bcchf.ca
spring 2012
EPILEPSY CARE GAIT LAB CHOKING HAZARDS MIRACLE WEEKEND PREVIEW
Sunny Hill One-of-a-kind rehabilitation and developmental care for BC’s kids.
superhero news
Banks rally around BC’s kids Christen Dodge is a proud employee of CIBC. Her dedication to BC Children’s Hospital helped move her bank to designate its $1-million gift to the Campaign for BC Children to the Oncology Inpatient Unit in the new Children’s Hospital. Ten years ago, when Christen’s brother, Cody, was 10, doctors found an inoperable tumour in his brain after a routine eye exam. Since then, Cody has been receiving regular cancer treatment at BC Children’s Hospital. Despite his illness Cody leads an active life, working on fishing boats and playing soccer in his spare time. He believes in living life to its fullest. Inspired by her brother’s fighting spirit and the unwavering support of Children’s caregivers, Christen is an active ambassador for the hospital, championing fundraising initiatives at her workplace and volunteering her time to serve on the banks division committee for the annual Miracle Weekend. Recently Christen became the chair of CIBC’s 2012 employee fundraising campaign for BC Children’s Hospital, leading activities at over 150 CIBC branches across BC. “For half of [Cody’s] life he’s had to battle,” said Christen. “I want to help give the Foundation more money to fund research and more treatment options for these kids. I want to help find a cure.” Like Christen, many passionate people from all walks of life – from the mining and retail industries, to hospitality and real estate and development – give their time and energy to support the hospital through employee-led campaigns and Miracle Weekend. Volunteers are the backbone of many of the Foundation’s events and their successes. CIBC’s million-dollar gift to the Campaign for BC Children in May 2011 follows a number of gifts from other banks. In 2008, BMO made a $2-million gift to the Emergency Department of the new Children’s Hospital, which is expected to open 2 speaking of children spring 2012
in 2017. That gift was followed by a $2-million contribution from RBC toward mental health in 2009. And in November 2011, Scotiabank committed to a $1-million gift in support of Child Health BC and its regional subspecialty clinics. With the participation of banks, other corporations and individuals across the province, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has raised $139 million of its $200-million goal. Left: Christen Dodge; Below: Members of the Miracle Weekend banks committee. Left to right (front row): Andrew Gordon, HSBC; Susanne Kingshott, Scotiabank; Mark Simoes, CIBC; (centre row): Daniel Lee, HSBC; Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank; Alex Fan, CIBC; Christen Dodge, CIBC; (back row): Russ Aunger, Scotiabank; Jacqueline Poissant, Canadian Western Bank; Yiwen Guo, TD; Leah Iverson, TD; Berenika Straczek, RBC. Missing: Garth Stoll, HSBC; Angel Tabernero, RBC; Wayne Brown, BMO; Mike Dunnigan, Scotiabank; Bruce Hogg, BMO.
inside speaking of children
features
spring 2012
6 Relearning Life
www.bcchf.ca MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Forgacs
A three-year-old rebounds after losing the ability to sit up, walk and swallow.
EDITOR Winnie Tam
8 Motion Capture
CONTRIBUTORS Mona Bhullar, Rebecca Keillor, Joanna Newman, Janice Williams
Sunny Hill’s gait lab assesses children with walking challenges.
PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent L. Chan, Invisionation Photography; Irvin Cheung; Brian Hawkes, Brian Hawkes Photographic Inc.; James LaBounty; Suzanne Paxton, The Image of You
10 Giving Voice Electronic devices and a customized wheelchair help a teenager communicate and lead an active life.
ART DIRECTOR Gabriele Chaykowski
14 2012 Miracle Weekend
PROJECT MANAGER Casey Crawford
Preview
PRODUCED BY
For more information about the editorial content of Speaking of Children or to make a donation to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation or Sunny Hill Foundation, please contact 604-875-2444, toll-free at 1-888-663-3033 or soceditor@bcchf.ca.
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Our 2012 Miracle Weekend chair and Champion Child share their thoughts and stories.
departments
Charitable Business Number: 11885 2433 RR0001 BC Children’s Hospital Foundation 938 West 28th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4
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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to SOC Editor at address above. Speaking of Children is published three times annually by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Supporters who donate $50 or more receive a one-year subscription to the magazine, which is also distributed to government officials, public health units and libraries throughout the province. Publication sales agreement #40659514
A PUBLICATION OF
superhero news well said ask the expert speaking of people what’s on healthy habits what’s up, doc? children speak
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and the Child & Family Research Institute.
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well said
One-of-a-Kind Care Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children is dedicated to caring for children with complex rehabilitation and developmental needs. For over 25 years, Sunny Hill has helped tens of thousands of BC’s children and youth learn and regain basic life skills – from walking and talking, to swallowing and communicating – giving them the chance of a brighter future. Sunny Hill is a sister facility to BC Children’s Hospital, and its child rehabilitation and development programs are unique in the province. When a child has a serious accident and requires rehabilitation, or is born with a congenital condition that affects their learning and development, families turn to Sunny Hill for the support they need.
BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Board of Directors 2012 as of February 1, 2012
Mr. Kevin Bent, Chair Mr. Chris Carty Mr. David Doig Mr. Larry Gold Mr. Doug Gordon Mr. Peter Green Mrs. Tammi Kerzner Mr. Don Lindsay Mr. Graham MacLachlan
Many children at Sunny Hill are not sick in the traditional sense. While some may fully recover from injuries, many others are supported by Sunny Hill staff as they strive to gain a greater degree of independence or the ability to communicate. It’s the goal of every Sunny Hill specialist to help children reach their potential and to enhance each child’s quality of life. By using a variety of methods and tools – such as physiotherapy, customized wheelchairs and electronic communication devices – our staff help children and their families achieve individual goals, cope with change and connect with those around them. When you give to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation you are not only helping kids at BC Children’s Hospital; you are also supporting children and families at Sunny Hill. You help us give them the specialized care they need in a warm and supportive environment. And when construction of the new Children’s Hospital is complete, children and families will be able to access these same services, as well as the hospital’s, on one site, eliminating the need for families to travel between the two facilities and enhancing collaboration among our caregivers. I thank you for your support and hope you enjoy reading about some of the children served at Sunny Hill in this issue. Sincerely,
David Doig Chair, Sunny Hill Foundation for Children Board of Directors
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Mr. Geoff Parkin Mr. David Podmore Dr. Ralph Rothstein Ms. Sandy So Ms. Andrea Southcott Mrs. Diane Zell
Foundation Executive Teri Nicholas, MSW, RSW President & CEO
Knut Nordlie, CFRE Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Debora Sweeney, CFRE Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
Being able to walk, talk and swallow is something most of us take for granted. But for some kids at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, acquiring these skills takes hard work.
Maximizing Potential Located in East Vancouver, Sunny Hill cares for over 5,000 children with complex developmental and rehabilitation needs from more than 300 BC communities a year. Each of these children is unique, yet they share a common goal – to maximize their abilities so they can lead the most independent and fulfilling life possible. In this issue of Speaking of Children, you will meet a toddler who, with help from specialists at Sunny Hill, relearned how to swallow, sit up and walk after mysteriously losing these abilities overnight. You will also see how advanced technologies are helping children walk, communicate and participate in sports. BC’s children are fortunate to have access to the specialized services at Sunny Hill. Your support is helping to make them available to our province’s children and families.
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feature story
Relearning Life Carleigh O’Hara lost her ability to walk, talk and swallow overnight. While the exact cause of her condition may never be discovered, her family is thankful that specialists at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children are there to help Carleigh deal with her challenges. by REBECCA KEILLOR
The night Lisa O’Hara heard a strange noise coming from her 17-month-old daughter Carleigh’s baby monitor, her first thought was an innocent one. “I thought it was the wind,” she says. She was shocked to find the sound was actually coming from Carleigh, who lay unconscious in her crib and was struggling to breathe. This was to be Lisa’s first experience with her now threeyear-old daughter’s epilepsy or seizure disorder, diagnosed after a week spent in BC Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “It was surreal,” says Lisa. “Because I think a lot of people think that when you see a seizure it’s convulsing and maybe foaming at the mouth, and that’s not at all what she was like. To me I didn’t even know how they knew she was having a seizure. I was kind of in a daze.” Lisa and her husband, Ryan, received the devastating news that extensive testing on the electrical activity and structure of Carleigh’s brain revealed abnormalities in her frontal lobes. And when Carleigh regained consciousness she was a changed girl. “She lost everything,” says Lisa. “She couldn’t swallow. She couldn’t talk. She couldn’t do anything. All she did was scream, but she had no voice because she was intubated.”
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What exactly happened to Carleigh that night is still something of a mystery. She has undergone over 100 tests, sent as far afield as Amsterdam, and the results have all come back negative. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, was at first suspected. ADEM is an infection that affects the brain and causes inflammation or damage to different areas within the brain, but a diagnosis was never confirmed. What was confirmed was epilepsy with developmental issues. Epilepsy is a brain disorder, says Kim Tully, former acting program manager of Nursing and Acute Rehabilitation at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, where Carleigh went for her rehabilitation. “Basically it just means that your electrical activity of the brain doesn’t always function correctly; it might misfire or it’s overactive. During this abnormal electrical activity a person’s level of consciousness, body movements or sensations may be affected,” says Kim. Epilepsy is not an uncommon disorder. Roughly 40,000 people in British Columbia and around 300,000 people in Canada have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Because of the severity of Carleigh’s loss of development, a specialized brain injury team at Sunny Hill stepped in to provide the professional care she needed. This multidisciplinary team includes, among others, nurses, physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists, recreational therapists and staff who help with infant development. “There was a therapist working with her every day on something,” says Lisa. “I can’t say enough about Sunny Hill. From her social worker to basically all of the therapists and the nurses, they were all fabulous. They just fell in love with Carleigh. They were like our family.” Staff at Sunny Hill set a goal for Carleigh: they wanted to get her swallowing by herself and crawling before sending her home. It took three months to achieve this. Lisa and Ryan appreciated Sunny Hill’s family-focused approach, which
included a social worker giving them a tour of the facility prior to Carleigh’s transfer from Children’s Hospital, and arrangements for six months of acute care from the Community Brain Injury Program for Children and Youth in British Columbia when Carleigh was discharged. “At Sunny Hill we encourage the families to be a part of the team, right from day one,” says Kim. “We bring them on board, explain to them what’s going on, who’s involved and really see what goals and hopes they have for their child, and try and build that into the treatment plan.” The transition from Children’s Hospital to Sunny Hill will be made smoother for patients when the new hospital opens in 2017 and Sunny Hill is relocated to the hospital’s campus. Having Sunny Hill at the same site as the hospital will eliminate the need for Sunny Hill patients like Carleigh to travel to Children’s Hospital for follow-up care, IV therapy or X-rays, as they currently do. To date, Carleigh’s progress has been slow, physically and mentally. She is still in diapers, is unstable on her feet and is not yet talking. But she is improving and, Lisa says, Carleigh is a happy child. “She’s always had a smile. That’s something all the therapists at Sunny Hill would say about Carleigh,” says Lisa. “She was a joy to work with because she was happy to see them. I try to update all the therapists and send them pictures and stuff because I really felt like they cared and wanted to see the best for my child.”
