Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Summer/Fall 2017
Plus
our b a L g n Maki ery v i l e D & Easier
Jim Pattison’s Extraordinary Gift How it will change care for moms & children in Saskatchewan
Can Cannabis really treat kids with epilepsy? How new music program is helping heal sick kids
Meet the McCulloughs
Grey Cup Champ Mike McCullough on why a children’s hospital matters
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CHILDREN’S CONNECTION
Volume 2 Issue 1
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A publication of
Inside
Our Mission: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of maternal and children’s healthcare in Saskatchewan and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
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WHAT’S NEW The latest on special new spaces coming to Saskatchewan’s maternal and children’s hospital thanks to the generosity of donors like you.
Our Address: 1 - 345 Third Ave S Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 pattisonchildrens.ca
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Inside the largest donation in Saskatchewan history! Details on how Jim Pattison’s extraordinary gift will change care for Saskatchewan children and mothers-to-be.
Contact Us: 306.931.4887 or 1.888.808.KIDS (5437)
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MAKING LABOUR & DELIVERY EASIER New equipment gives Saskatchewan moms-tobe a better birth experience.
facebook.com/ Pattisonchildrens @Pattisonkids
ON THE COVER
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FEATURE STORY Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Mike McCullough and his wife Laura get personal by sharing their powerful story.
@Pattisonchildrens
Our Charitable Number: #13530 9342 RR0001
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for our eNewsletter at pattisonchildrens.ca and please recycle this copy.
MIRACLE CURE? Health Canada gives the nod to groundbreaking Saskatchewan epilepsy research.
No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without written consent. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us 306.931.4887 or 1.888.808.5437. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation does not sell, trade or lease the personal information of its donors.
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HEALING THROUGH MUSIC New Child Life music therapy program is changing care for kids in hospital. SUMMER/FALL 2017 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 3
What’s New MILLSAP FAMILY HONOURS DAUGHTER’S MEMORY A special young girl’s memory will live on within the walls of the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital with the announcement of a $250,000 donation from her parents Gus and Marlene Millsap. The Saskatoon-based couple made the special legacy gift in memory of daughter Aleah, naming two pediatric inpatient rooms in her honour. “It’s very important to us that every child receive the highest quality of medical care,” say Gus and Marlene Millsap about the gift announced on what would have been Aleah’s 34th birthday. “We are very proud to be able to support a new provincial facility that will provide the best possible care for children and their families.” Aleah Millsap, age 5
WEYBURN FAMILY FUNDS SASKATCHEWAN’S FIRST PEDIATRIC SURGICAL SUITES The Ken Cugnet family of Weyburn has donated $1 million to help bring one of three new pediatric surgical suites to Saskatchewan’s new maternal and children’s hospital. The integrated surgical suites will include both an operative area and induction room allowing parents to stay with their child while anesthesia is administered. “Our family has always been grateful to those who came before us to build this great province. We are grateful for the schools, churches, libraries, universities and hospitals that were built by those who had so little but worked hard and shared what they could,” says Jo BannatyneCugnet of the gift made in honour of her late husband Ken Cugnet. “We are proud to make this donation to help serve the medical needs of Saskatchewan families when they come looking for a miracle for their child.”
PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY PROGRAM GETS DESIGNATED FUND The Pediatric Epilepsy Program of Saskatchewan has received a leg up in funding with the creation of the designated Pediatric Epilepsy Fund at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. The provincial program provides epileptic kids with diagnostic options and medical, surgical, and alternative therapies. It’s a key area for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, with epilepsy the third most common brain disorder affecting about 1% of all children. “We are excited to offer a unique option to donors wishing to support pediatric epilepsy in our province,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Donations to our new pediatric epilepsy fund will support kids and families right here at home with urgently needed equipment and technology enhancements, research and innovation, and family-centered care.” To support the Pediatric Epilepsy fund, you can donate by clicking on “designated funds” at pattisonchildrens.ca. 4 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA SUMMER/FALL 2017
Saskatchewan’s Dr. Salah Almubarak examines an epilepsy patient.
CONSTRUCTION ON NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 58% COMPLETE: HEALTH REGION UPDATE Construction on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital reached 58% at the end of May. Craig Ayers of JPCH Project Team confirmed that the building has nearly reached it’s full height, with just rooftop helipad work remaining. The main floor of the new maternal and children’s hospital is complete, and the ground floor structure is at about 90%. Crews are 64% finished with the second, third and fourth-floor structures, and work is now underway on the portion of the third floor that will overhang the parkade. Saskatchewan’s new provincial hospital is on time for a late 2019 opening.
