can address a plethora of needs and goals a plethora of needs and goals with patients from infancy to with patients from infancy to adolescence,” says Karina Charczuk, adolescence,” says Karina Charczuk, Music Therapist.Music Therapist. For an infant, music can For an infant, music can positively impact their positively impact their heart rate, heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress levels, respiratory rate, and stress levels, while also helping them to bond while also helping them to bond with their parent. While for a teen, with their parent. While for a teen, it might oer an outlet to open it might oer an outlet to open up about living with anorexia and up about living with anorexia and how their condition aects them how their condition aects them and their loved ones. and their loved ones. Of the child and family-centred Of the child and family-centred programs, Ollie the Therapeutic programs, Ollie the Therapeutic Clown left the most lasting Clown left the most lasting impression on Maia. Ollie uses impression on Maia. Ollie uses humour, magic, play and creative humour, magic, play and creative expression to create a personal expression to create a personal and trusting atmosphere between and trusting atmosphere between hospital workers and patients. hospital workers and patients. “Maia doesn’t have a lot of “Maia doesn’t have a lot of vivid memories as a young child vivid memories as a young child but one she can remember is but one she can remember is seeing Ollie. He would come into seeing Ollie. He would come into the cardiology waiting room to the cardiology waiting room to bring children laughter and relief,” bring children laughter and relief,” says Kim. says Kim. Both Kim and Maia are also Both Kim and Maia are also quick to add that the supportive quick to add that the supportive environment of Children’s Hospital environment of Children’s Hospital isn’t just lost when a patient turns isn’t just lost when a patient turns 18 either. Maia, now 20, recently 18 either. Maia, now 20, recently graduated to adult care. graduated to adult care. “The transition of care was “The transition of care was seamless,” says Maia. “They started seamless,” says Maia. “They started preparing us when I was 17 years preparing us when I was 17 years old. They matched me with a old. They matched me with a cardiologist I was comfortable with cardiologist I was comfortable with and who specializes in my exact and who specializes in my exact defect. They set me up perfectly defect. They set me up perfectly so that I would be taken care of so that I would be taken care of properly.” properly.” From day one through to From day one through to her nal day receiving care from her nal day receiving care from Children’s Hospital, Maia and Kim Children’s Hospital, Maia and Kim say the care has been incredible. say the care has been incredible. “And donors are part of that,” “And donors are part of that,” says Kim. “You safeguard our says Kim. “You safeguard our children’s well-being through child children’s well-being through child and family-centred programs, and family-centred programs, while simultaneously pushing while simultaneously pushing care forward to new heights so care forward to new heights so that the future is brighter. We are that the future is brighter. We are truly grateful.” truly grateful.” Leaving a gift in your Will can create a better future for sick children.Anyone can make a gift to Children’s Health Foundation in their Will, and arranging your gift is a simple process. Start planning your legacy today and join us for in-person or virtual Income Tax Reduction and Estate Planning presentations oered throughout the year. They’re free! Scan the QR code or contact us today for more information:548.689.9252 info@childhealth.ca Vicki Hayter PAINTING WITH A PAINTING WITH A CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTCHILD LIFE SPECIALISTOLLIE THE OLLIE THE THERAPEUTIC THERAPEUTIC CLOWNCLOWN“We have no medical agenda, and we are able to just sit with kids in their challenging moments.”