To make a donation to Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, please visit www.bcchf.ca.
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feature story
Walk this Way The Shriners Gait Lab at Sunny Hill uses high-tech video game gear to find solutions for children with walking-related disabilities. by MONA BHULLAR
Christian Martinez gets tested at the Shriners Gait Lab at Sunny Hill with the help of occupational therapist, Val Ward.
Christian Martinez stands at the edge of the mat, patiently awaiting his cue. The 11-year-old’s body is speckled with electrodes and reflective markers – each one strategically placed at a joint or muscle. He gets the signal and starts walking. With each step, Christian’s movements are captured, recorded and translated into digital 3D images. Motion capture technology has been widely used for years in video game development and movie production. It’s what makes animated characters look so life-like – whether it’s the athlete in a video game or the character of Tintin in the recently released movie. It also has its uses well beyond the realm of video games and movies – it has found its place in the world of medicine. Christian continues his walk across the mat. He’s not performing the movements as part of an animated character role; he’s taking steps, one at a time, so Alec Black, director of the Shriners Gait Lab at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, can assess his stride, or gait. “Motion capture technology allows us to conduct non-invasive diagnosis – measure and evaluate walking patterns – so we can understand and resolve complex gait problems 8 speaking of children spring 2012
in children,” says Alec. “In our lab, we see children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida as well as those who have had traumatic brain or spine injuries or have lost a limb.” Christian was diagnosed with moderate cerebral palsy when he was nine months old and intermediate intellectual delay at the age of four and a half. “I noticed that he wasn’t developing like other babies his age,” says Christian’s mother, Blanca. “He wasn’t crawling or making any baby sounds and was reaching his milestones much later than his peers.” After diagnosis, Christian began intensive therapy to help him with his speech, language and mobility challenges. “Christian’s orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Richard Beauchamp) told us that Christian would benefit from extensive physiotherapy sessions because as his body was growing, his muscles were beginning to stiffen, compromising his ability to walk,” says Blanca. Christian’s first visit to the gait lab was when he was four years old; he’s been back several times since then. “When a patient first arrives, they go through a physical assessment with one of our physiotherapists,” says Alec. “This includes a number of muscle tests and joint range of motion measurements. Then we place 16 electrodes over key
Gait lab director, Alec Black, shows Christian his 3D skeletal image.
muscles of a child’s body, like we do for Christian, as well as reflective markers at specific anatomical points. These allow us to measure the electrical impulses of Christian’s muscles in action, while at the same time the motion capture cameras allow us to capture his movements digitally.” The recent addition of equipment that measures foot pressure – the distribution of forces exerted on the ground and absorbed by the body while walking – has further enhanced the work of the gait lab team, which comprises orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, kinesiologists and engineers. “With the extra markers and the addition of the foot pressure measurement equipment, we get an even better understanding of the different foot segments,” says Alec.
ease. And the visits to the gait lab have made a difference. We’ve noticed that Christian’s endurance has improved and he’s not getting tired as quickly as he used to. He’s also becoming a lot more confident in himself.” Once the exercises are finished, Alec lets Christian have a little fun. The sixth-grader, with his wires and markers still attached, breaks out in dance and watches, grinning, as the 3D skeletal image on screen dances with him – in perfect sync. Below: Christian and his mom, Blanca.
“We can see what Christian’s feet are actually doing and by comparing his walking with normal gait patterns, we can quite accurately determine if his feet are functioning properly. If we do find problems, we can make the appropriate surgical, orthotic or therapeutic recommendations. In Christian’s case, he was fitted with custom orthotic foot braces to help him walk better.” Before computerized gait analysis systems were developed, clinicians relied solely on observation. “As we know, there are a multitude of complex movements and relationships between body segments as a person walks,” says Alec. “Even for a trained clinician, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to see and understand the interplay taking place.” The team at the lab, which is one of only three such clinical facilities in Western Canada, sees about 250 children each year; since 1997, they have helped thousands of children find solutions to their walking-related challenges. “The braces have really helped,” says Blanca. “Christian can hold his body straighter and is walking with a little more spring 2012 speaking of children
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feature story
Ben Fullerton and his mom, Lori.
