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Children's Connection Summer/Fall 2019
CHILDREN’S CONNECTION
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Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Summer/Fall 2019
Our Mission: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of maternal and children’s health care in Saskatchewan and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
Our Address: 1 - 345 Third Ave S Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 pattisonchildrens.ca
Contact Us: 306.931.4887 or 1.888.808.KIDS (5437)
facebook.com/ Pattisonchildrens
Twitter: @Pattisonkids
Instagram: @Pattisonchildrens
Our Charitable Number: #13530 9342 RR0001
No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without written consent.
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation does not sell, trade or lease the personal information of its donors.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Florida-bound! Our new Champion puts Saskatchewan on the map; a gift of hope in the face of heartbreak, PLUS, the one event that Pinball Clemons and Henry Burris have in common.
FEATURE STORY
Your preview of 10 incredible new features coming to Saskatchewan’s new children’s hospital.
CONQUERING THE STRESS OF SURGERY
How an online program is taking the stress out of surgery for Saskatchewan kids.
ON THE COVER
Meet Harper & Knox: Transport Team helps fragile newborns like Harper in need of intensive care.
*Cover photo provided by Genelle Amber Studios
BUILDING BETTER BIRTH PRACTICES
New research improves childbirth for Indigenous moms.
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
State-of-the-art speech-generating technology gives kids a voice.
What’s New
Johnny Spezanno, WBDR Radio Program Director & Morning Host with Blake Wheeler
FLORIDA-BOUND! OUR NEW CHAMPION PUTS US ON THE MAP
Blake Wheeler had the trip of a lifetime this spring, as he represented Saskatchewan at #ChildrensHospitalsWeek in Orlando. Blake, the 2019 Saskatchewan ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program, said his favorite part of the event was getting to know the other 22 Champion kids from across North America.
“Meeting the other Champions was awesome. It was nice to be around kids who have also been through tough medical journeys,” Blake said.
Blake was awarded his Champion Medal and a character award with the word “Compassionate”. The 12-year-old also took part in the exciting Facebook Liveathon broadcasted from Walt Disney World to help raise funds for children’s hospitals.
The third annual #ChildrensHospitalsWeek took place from March 18 to 24. The week-long initiative is in collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, celebrating the importance of dedicated children’s hospitals and making sure kids get the best care possible when they need it most. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the sole Saskatchewan member of Children’s Miracle Network since 1993.
GREY CUP CHAMP TAKES ON NEW ROLE
After years of serving as Capital Campaign ambassadors for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Grey Cup Champion Mike McCullough and his wife Laura have stepped into a new role as Team Captains for the Sunshine Maker monthly giving program.
“Giving an automatic monthly donation is easy and meaningful to me and my family. Monthly gifts add up to make a big difference for kids’ health care each and every day,” said McCullough, who became a monthly donor in 2007.
The cause deeply resonates with the Regina family after they spent two years travelling to children’s hospitals across North America with their son Cole, who was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tragically, Cole passed away in his sleep after suffering a seizure in 2009. The family of six now advocates on Cole’s behalf for the best possible pediatric care in Saskatchewan in hopes of keeping other families closer to home when their child is sick.
CELEBRITY DINNER FOR A CAUSE
The Saskatoon Knights of Columbus #8215 are extending their support for the soon-to-open Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The faithbased service group has pledged their support for the Family Comfort Room just outside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The only unit of its kind in Saskatchewan, the PICU will care for very sick and injured children who need highly specialized care and close monitoring. The Family Comfort Room will provide a quiet, comfortable place to get away from the stresses of hospital life.
“The Knights of Columbus Council #8215 have wanted to support Saskatchewan’s first children’s hospital since the project was announced,” said Garry Maier of the Saskatoon Knights. “It is truly a gratifying experience to lead a team of fundraisers that are eager to help sick children and their families. With their support, $70,000 was raised in 2018 bringing our five-year total to $325,000.”