58%te!
comple
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation has raised $54 million in the "We Can’t Wait" capital campaign with a total goal of a minimum of $75 million.
Please donate to Saskatchewan’s maternal and children’s hospital.
pattisonchildrens.ca
A New Day is Dawning Jim Pattison Makes Historic $50 Million Donation
Jim Pattison and Brynn Boback-Lane check out the view of the new children’s hospital.
The people ince are v o r p is h t in y family M . l ia c e p s so lot to and I owe a wan. Saskatche
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Jim Pattison and 12-year old Champion Child Calla Gross
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he dawning of a bright and sunny day was symbolic for Saskatchewan kids and families earlier as they learned about the bright future for pediatric and maternal healthcare right here in our own province. Jim Pattison’s $50 million donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan on May 30th was a defining moment as the largest one-time donation to a charitable organization in Saskatchewan’s history. “We want to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for this extraordinary gift that will benefit the children and families of Saskatchewan for generations to come,” says Premier Brad Wall. “Mr. Pattison’s generous donation, together with the $235.5 million contribution from the province, and the impressive fundraising of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, will ensure that a world class children’s hospital will finally become a reality in Saskatchewan.” In honour of this incredible gift, Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan has been renamed Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The Foundation
followed suit, becoming Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The people in this province are so special,” explains Pattison, who is originally from Luseland, Saskatchewan. “My family and I owe a lot to Saskatchewan. My mother’s family were homesteaders, my father’s family were homesteaders. We wouldn’t be here without Saskatchewan people.” “Mr. Pattison is no stranger to building on a dream and is keenly aware of working from the ground up,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Words will never be able to indicate our deep appreciation. His gift to our Foundation is a ‘passing forward’ to those who never give up and to those who face adversity every day, just like the many young patients in hospital.” The path to success started with humble beginnings for Pattison, who began his career as a car salesman, which sparked his interest in purchasing his first GM franchise in 1961. Over fifty years later, his Vancouver-based
company is the second largest privately held company in Canada and includes divisions in advertising, media, agricultural equipment, food and beverage, entertainment, exporting, financial, real estate, and periodical distribution industries. For Pattison, there’s no place like home, which is why this gift means more than he could put into words. He acknowledged the people of Luseland and a Saskatoon church for helping his family, emphasizing how it’s possible to start with limited amounts of resources and still make a lasting impact, whether it’s time or money, big or small. “We decided this was a cause we could support. There are a lot of causes you can give to, and we decided that this one lined up directly with our values,” says Pattison, who credits his assistant
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On schedule for a late
2019 opening
Construction on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is of 54 years, Maureen Chant, with focusing his giving on making an impact in healthcare. “Jim Pattison’s remarkable gift will transform the future of maternal and pediatric healthcare on a scale this province has not seen before," says Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are tremendously grateful for this visionary gift, which will help us achieve long-term, stable funding to help create a world-class medical and research centre of excellence for Saskatchewan children, moms, and families right here at home.” Separate from this historic gift, the Foundation’s “We Can’t Wait” capital campaign has accumulated $54 million towards a campaign goal of a minimum of $75 million. “To be on the world stage, we will need to reach higher, just as the Mayo Clinic, SickKids, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital have,” adds Boback-Lane. “These funds will allow us to create pediatric and maternal research opportunities right here in Saskatchewan, give us leverage to collaborate with other major children’s hospitals and research institutes, allow for pediatric and maternal research chairs, fellowships, extended education and knowledge. It will
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enable sustainable programming and highly specialized equipment within the children’s hospital. It will also allow for a Children’s Hospital Foundation Operational Endowment, one of the first in Canada, so that we can always keep administration costs low, and the funds flowing directly to the cause. This gift is a true tribute to the health region, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. This is a team tribute to everyone who has helped and believed from day one that this children’s hospital was possible.” Pattison’s final remarks recognized all those who make a difference for people in need, saying that it truly takes a village to build something as important as a children’s hospital. “What makes a community is the people in it, the volunteers and the community spirit that comes along with it. Any effort, no matter how small can help,” explains Pattison. “That’s what builds the community, a province, and what builds the country.”