Assistance of a Special Kind Advanced, custom technologies help a teenager communicate and play. by MONA BHULLAR
Ben Fullerton is much like other 13-year-olds; he enjoys video games and chats with friends online. It’s his other accomplishments that set the Langley teen apart: he plays power soccer and met the CBC’s Rick Mercer recently at a practice and, for two consecutive years, has placed third in the Pacific Northwest Optimist Communication Contest. Ben has accomplished these feats – from the everyday to the exceptional – all from the seat of his power wheelchair. Ben was born with a type of cerebral palsy that affects his ability to walk and speak. “Ben has normal thinking ability, it’s just that his body doesn’t cooperate,” says his mother, Lori. “He’s unable to speak and be properly understood and he’s unable to write.” 10 speaking of children spring 2012
That’s where Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children’s assistive technology team comes in. “The creativity of the people at Sunny Hill is astounding; they always find a way to make things work,” says Lori. The team has helped Ben find a way to speak his mind, setting him up with a speech-generating device – a talking computer – that enables him to communicate. “We work closely with each child, their family and their community health team to determine if we can improve a child’s dayto-day life through the aid of assistive technology,” says Nicole Wilkins, Ben’s occupational therapist at Sunny Hill. “Ben controls the movements of his wheelchair and the movements of his computer mouse all by lightly tapping his head against switches that are built right into his wheelchair headrest,” explains Nicole. “As Ben’s body grows, we continuously make adjustments to the seating, head array, and display,” says Nicole. “All the pieces have to be perfectly aligned. It’s extremely complicated but well worth it. Ben’s a totally amazing kid.” Lori couldn’t agree more. “The device has really given Ben an independence to communicate,” she says. “He uses words, symbols and pictures that have been programmed into the computer to help him communicate. It takes a long time, but Ben doesn’t give up.”
ask the expert
OUR EXPERTS ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PLANNED GIVING.
NEW GOVERNORS WELCOMED BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is grateful for the leadership and support of Dr. Doug Cochrane, who has stepped down as a governor, an appointment he has held since 2005. The Foundation is pleased to welcome four new governors. Robin Dhir is the president of Twin Brook Developments Ltd., which focuses on the development, construction and management of residential real estate. He is the founding chair of the A Night of Miracles gala, which, since 2009, has raised $678,000 for BC Children’s Hospital. Robin plays an active role in the community and is on the Board of Directors of Canada Place Corporation. Bjorn Moller recently retired as CEO of Teekay Shipping, one of the largest shipping companies in the world. He had been with the company since 1985. Bjorn has served on several professional associations and is vice-chair of the Mulgrave School Foundation Board in West Vancouver. Russ and Karen Grant are ex-Winnipeggers who retired to Victoria in 2008 after a 40-year stopover in Calgary. Karen was a clinical nurse who trained at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital and worked with children with learning difficulties at Calgary Academy. Russ is an engineer from the University of Manitoba and spent his career consulting in the energy industry. They are both looking forward to being ambassadors for the Foundation on Vancouver Island.
Charitable Bequests What are the benefits of naming a charity in my will? A common misconception about planned giving or estate planning is that it is only for the wealthy. The truth is everyone can make a difference and support their charity or charities of choice through a bequest in their will. 1. Simplicity: It is easy to leave a legacy gift. Just a few sentences in your will are all that is needed. Visit a lawyer or notary experienced in estate planning to help you include your charitable bequest(s) in a new will or add a codicil to an existing will. 2. Flexibility: You can revise your will throughout your life as your situation changes. In fact, it’s wise to review and update your will regularly, and particularly after major events in your life (e.g. marriage, birth of a child, divorce, death of a parent etc.) as these events may have an impact on your ability and desire to include charitable bequests. 3. Versatility: You can structure the bequest in a manner that best suits your needs. A specific bequest leaves a specific amount of money or property to a charity; a residual bequest donates all or a portion of your estate after all debts, taxes and other bequests have been made; and a contingent bequest (also known as a “disaster” clause) allows you to donate your estate to a charity when circumstances make it impossible to carry out your primary bequest (e.g. if your spouse predeceases you). 4. Tax Relief: While not a primary concern for everyone, you can reduce taxes payable upon your death by including charitable bequests. Your estate may use charitable receipts to reduce taxes owing in the year of death up to 100 per cent of your net income and in the year preceding death. The final benefit of leaving a charitable bequest is knowing that your legacy gift to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation will support advances in child health for years to come. When including a gift to BC Children’s Hospital in your will or any other document, please remember to use our correct legal name: British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. For more information on how to support BC Children’s Hospital through a bequest in your will, please contact a member of our expert team below.
DIANE HAARSTAD Philanthropy Officer
JANICE WILLIAMS Philanthropy Officer
604-875-3679 dhaarstad@bcchf.ca
604-875-2677 jwilliams@bcchf.ca
spring 2012 speaking of children
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speaking of people
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5 sible by crystal sponsors Canaccord Financial, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, New Gold Inc., PNG Gold and Universal Packaging; crystal in-kind sponsors the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and Contac Services; and other generous sponsors and guests. Visit www.bcchf.ca/crystalball.