The Council has previously funded a maternal patient room at the new children’s hospital. The group raises funds through its annual Knights of Columbus Celebrity Dinner, which has featured Pinball Clemons, Henry Burris and John Chick.
This year's dinner will take place November 2 and will feature Todd Burpo, bestselling author of "Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back."
For tickets, please contact Garry Maier at garrymaier@shaw.ca.
INAUGURAL GIFT LAUNCHES NEW EMPLOYEE GIVING PROGRAM
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s new Employee Giving Program has just received the proceeds from its inaugural campaign. Eighty employees at Bioriginal Food and Science in Saskatoon pledged their support for children and families in hospital, raising $15,785 in 2018. The food and nutraceutical company is returning with a campaign again this year, providing a sign-up incentive for employees by offering a draw for an extra week of vacation.
Contact us for your workplace toolkit, videos and details on how to start your campaign today.
MILLSAP FAMILY MAKES SECOND GIFT TO HONOUR DAUGHTER’S MEMORY
A Saskatoon couple has doubled down on their support of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, making a second gift to the “We Are Saskatchewan” capital campaign. The $200,000 donation will support two exam rooms within Pediatric Outpatients, which will provide comprehensive care for pediatric cardiology, cancer, speech and language, hearing and psychiatry appointments.
“When a family struggles with their child’s health, specialized care needs to be in close proximity,” said Gus and Marlene Millsap. “We are confident that this contribution will help the children in our community achieve a higher quality of life.”
The gift was made in memory of daughter Aleah. The Millsaps previously named two pediatric inpatient rooms in her honour with a $250,000 gift in 2017.
Gus and Marlene Millsap
Your Sneak Peek Inside the New Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
The countdown to the opening of the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital hit an historic milestone with Graham Construction handing over the keys to the Saskatchewan Health Authority in May. While work will continue on final elements ahead of opening later this fall, construction is “substantially complete” with the project on time and on budget.
“The new hospital will deliver a more patient-centric approach where services are organized around the patient, rather than children and their families having to navigate and search out these services,” said Dr. Laurentiu Givelichian, Head of Pediatrics, Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Physicians are extremely excited to be part of what we’ve built and the type of care we’ll deliver.”
About 60 pediatric specialists, sub-specialists and surgeons have already been recruited. Once opened, the hospital will be staffed with over 72 full-time physicians in more than 20 specialties.
Over the next few months, more than 77,000 pieces of equipment will be installed and tested, In addition to physicians, more than 2,400 employees will be trained prior to the doors opening.
Here are 10 incredible new elements found within the hospital:
1. 24-Hour Children’s Emergency
The 176-bed Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will feature the province’s only 24-hour children's emergency department with capacity to treat over 5,000 young patients each year.
2. Pediatric Surgical Suites and 3. Cath Lab
The ground floor will house Saskatchewan’s first dedicated pediatric surgical suites. These integrated rooms will include both an operative area and induction room, allowing parents to be with their child while anaesthesia is administered. This floor will also be home to the first pediatric catheterization lab in the province, which means that children will no longer need to travel out of province for minor heart procedures.
4. Pediatric Outpatients and 5. EOS
Pediatric Outpatients will feature three times more exam rooms than what exists today. Cardiology, cancer, speech and
language, hearing, and psychiatry services will be offered, along with the radically new diagnostic EOS treatment that will use ninetimes less radiation than a standard x-ray.
6. Short-Term Child-Minding
With family-centred care in mind, a short-term child-minding space will be available free of charge for siblings so that parents can focus on their child’s medical appointment.
7. New Pediatric Treatment Options
New treatment options will also be available for children with the first dedicated Pediatric Hemodialysis Room in the province and Saskatchewan’s first Pediatric Sleep Lab, which will mean children no longer need to travel out of province for sleep studies.