58% complete
409,032 Total square footage of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
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New maternal, newborn and pediatric fellowships
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New website! pattisonchildrens.ca
Making Labour & Delivery Easier New Equipment Gives Sask Moms-ToBe a Better Birth Experience
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ever underestimate the influence that a healthy and happy mother has on her newborn. While having a baby is one of the most significant moments in a woman’s life, labour can be a stressful, lengthy and painful experience. The Maternal Care Unit in Saskatoon is now able to improve the experience for the 5,500 mothers every year who deliver babies with two new Fetal Telemetry Units funded by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s grants program. Now in full operation, these portable and waterproof devices ease labour, giving moms-to-be the freedom of movement when continuous fetal monitoring is required. Mobility and flexibility during every stage of labour is now an option for mothers, as well as the opportunity to labour in the shower or tub which some mothers find soothing. Before baby is even born, mom will experience a more comfortable labour. “There are particular circumstances where continuous electronic fetal monitoring is recommended,” says Robyn Yanko, Clinical Manager of Labour and Delivery. “Without the availability of our telemetry units, our mothers who require continuous electronic fetal monitoring are limited in the amount of movement they can have during labour.” Allowing mom to have the choice between a shower, bath or simply a walk down the hallway has shown to
improve labour management and further the labour process. With the device giving moms the chance to be more active in labour, there is potential for labour to be shorter. Labour is a personal experience for a woman and having the ability to move more freely while knowing her baby is monitored provides more options and helps women achieve their birth plans. “This key piece of equipment gives Saskatchewan moms-to-be a chance for an overall better experience during one of the most important moments in their lives,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children`s Hospital Foundation. “We are thrilled to support the Maternal Care Unit with this equipment, which is helping provide moms and families with the highest-quality of care available.” In addition, the device integrates Smart Pulse technology which helps medical staff to distinguish between maternal and fetal heart rates. This way, a more immediate response to heartbeat irregularities, whether it’s mom’s or baby’s, means that medical staff can make more informed clinical decisions. “We have found that having these monitors has allowed us to provide a better patient and family experience,” says Yanko. “The more units we have in Saskatchewan, the better the care.”
Meet the
McCullough Family
Capital Campaign Ambassadors Mike and Laura McCullough
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ike and Laura McCullough want you to know their son Cole.
“Cole loved to be tickled so much and he was really never in a bad mood,” says Laura. “If I had one word to describe Cole, it would be love. He just radiated love. He loved everyone and assumed that everyone loved him too. He was so easy going and just had such a lovely spirit.” Cole was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy before his first birthday. 12 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA SUMMER/FALL 2017
Often affecting boys, the progressive condition leads to muscle weakness and eventually heart and lung issues. The family spent nearly two years in and out of both adult and children’s hospitals, including Kingston, Regina, Montreal, Toronto, and as far away as Ohio. “He was so special, we wish people could have known him and how he dealt with everything. Needles, blood tests, and procedures, he took it so well for such a little guy,” says Mike, who played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for over a decade. “Seeing what he went through, I don’t know how he did it. He was like a 25-yearold in a 3-year-old’s body. He was a total champ.”
The McCulloughs experienced first–hand the difference between adult and children’s hospitals. It’s why they are taking on the role of Ambassadors for the “We Can’t Wait” campaign for Saskatchewan’s new maternal and children’s hospital. While they say the medical staff is always great, they maintain that a children’s hospital is a unique experience. “Children’s hospitals are different,” explains Mike, who is also a Board Member for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “They make you as comfortable as possible during the worst time of your life. With family spaces, play areas, and restaurants, the atmosphere makes kids and families feel at home and takes their minds off the really hard parts. It makes kids and families feel special and helps take away some of the feelings of being so lost and alone.” Tragically, Cole died in his sleep after suffering a seizure on February 17, 2009. “We know what families are going through, how hard it is for them. One day it could be your kid, your grandchild, your niece, nephew, or neighbour,” says Mike. “It’s not something you think about. We thought it would never happen to us. It’s a tough reality check and it happens more than you think.”
One day it could be your kid, your grandchild, your niece, nephew, or neighbour.