HOLIDAY TEA
4 CRYSTAL BALL The 25th annual Crystal Ball, presented by The Radcliffe Foundation, raised a net total of $1.2 million toward the Campaign for BC Children. The Crystal Ball committee, chaired by Diane Norton, treated guests to the delectable culinary creations of Four Seasons’ executive chef Ned Bell, perfectly paired with wines from Painted Rock Estate Winery. The event was made pos12 speaking of children spring 2012
Over 350 guests attended the 2011 Holiday Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. This annual event celebrates and honours the generosity of the hospital’s Children’s Circle of Care, Circle of Courage and Caring for the Future Society members, as well as other hospital supporters. Teri Nicholas, the Foundation’s president and CEO, Dr. Eleanor Reimer, head of Pediatric Anesthesia at BC Children’s, and cancer patient, Lindsey Lourenco, and her dad, Tony, all addressed guests from their unique perspective. The tea was generously presented by the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. Event photos can be viewed at www.flickr.com/bcchf/.
A NIGHT OF MIRACLES The third annual A Night of Miracles, co-presented by Fasken Martineau and RBC, took place at the Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown. Bringing together more than 400 community and business leaders, this sold-out, black-tie event raised over $300,000 toward the South Asian community’s five-year pledge to raise $3 million to support the construction of an interventional radiology room in the new Children’s Hospital. Guests were treated to an evening of fantastic entertainment and culinary delights. The event was made possible by VIP sponsors BMW, Faronics and HSBC; entertainment sponsors KTL Transport and Dealfun.com; cocktail reception sponsor Odyssey International, and evening sponsors Ampri Group, The Beedie Group, KPMG, Lucky Janda, Lawson Lundell, Nature’s Path and Smythe Ratcliffe.
what’s on
AUCTIONMART
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the Fairmont Empress. More than 15,000 votes were cast for the 77 beautifully decorated trees. Two other island communities also hosted festivals. The Port Alberni Community for Kids committee raised $14,500 and the Sooke Community for Kids committee raised $5,500. Congratulations go to the People’s Choice Award winners: in Victoria - Super Nurses for Super Heroes; in Port Alberni - The Kinette Club of Port Alberni; and in Sooke - Sooke Montessori.
FOR CHILDREN WE CARE
WILLIAMS LAKE GIVES BACK
On February 4, the 2012 For Children We Care gala raised $669,999 for Operation Superhero – a campaign initiated by the Chinese-Canadian community to raise $5 million in three years to name the Oncology Inpatient Unit in the new Children’s Hospital. Organized by the Chinese-Canadian community, this annual black-tie event attracted close to 1,000 guests to the Vancouver Convention Centre. To date, Operation Superhero – including proceeds from the 2012 gala – has raised $3.8 million.
The Mahon family of Williams Lake knew they wanted to give back. Their son, Gregorson, was diagnosed with cancer when he was 15, and after 30 chemotherapy treatments and three surgeries at the hospital, Gregorson is now in remission and back at home. In late 2010 Gregorson’s dad, Steve – an owner of Macon Construction Ltd. – came up with the idea of building a home with proceeds going to the hospital. The home was completed in December 2011, with the help of many people in Williams Lake, who donated services and supplies in support of the construction.
FESTIVAL OF TREES The 2011 Vancouver Festival of Trees, presented by Union Securities, celebrated its silver anniversary by raising $160,000 for the Campaign for BC Children – the event’s biggest total yet. Venue sponsors Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and Pacific Centre graciously displayed the beautiful trees decorated by corporate and community participants. The People’s Choice Award went to The Delf Group Inc. Congratulations! 2011 marked the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Festival of Trees, which raised a recordbreaking $126,000 in support of BC Children’s Hospital. The event was once again hosted by
Photos (from left): 1 Tree decorated by The Delf Group Inc., 2011 Vancouver Festival of Trees People’s Choice Award winner; 2 Crystal Ball honourees Marjorie-Anne Sauder, Joseph Segal, Isabelle Diamond and Stephanie Carlson; 3 Will Westeringh, Fasken Martineau; Tim Manning, RBC; Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation; Kevin Bent, chair of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors; Robin Gill, Global National; and Robin Dhir, Twin Brook Developments Ltd. at the 2011 A Night of Miracles; 4 Ken and Gladys Smith, and their niece, Debbie Boyce (left), at the 2011 Holiday Tea; 5 The 2012 For Children We Care gala raises $669,999; 6 House constructed by Macon Construction Ltd.
This year marks the 10th annual AuctionMart online auction, hosted by The Province and The Vancouver Sun newspapers. As always, bidders get great deals on merchandise while, for the second year, helping BC’s kids. AuctionMart runs from March 24 to April 2. Ten per cent of net proceeds from AuctionMart – the largest online auction in North America – will be donated to the Campaign for BC Children. Register as a bidder today at www.vancouversun.com/auctions.
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND On Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 and 13, treat your mom while helping BC’s kids through the Caring a la Carte program. Numerous restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to the hospital. Visit www.bcchf.ca/mother-s-day-campaign for more information.