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TVCC researchers are exploring how to cultivate and support online friendships amongst children with disabilities DDo you remember those days in the o you remember those days in the schoolyard, the sun beaming down on the schoolyard, the sun beaming down on the jungle gym while your best friend chased jungle gym while your best friend chased after you for that game of tag? Or maybe they nally after you for that game of tag? Or maybe they nally talked you into trading that snack they’d been eyeing talked you into trading that snack they’d been eyeing in your lunch pail? in your lunch pail? Friendship is a crucial part of every child’s life. As Friendship is a crucial part of every child’s life. As we grow up, those early bonds become part of who we grow up, those early bonds become part of who we are today. we are today. That’s why TVCC is dedicated to supporting That’s why TVCC is dedicated to supporting children and youth with disabilities in every facet children and youth with disabilities in every facet of their lives – including benecial connections like of their lives – including benecial connections like friendship. friendship. With an entire research program focused on With an entire research program focused on studying the factors that inuence clients’ quality of studying the factors that inuence clients’ quality of life, clients can always look to TVCC for guidance and life, clients can always look to TVCC for guidance and understanding. understanding. Today, TVCC researcher, Eric Smart, is part of a Today, TVCC researcher, Eric Smart, is part of a collaborative research eort with Holland Bloorview, collaborative research eort with Holland Bloorview, working on studies that examine new and alternative working on studies that examine new and alternative ways to support youth with disabilities in achieving ways to support youth with disabilities in achieving goals related to friendship. goals related to friendship. With these research eorts, TVCC is a part of With these research eorts, TVCC is a part of ensuring that anyone who wants to have friends can ensuring that anyone who wants to have friends can have friends. have friends. The research group started by reviewing existing The research group started by reviewing existing studies about supporting youth in socializing online. studies about supporting youth in socializing online. The group’s scoping review concluded that these The group’s scoping review concluded that these three experiences are essential to making friends in three experiences are essential to making friends in virtual spaces: doing activities that increase social virtual spaces: doing activities that increase social condence, feeling safe to express oneself, and condence, feeling safe to express oneself, and learning how to use technology independently. learning how to use technology independently. An established benet of virtual spaces for youth An established benet of virtual spaces for youth is the ability to shape how their peers see them. They is the ability to shape how their peers see them. They can adjust their environment, control what they share can adjust their environment, control what they share at their rst meeting and take extra time to respond to at their rst meeting and take extra time to respond to messages. This exibility helps overcome the barriers messages. This exibility helps overcome the barriers of shyness and nervousness as youth can take the of shyness and nervousness as youth can take the time to type their thoughts. time to type their thoughts. Given TVCC’s dedication to providing youth with Given TVCC’s dedication to providing youth with the support and services that best further their the support and services that best further their goals, an additional study is investigating how TVCC goals, an additional study is investigating how TVCC and Holland Bloorview can bring more virtual social and Holland Bloorview can bring more virtual social programming to clients. programming to clients. For the study For the study Facilitating virtual social connections Facilitating virtual social connections for youth with disabilities: lessons for post-COVID-19 for youth with disabilities: lessons for post-COVID-19 programmingprogramming, researchers conducted interviews and , researchers conducted interviews and focus groups to determine what participants and focus groups to determine what participants and service providers liked and disliked about the current service providers liked and disliked about the current virtual programs. virtual programs. During the study, one youth shared the positive During the study, one youth shared the positive impact of virtual programming on their life: “Honestly, impact of virtual programming on their life: “Honestly, it really helped me a lot overall as a person…I hope to it really helped me a lot overall as a person…I hope to see programs like this continue … I just still feel like see programs like this continue … I just still feel like I have a community that I belong to, and I think that I have a community that I belong to, and I think that says a lot, like, you don’t feel like you’re alone.” says a lot, like, you don’t feel like you’re alone.” Findings also revealed that for some youth with Findings also revealed that for some youth with disabilities, making friends through a virtual program disabilities, making friends through a virtual program may not be the most accessible or convenient option, may not be the most accessible or convenient option, but the only option available. but the only option available. “There was one individual that didn’t want to turn “There was one individual that didn’t want to turn on their camera and it was because they wanted to on their camera and it was because they wanted to take time out of their wheelchair and so in order to do take time out of their wheelchair and so in order to do that they had to lie down. It made me wonder, would that they had to lie down. It made me wonder, would this