8. Family-Friendly Spaces
The main floor will be home to Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, one of 11 zones across North America and the first of its kind in Canada. The Zone will be a special place to play, learn, laugh and relax. Other special spaces include an outdoor patient play area and teen lounge. A theatre for young patients will also provide a welcome distraction with movies and events.
9. NICU Privacy
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will offer each baby and family a private room with dedicated family spaces and sleep areas nearby in a design that is dramatically different than what exists today, where fragile babies are cared for in side-by-side open bays.
10. Single Room Maternal Care
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will also be home to Canada’s largest Single Room Maternal Care Centre, an innovative new model of care where moms-to-be labour, give birth and stay with their new baby in the same private room. In another first
for Saskatchewan, the floor will feature three dedicated maternal operating rooms, plus a Prenatal Unit and Maternal Outpatient Clinic with a High Risk Fetal Assessment Unit.
You Are Making This Possible!
“An incredible amount of work, fundraising and dedication has been accomplished to reach this milestone. The people of Saskatchewan deserve recognition for making this possible,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are very proud to be part of such a monumental facility that will benefit Saskatchewan moms, children and families. It is a great moment for maternal and pediatric health care in our province and this Foundation will continue to support Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital for the generations of families that will benefit from its care.”
Together we have raised $68 million towards a goal of a minimum of $75 million. To donate, please visit wearesaskatchewan.ca.
Taking the Fear Out of Childhood Surgery
Groundbreaking Online Program Coming to Children's Hospital
Hundreds of children across Saskatchewan have surgery each year, which can be a stressful event for both children and their parents. But two Saskatchewan researchers are working to combat this stress by creating an innovative new program to help prepare children for surgery.
Dr. Kristi Wright and Dr. Mateen Raazi are developing and testing an internet-delivered preoperative preparation program (I-PPP), with the goal to integrate it into Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Raazi and Dr. Wright said using I-PPP can help prevent and reduce anxiety associated with a child’s upcoming surgery; improving the experience for young patients and their families and possibly having a positive effect on surgical outcomes.
Research has shown that around 60 percent of children experience anxiety over surgery. Up to 25 percent of children will have reactions so serious that they need to be physically restrained in order to safely administer anesthetic.
Extreme stress can also lead to negative post-surgery behaviour including nightmares, separation anxiety, temper tantrums and negative responses to future medical care.
I-PPP is an interactive and child-friendly program made up of five components. Parents are asked to complete the parent version first and are then able to guide their child through the child version. I-PPP aims to show children what their day will look like when going in for surgery, including a virtual tour of the hospital, and education for families about anesthesia and the induction process.
The study is a joint effort between the University of Regina’s Department of Psychology and the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management. It was funded by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, and the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine.
“Ultimately, parents want to be involved as much as they can,” explained Dr. Kristi Wright, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology at the University of Regina. “We want to make sure they are prepared enough, and that they can support their children.”
Dr. Kristi Wright
While preoperative preparation programs are not a new concept, having one that is delivered through the internet addresses many drawbacks associated with traditionally delivered programs including time constraints and accessibility for out of town patients. With Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital treating children from across Saskatchewan, serving patients in remote and rural areas is key for the new hospital.
Up to 25% of children will have reactions so serious that they need to be physically restrained in order to safely administer anesthetic.
Dr. Mateen Raazi
“Our Foundation is so proud of the incredible work being done by Dr. Wright and Dr. Raazi,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “With Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital opening this year we are excited about novel patient care programs like this that will soon be an important part of this world-class facility.”
Miracles in the Air and on the Road
NICU Transport Team Delivers Saskatchewan's Most Precious Cargo
Travelling with a baby involves so much more than a packed suitcase for Saskatchewan’s Neonatal Transport Team. To ensure our province’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies arrive safely to hospital, this remarkable team has one of the most critical tasks in the business of saving lives.
“The responsibility of this team is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the stability of a newborn baby throughout an emergency transport,” said Adele Riehl, Manager of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and NICU Transport. “They perform total patient care that allows newborn babies to be safely transported while receiving the essential care they need.”