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miracle weekend
Tune in Saturday, June 2, at 7 pm through Sunday, June 3, at 6 pm
2012 BC Children’s Hospital Miracle Weekend MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR: MIRACLE WEEKEND’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY I am privileged to be returning as chair of Miracle Weekend this year, especially as we mark such a special anniversary – 25 years of raising funds for BC’s kids. The longstanding partnership between BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Global BC, my workplace, has created a close, tight-knit family. Last spring, two of our reporters experienced first-hand the incredible care at Children’s Hospital when their newborn required urgent medical help from the Critical Care team. That experience made our connection even stronger and more meaningful, and I was again reminded of why so many of us consider ourselves to be members of the hospital family. BC Children’s Hospital touches a vast number of people and that is why your involvement is so important. Our children – and all those who are part of our extended family
On Thursday, April 26, British Columbians are invited to support the 22nd annual Jeans Day™. Purchase a $20 lapel pin or a $5 button and wear jeans to work or school to support BC Children’s Hospital. Sign up to be a Jeans Day™ champion at www.jeansday.ca and register your group today! Get your buttons at Thrifty Foods, London Drugs, Save-On-Foods, Overwaitea Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Cooper’s Foods, Urban Fare and Costco Wholesale. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jeansday. Looking for a great team-building experience for your company? Step up to the plate at the 22nd annual Slo-Pitch event at Softball City taking place May 25, 26 and 27. Your team could be the next top fundraiser in your industry to receive a fun Vancouver Canadians experience. Raise $3,000 as a team toward the $475,000 14 speaking of children spring 2012
across the province – deserve to have access to the best care possible. If we think of Miracle Weekend as an engine, it’s fair to say that this engine is about to kick into high gear – and we’re going to need all the fuel we can get to reach our destination. I know I can count on you, your families and people across the province to help us reach our destination. I look forward to celebrating Miracle Weekend’s 25th anniversary with you on June 2 and 3, 2012, on Global BC.
John Ridley, Global BC Chair, 2012 BC Children’s Hospital Miracle Weekend
event goal and join 80 other teams to support BC’s kids. Register your corporate team to play (on one day only) at www.bcchf.ca/slopitch. On Sunday, May 27 join BC’s South Asian community for the 14th annual A World of Smiles Telethon benefiting BC Children’s Hospital on Shaw Multicultural Channel (cable 119), Shaw Direct (channel 299) and your local Shaw TV channel. The event, the result of a longstanding partnership between Shaw and the South Asian community, has raised over $3.3 million for BC’s kids. Contact Tanya Linau at tlinau@bcchf.ca or 604-875-2345 ext. 4643. The Chinese-Canadian community is in the final year of Operation Superhero – an initiative dedicated to raising $5 million for the Oncology Inpatient Unit in the new BC Children’s
Hospital. Proceeds from the 2012 ChineseCanadian Miracle Weekend will go to Operation Superhero, and the event’s activities will culminate on Saturday, June 2 with a telethon on Fairchild Television from 9 pm to midnight, and radiothons on Fairchild Radio AM1470 and CHMB AM1320 from 9 am on. Contact Kitty Cheung at kcheung@bcchf.ca or 604-875-2513. Register today for the 27th annual ChildRun presented by the Wilson Family. By participating in the largest family fun run in Vancouver, ChildRun participants raise funds for childhood cancer research and care at BC Children’s Hospital. On Sunday, June 3, runners and walkers of all ages will follow a scenic fivekilometre route through Queen Elizabeth Park or the Thrifty Foods one-kilometre Fun Run route, followed by a carnival celebration. Register for this don’t-miss event at www.childrun.com.
THE MIRACLE WEEKEND SUPERHERO TEAM
MIRACLE WEEKEND EXECUTIVE Chair John Ridley, Global BC Vice-Chair Raymond Li, International Banking, RBC Physician Chair Dr. Erik Skarsgard, BC Children’s Hospital
on Global BC
MIRACLE WEEKEND FUNDRAISING CABINET
When I was 13, while on our first family vacation to Portugal, I started to feel terribly sick. I couldn’t eat, I slept all day, and I felt weak, dizzy and nauseous. After seeing several doctors, I got a blood test, and then it all crashed downhill from there. I was rushed directly to a special hospital in Lisbon where I saw children there with no hair, and I thought I was going to die. They told me I had a cancer called leukemia. My dad stayed in contact with BC Children’s Hospital, and we eventually arranged an air ambulance to take me home to Vancouver. I had never been so happy to be back home! When I got to BC Children’s, they already knew everything about me and my condition, and they had a plan of action ready to start treating my cancer. I started on a two-year-long nightmare of chemotherapy. I missed my first year of high school and had to give up dancing (my passion), but treatment was working and my cancer was in remission. But it was not to last. Just weeks after my maintenance chemo came to an end, I started having severe migraines. The cancer had returned and taken over my brain and spinal fluid. This time I would need intense brain and full-body radiation treatments. It was also my best chance to have a stem cell transplant. My parents and twin sister were tested for donor suitability, but an anonymous donor was
eventually found. I went through the worst chemo ever to prepare for the transplant. Then came the day I received my bone marrow transplant. I lived in an isolation room for over two and a half months. After many weeks it didn’t look like the transplant was working. But then on my 16th birthday, the results showed improvement and I was finally allowed to step outside of my “cell” into the fresh air outside! Now over a year later, I am cancer-free! I struggle with a lot of the side effects of four years of aggressive cancer treatment, both physically and emotionally, but I am still here thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at BC Children’s Hospital. I am so happy to know that a new and improved hospital will be built for sick kids in BC. It makes a huge difference to a child of any age when there is space to have a parent or family member beside you night and day. I am also very happy and honoured to be representing our hospital as the BC Children’s Champion Child for 2012. I hope to help raise funds and awareness in this role, and I am proud to do so. Sincerely, Lindsey Lourenco Note: This past January, Lindsey’s cancer returned. Lindsey and her family, along with her care team at BC Children’s Hospital, are once again in the fight against leukemia.