youth not have been able to participate if they this youth not have been able to participate if they had to come onsite?” a service provider noted in the had to come onsite?” a service provider noted in the study. study. By exploring the design of eective virtual By exploring the design of eective virtual programs and how they encourage friendship, TVCC’s programs and how they encourage friendship, TVCC’s research is helping remove barriers to friendship, research is helping remove barriers to friendship, while actively creating environments that provide while actively creating environments that provide more opportunities for children and youth to form more opportunities for children and youth to form close bonds. close bonds. With the support of TVCC, connection comes in With the support of TVCC, connection comes in all forms. Desktop screens load with smiling faces, all forms. Desktop screens load with smiling faces, empty seats in programs are lled with peers, that empty seats in programs are lled with peers, that nagging voice saying “you don’t belong” starts to fade, nagging voice saying “you don’t belong” starts to fade, and suddenly, as if all at once, friendships form. And and suddenly, as if all at once, friendships form. And the impact of that bond never fades. the impact of that bond never fades. Building VIRTUAL FriendshipsCHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION18 CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 19ZOE AND SARAZOE AND SARA

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Your CommunityIN ACTIONCHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION4Together, we save and improve young lives!Helping others is in Joanne’s DNA. elping others is in Joanne’s DNA. She vividly remembers participating She vividly remembers participating in her rst fundraising event at 10 years in her rst fundraising event at 10 years old – a 25-mile (yes, we used miles back then, old – a 25-mile (yes, we used miles back then, she says with a chuckle) walk-a-thon to build a she says with a chuckle) walk-a-thon to build a school in Brazil. Since that rst experience, she school in Brazil. Since that rst experience, she hasn’t stopped raising funds and awareness hasn’t stopped raising funds and awareness for causes close to her heart. for causes close to her heart. Children’s Health Foundation is one of Children’s Health Foundation is one of those causes. those causes. As a proud aunt to 13 nieces and nephews As a proud aunt to 13 nieces and nephews and a great aunt to 18 children, she knows and a great aunt to 18 children, she knows how important it is to invest in specialized how important it is to invest in specialized paediatric health care for our region. paediatric health care for our region. “Children’s Hospital’s trauma team saved “Children’s Hospital’s trauma team saved my youngest niece from respiratory distress my youngest niece from respiratory distress when she was a newborn. They’ve cared for when she was a newborn. They’ve cared for many of my other nieces and nephews, and many of my other nieces and nephews, and I’ve also witnessed more of the amazing work I’ve also witnessed more of the amazing work they do throughout my professional life,” says they do throughout my professional life,” says Joanne. Joanne. Working at Walmart in Goderich for 25 Working at Walmart in Goderich for 25 years, Joanne was an enthusiastic charity years, Joanne was an enthusiastic charity coordinator and raised funds for Children’s coordinator and raised funds for Children’s Hospital. Her role allowed her to participate Hospital. Her role allowed her to participate in Children’s Hospital Week in Florida and in Children’s Hospital Week in Florida and meet Champion Children from across North meet Champion Children from across North America. Champion Children have lived America. Champion Children have lived hospital experience and share their stories to hospital experience and share their stories to illustrate the life-saving impact of health care illustrate the life-saving impact of health care donations. donations. “The children’s resiliency and the beauty “The children’s resiliency and the beauty of their spirits continue to inspire me,” says of their spirits continue to inspire me,” says Joanne, who has also been a Caring Hearts Joanne, who has also been a Caring Hearts monthly donor for 20 years. monthly donor for 20 years. With her long history of the cause and her With her long history of the cause and her passion for community, it was a no-brainer for passion for community, it was a no-brainer for Joanne to make the decision to leave a gift in Joanne to make the decision to leave a gift in her Will to Children’s Health Foundation. She her Will to Children’s Health Foundation. She has also left specic instructions to include has also left specic instructions to include the Foundation as an option for a memorial the Foundation as an option for a memorial donation. donation. “Whether I’m here or not, my legacy of “Whether I’m here or not, my legacy of helping others will continue,” says Joanne. “I helping others will continue,” says Joanne. “I feel condent in choosing Children’s Health feel condent in choosing Children’s Health Foundation because of the incredible level of Foundation because of the incredible level of caring I’ve seen from the sta for nearly three caring I’ve seen from the sta for nearly three decades. I trust wholeheartedly that they will decades. I trust wholeheartedly that they will be good stewards of my gift.”be good stewards of my gift.”Joanne shows her devotion for helping children with a gift to Children’s in her WillAAHEARTHEARTOFOFGOLD20RADIOTHONRADIOTHONCHILDREN’S GOLF CLASSICCHILDREN’S GOLF CLASSICBOWLING FOR MIRACLESBOWLING FOR MIRACLES MAGICAL WINTER BALLMAGICAL WINTER BALLWINE WOMEN & SHOESWINE WOMEN & SHOESCHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION 21

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2023-2024 CHF Community Report

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