“One of my most lasting impressions of being in hospital with Cole was that you could hear children crying for their moms and dads down the hall. Some parents needed to leave their child because the hospital was too far away, because they had other children, or because there was just so little room for someone to stay,” explains Laura. “This new hospital is so important to keep families together and give them a place that makes their experience, which is so terrible, just a little better. My heart’s desire is that a mom and dad can tackle whatever their child is going through in a place that gives them comfort.” The McCulloughs say the time to donate is now. “We need to do better and do more for kids like Cole. The need never stops," says Mike. "We can’t wait. Families can’t wait. Saskatchewan can’t wait. Please help us make it a reality.” To donate to the “We Can’t Wait” capital campaign, please visit pattisonchildrens.ca. SUMMER/FALL 2017 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 13
Miracle Cure? Saskatchewan Pediatric Researcher Studying Revolutionary New Treatment for Epilepsy
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groundbreaking pediatric research project funded largely by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation has received the green light from Health Canada. University of Saskatchewan pediatric neurologist Dr. Richard Huntsman and Dr. Richard Tang-Wai from the University of Alberta are leading a national study on potential benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil for kids with severe epilepsy. Huntsman and TangWai hope to figure out whether CBD really works when other anti-seizure treatments fail. “Many of these children have adverse reactions to many of the treatments that we offer and they suffer significant side effects from them,” says Huntsman. “I believe we owe it to these children and their families to look at all potential treatment options, including cannabis-based products, if they can offer any hope of helping.” Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders seen by pediatric neurologists. Young patients with intractable seizures often experience as many as 100 seizures per day and face developmental regression, which places significant financial and emotional strain on the families of these children. Huntsman says that the parents he sees in clinic are often desperate for any treatment that can help their children. “Parents are becoming more aware of the use of cannabis to treat epilepsy from social media and parent support groups,” explains TangWai. “Because there is little scientific evidence regarding the use of cannabis products in children, most physicians are reluctant to prescribe them, resulting in parents trying to make their own preparations at home or turning to suppliers who cannot verify the quality of their product. This adds to the urgency of doing studies like this.”
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Thirty children between the ages of one to ten years will be recruited from sites across Canada, including the University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, McGill University and Université de Montréal. The study will bring together a large group of experts in pediatric neurology, pharmacology, pharmacy, clinical biochemical analysis, psychology and biostatistics. Recruiting patients at the U of S site is already underway. “The research team that has been brought together for this research study is an important example of collaborative work that can be done at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Laurence Givelichian, provincial head of the Department of Pediatrics. The study is being financed through a grant from Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, along with funding from the Durwood Seafoot Estate, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the Savoy Foundation. “This truly is a remarkable and exciting new research opportunity for Canadian children. It is quite possible this will be an option that will help them live happier and healthier lives,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Pediatric research is critical in the creation of improved treatments and lasting impact on children and their healthcare. We’re very pleased to support this important project that gives hope to so many, not only in Saskatchewan but right across the country. In fact, this is the kind of research that Saskatchewan can share throughout the world.”
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I believe we owe it to these children an d their famil ies to look at all potential treatment o ptions, inclu ding cannabis-b ased produ cts, if they can off er any hope of helping. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Richard Huntsman
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Music Therapist Leanne Hoeft offers “plenty”-ful healing through music
Healing Through Music
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new addition to the Pediatric Inpatient Unit in Saskatoon is music to the ears of many of Saskatchewan’s youngest patients and their families.
Accredited music therapist Leanne Hoeft began just a few months ago and will be visiting kids in hospital for two and a half hours every week. “Children are laughing, dancing, playing instruments, showing curiosity and excitement regarding the instruments, and interacting with their families,” says Hoeft, who grew up in Plenty, SK. “Music therapy is so important to children in hospital! There are so many wonderful benefits: music therapy helps to provide comfort, relaxation, and fun, while decreasing anxiety, stress, and pain. One of the things that seems the simplest but that might be the most important is that music therapy provides children in hospital with something “normal” and fun to do in their day.”
New music therapy program music to young patients’ ears
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There are 700 accredited music therapists in Canada.