Banks Alexander Fan, CIBC, Chair ChildRun Kendra Penrose, ActiveState Software Inc. & Jennifer Black, Charles Dickens School, Co-Chairs; Roshanac Heed, Vice-Chair Chinese-Canadian Miracle Weekend Rebecca Chan, Modern Beauty Centre, Chair; Venita Kwan & Stella Chan, Co-Vice-Chairs Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services Susan Byrom, Envision Financial, Chair Hospital Liaison Terry Ho, BC Children’s Hospital, Chair; Debbie Cain, BC Children’s Hospital, Vice-Chair Hospitality & Restaurants Dawn Li, Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, Chair; Nicholas Gandossi, Opus Hotel, Vice-Chair Jeans Day™ Ilda Brazinha, BMO, Chair; Cynthia Curll, BC Hydro, Vice-Chair Mining Colin Joudrie, Teck Resources Limited & Jason Weber, Kiska Metals Corp, Co-Chairs Real Estate & Development George Crowhurst, BC Hydro, Chair Retail & Wholesale Calvin Johnson, Costless Express, Chair; Bruce Shepherd, Pacific Newspaper Group, Vice-Chair Slo-Pitch Cam Rathwell, HSBC, Chair; Aaron Stewardson, Maynards, Vice-Chair South Asian Community TBC
MIRACLE WEEKEND OPERATIONS CABINET Catering David Rooney & Nia Vekris, Co-Chairs Donations Management Carolyn Davies, Chair Guest Services Christina Papadimitriou, Chair Logistics Nicole Victor, Chair Play Area Brina Soni, Chair Presentations Donna Blaker, Chair Registration John Chandler, Chair Telephones Management Carol Miller & Helen Roelofsen, Co-Chairs TELUS Phones Lisa Stirling, Chair
COMMUNITY FOR KIDS Port Alberni, Barbara-Anne Kalugin & Steve Kalugin, Co-Chairs Prince George, John Abbott & Rick Mintz, Co-Chairs Upper Fraser Valley, Casey Hillton, Chair Vanderhoof, Corleen McNolty & Michelle Roberge, Co-Chairs
spring 2012 speaking of children
15
healthy habits
Beware: Choking Hazard Choking can happen quickly and can have devastating consequences within minutes. Keep a few safety precautions in mind and reduce your child’s risk of choking.
Choking is one of the most common reasons for emergency visits to BC Children’s Hospital. Choking can occur at any age, but children under two years of age are at greatest risk. Many foods and objects that fit in a child’s hand can cause choking or internal burns. The most common offenders are coins, nuts and raw carrots, and the most dangerous choking episodes often occur with grapes and disc batteries. Choking can have serious consequences, including death or permanent disability.
HOW CAN I KEEP MY CHILD SAFE AT MEAL TIMES? Many choking incidents happen when children are eating and running about at the same time. Teach children to sit quietly during snacks and meals, and to chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
FOOD CATEGORY
In addition, following are a few food categories to watch out for, and some common non-food items that also pose a choking hazard, and steps you can take to minimize risk:
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Crisp, crunchy foods These include peanuts and other nuts, raw carrots and celery, popcorn kernels, sunflower seeds, fruits with pits, dried peas and beans. Inhalation of these foods can cause severe coughing and obstruction of the bronchi (airway to the lungs), causing wheezing and possibly pneumonia.
Don’t introduce these foods to children until they are at least four years old and can chew and swallow crusty bread, and raw apple and pear without coughing. Never give unpopped popcorn kernels to a toddler.
Round and rubbery foods
HOW CAN I PREVENT CHOKING? Here are a few pointers to remember: • Keep a careful eye on young children during meals and snacks, and ensure they are seated while eating. • Introduce new food textures slowly and carefully. • Check for small items of any type that a child may choke on. • Choose toys that are labelled as appropriate for the age of your child. • Teach older siblings not to give small items or toys to younger children. • Learn how to give first aid to a choking child. 16 speaking of children spring 2012
These include hot dogs, whole grapes and gel candies (such as “Fruit Poppers”). They can become stuck between the vocal cords and completely block breathing.
Cut hot dogs and grapes lengthwise and into small pieces until children are at least four years old, and can chew and swallow steak without coughing. Avoid gel candies, which are banned but still available in certain stores in Canada.
Gum and hard candies These can be inhaled and get stuck between the vocal cords.
Don’t give children gum or hard candies until they are at least five years of age and can understand the danger.
Fish bones (and other small bones) Small and fine bones can become stuck higher in the throat and cause severe pain.
Carefully pick out bones before serving fish and poultry.
ITEM
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Small hard objects Examples of these include plastic toy parts, metal hardware and fishing tackle. They can cause coughing fits and end up in the bronchi.
Teach children not to put non-food objects in their mouths and not to hold them between their lips or teeth (unless they are proven safe items like teethers).
Coins These are the most common foreign objects swallowed or inhaled. Coins can become stuck in the esophagus and can cause pain, and often drooling and retching.
Never store coins in open bowls or containers that are within reach of toddlers. Sweep and check the floor every day to ensure coins haven’t fallen out of pockets etc.
Disc batteries Like coins, disc batteries are tempting to young children. However, they are much more dangerous because they can cause severe internal burns and even death.
Keep toys and electronics with removable disc batteries away from young children. Store unused or discarded batteries where children cannot find them.
Balloons Deflated balloons can become stuck between the vocal cords and completely stop a child’s breathing.
Keep deflated and broken balloons away from young children.
Dishwasher powder and caustic liquids Most household cleaners and hair straighteners or relaxers can cause severe burns of the swallowing and breathing passages. Not all are marked with warning labels.
Keep all caustic substances out of reach of children.
Toys Many toys contain magnets; if swallowed, they can cause serious damage.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that if an item fits in a young child’s palm, it is likely a choking hazard. If you suspect that a child has choked on an object, explain that to medical per-
Always adhere to the age guidelines on toys. Check for small magnets and keep them out of reach of young children. sonnel as soon as possible and bring an example of the foreign body if possible. A Heimlich manoeuvre is necessary only if someone is unable to speak clearly and is turning blue.
For more information visit: http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/er/choking.html http://www.nhs.uk/planners/birthtofive/pages/howtohelpchoking.aspx
Test your
choking
knowledge
1. Fill in the blank: If a person has choked and still ____, that person should get checked out by a health professional right away. a) Coughs b) Drools c) Has noisy breathing d) Has trouble breathing e) Any of the above 2. The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that helps prevent food from “going down the wrong pipe.” a) True b) False 3. A lack of oxygen can cause brain damage within: a) One to two minutes b) Four to six minutes c) 10 to 20 minutes Answer key: 1 e; 2 a; 3 b
Information for this article was provided by Safe Start and Dr. Neil Chadha, an otolaryngologist at BC Children’s Hospital.
spring 2012 speaking of children
17
what’s up, doc?
Sheila Kennedy WHAT YOU’D NEVER KNOW ABOUT ME Hmmm…that’s a tough one as I’m quite an open book. I guess one thing would be that I played classical piano and was also involved in competitive swimming growing up.
HOBBIES I like hiking, camping, snowshoeing, exploring back roads and kayaking. I also enjoy reading, crossword puzzles, scrapbooking, watching figure skating, musical theatre and various fitness-related activities. I have been involved in Zumba classes recently, which are lots of fun!
SECRET FANTASY
BEHIND THE STETHOSCOPE You would not see me with a stethoscope unless I was playing with a child who was using one in a medical play kit! I work in a fairly young profession called therapeutic recreation. Working at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, I use recreation activities to help children reach their goals whether they are rehabilitative- or quality-of-life-oriented. I also provide leadership support to a wonderful team that includes recreation therapists, a music therapist, recreation/aquatic therapists, early childhood educators, a department secretary and recreation workers.
MEDICAL TRAINING I have a BA in Recreation Administration with a specialty in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Alberta. I am currently involved in the BC Therapeutic Recreation Association as the director of Education and sit on the advisory board for the Applied Degree Program in Therapeutic Recreation at Douglas College.
I would love to be able to provide funding to help children with disabilities access recreation opportunities in their communities. I have been fortunate enough to see what an amazing difference it makes when a family is given assistance in areas such as registration fees, adapted recreation equipment and wheelchair-accessible transportation for their child, and it would be very rewarding to help make this possible. I also have a special friendship with a young man with cerebral palsy who was a former patient and it would be wonderful to help him fulfill his dreams of living a more active life.
IF I DIDN’T HAVE TO WORK When I retire, I plan to be involved in more physical activity, and enjoy more time with my family and friends. I’d consider getting a dog and probably get involved as a volunteer with something completely different than what I’ve done in the past. More time to travel and read would be a bonus too!
PHILOSOPHY I try to be a positive role model and live my life with compassion every day. I believe that being involved in recreation activities of one’s choice is vital for one’s overall health.
FAMILY / PERSONAL PICTURE My husband also works at Sunny Hill, providing childminding services. I have many nieces and nephews as well as many godchildren. One of my nephews is on the autism spectrum and he has taught me a lot about living with that diagnosis. 18 speaking of children spring 2012
WHAT I’M READING NOW I enjoy reading at least part of the newspaper daily and I’m just finishing Younger Next Year for Women by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD.
children speak
Dear Children’s Hospital . . . Seven-year-old Lily O’Dea raised $150 for BC Children’s Hospital by asking her friends to make a donation in lieu of birthday gifts. She shares her reasons for supporting the hospital in her letter below.
Do you have a story about BC Children’s Hospital to tell? Please submit your Miracle Kid stories to stories@bcchf.ca.
spring 2012 speaking of children
19
Saturday, June 2 AND
Sunday, June 3, 2012
YEARS OF MIRACLES FOR BC’S KIDS
www.miracleweekend.com
PM 40659514