There are 5 recognized Music Therapy programs in Canada.
sense of control during medical treatments, and providing age-appropriate experiences for kids. Erin Burr’s son Graham was born with a rare genetic syndrome, a congenital heart defect, and kidney disease. He spent the first five months of his life in hospital and is still a frequent hospital visitor. “It is my opinion that music heals him,” explains Burr. “He seems to connect to it on a physiological and emotional level. It will be something for him and all other children to look forward to every day while in hospital; a time for their medical issues to take a back seat, and totally be themselves. To laugh and smile and play instruments and forget about pain for a while.” “This is a remarkable program,” says Bette Boechler, Director of Children’s Services. “I’m so proud of our unit managers Tammy Lucas and Melissa Speiser who worked so diligently to bring music therapy to our kids.” The program received funding from Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation through donations collected by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, the largest chain of musical instrument retailers in Canada. Long & McQuade supports music therapy programs in pediatric units across Canada. The most recent campaign in November and December 2016 raised $127,500 nationally. “We’re so thrilled that the pediatrics department has added an accredited music therapist to its team,” says Sheri Katz of Long & McQuade Musical Instruments. “We’ve seen the benefits of music therapy for young patients across the country, and we have no doubt that it will prove to be a valuable addition to the Child Life Program in the hospital.” With a performance degree in piano from the University of Saskatchewan and an undergraduate degree in psychology, Hoeft combined her two passions and became an MTA, graduating from the Honours Music Therapy Program at the University of Windsor. “I hope I’ll be able to provide a chance for children to be children, where they can have a break from thinking about doctors, tests, and treatments and have a chance to create, relax, and enjoying participating in music in whatever way they are able,” says Hoeft. Music Therapy can also be used to improve learning, selfexpression, interaction, self-awareness, communication, and personal development. The goals of music therapy are varied, depending on the patient, but include decreasing isolation and anxiety, initiating movement, increasing a
The first music therapy degree program in the world was founded in Michigan in 1944.
“Music is such a positive and creative method of healing; it is with pleasure that the Foundation match this muchneeded Child Life program with a donor who understands just how important music therapy is to children in hospital,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Music Therapy will be an integral part of the state-of-theart therapeutic Child Life Zone at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The approximately 2,800 square foot space was created in partnership with Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, country music superstar Garth Brooks, and the Teammates for Kids Foundation. It will join 11 other Child Life Zones across North America, including New York, Phoenix, and Dallas. Saskatchewan’s new zone will be the first in Canada.
What’s Happening Aug
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DQ MIRACLE TREAT DAY
Enjoy a sweet treat on DQ Miracle Treat Day! 100% of proceeds from all Blizzards sold across Saskatchewan will be donated to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to learn more about the fun celebration events going on near you. Pre-order yours through your local DQ!
Sept
11-17
TIM HORTONS SMILE COOKIE WEEK
Smile Cookies are back! You can purchase freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile Cookies for $1 plus tax at participating Tim Hortons restaurants in Saskatoon! Consider buying a Smile Cookie for your friends, family, co-workers or anyone else who loves cookies! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to JIm Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
RE/MAX CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
Aug
22
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate is hosting the 11th Annual Charity Golf Classic at Deer Valley Golf Course. Join in the fun for a texas scramble golf tournament with action-packed activities and competitions. 100% of funds raised support Saskatchewan kids and their families. For more information and to sign up visit golfclassic.ca.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CELEBRITY DINNER
Oct
27
An evening of great food and entertainment presented by Les and Irene Dubé, all to raise funds to support maternal care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital! Guest speakers include former Saskatchewan Roughriders coach Ken Miller. Evening entertainment by Michelle Dubois. For tickets or more information please contact Garry Maier at 306.221.5893.
Sept
6
FRIENDS “FORE” HEALTH CARE CHARITY SCRAMBLE
Tee off for the kids at the Humboldt Golf Club and enjoy an 18 hole scramble, with cart, a BBQ lunch, prizes, and dinner. Funds raised support Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation and Humboldt District Hospital Foundation For more info contact Jana Len at jana@pattisonchildrens.ca. 18 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA SUMMER/FALL 2017
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RADIOTHON
Nov
1&2
The 15th Annual Children’s Hospital Radiothon returns to Regina! Tune in to 620 CKRM, MY92.1 and 104.9 The Wolf to hear from amazing kids, parents and doctors who need a children’s hospital here in Saskatchewan. Your support means everything! Start your Personal Fundraising Page today at pattisonchildrens.ca.
GALA
Presented by:
Thank You! KELLY PANTELUK CONSTRUCTION LTD.
Impact Marketing
Thank you to our sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the 2017 Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala a huge success. Together we raised over $230,000 for Saskatchewan children and families.
100% of proceeds donated to:
is now
Hope begins & Healing with you Our name has changed but our commitment to Saskatchewan kids, moms and families hasn’t. pattisonchildrens.ca
1-345 Third Ave S, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 | info@pattisonchildrens.ca | 1.888.808.5437