Small in size but stellar in performance, the team consists of two Registered Nurses, including the Transport Nurse who offers advanced skills. Travelling from
communities as far as Stony Rapids and Swift Current, the team transported nearly 180 babies last year, some weighing as little as one pound. From respiratory distress and prematurity to congenital defects, the team transports babies province-wide and also to Edmonton for those who need immediate open-heart surgery.
The team was first out of the gate when baby Harper needed to be transported from Prince Albert to Saskatoon’s NICU. Harper and her twin brother, Knox, were born to first-time parents Lauren and James, but their arrival was more alarming than celebratory. Harper needed immediate CPR after delivery because she was not breathing and her tiny body was placed on a cooling mat to help reduce the risk of brain damage.
Baby Harper in hospital
“We were in complete shock,” said James. “These are our first children so we didn’t know what to expect. I looked at Harper as she was hooked up to machines and I didn’t know if she would pull through. A thousand things run through your mind.”
The fragile moments during Harper’s emergency transport are exactly what this team prepares for. Thankfully, Harper rose above her scary start and returned home to Prince Albert one week later.
Baby Harper after arriving home
Thanks to generous Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation donors, the NICU transport team is equipped with a CritiCool Control Unit that cools a baby’s body temperature to reduce neurological damage. Donations also allow the team to attend the annual Airborne Neonatal and Pediatric Transport Conference.
“Our team is very thankful for the funding support for continuing education for our team members. This helps keep us updated with the newest information and trends in our field of practice,” said Lori Whelan, Neonatal Transport Nurse. “The team recently transitioned to a Registered Nurse/Respiratory Therapist team which is allowing us to provide even more comprehensive coverage for the care of our babies.”
Babies in need of intensive care will soon be transported to the new 48-bed NICU at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The new NICU will provide private rooms and dedicated sleep space for families who need extra special care for their critically ill or premature baby.
“Every single action this team takes during transport is vital to keep these vulnerable babies alive,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This team is equipped with caring hearts and knowledge to ensure even the most fragile babies are given the best chance possible to grow and thrive. Thank you to this extraordinary team, and to our generous donors, for providing seamless care to Saskatchewanbabies on-the-go in even the most serious of situations.”
“We are so thankful for the care that Harper received during her transport. It was a scary time as a family but she was in caring hands,” said Lauren. “Our hearts were so full after we brought her home knowing she will be okay and that our twins will be able to grow healthy together.”
Connecting Culture and Childbirth
Researcher Aims to Improve Birth Experiences for Indigenous Women
One of the most profound events in a woman’s life is giving birth to a child.
Now a research project is studying how to make that experience even more meaningful for Indigenous women by incorporating their culture.
Photo courtesy of Jesslaine Elise Photography
Dr. Angela Bowen, a University of Saskatchewan professor, is leading the participatory research project, which was funded by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Our goal is to improve the cultural security of Indigenous women giving birth,” Bowen said.
The three-year research project focuses on exploring traditional Indigenous birth practices and ceremonies.
“One of the practices we’re learning about is the importance of saving the placenta and the umbilical cord,” Bowen explained. “The cord can be put in a little pouch, in a box, or some choose to bury it. One of the beliefs is if the cord is thrown away, the child will never feel grounded to their roots.”
Dr. Angela Bowen
Photo courtesy of Rona Andreas
Bowen said smudging has also been identified as an important birth practice. The new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will feature a Spiritual Reflection Room for multi-faith worship, including added ventilation for rituals such as smudging and pipe ceremonies.
I want every Indigenous mother to have these traditions to help them on their journey as a parent.
This fall, the Maternal Care Centre in Saskatoon will move into the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, with space to care for more than 6,000 pregnant women each year.
Bowen’s research engages 24 mothers from across the province in an Indigenous Birth Network, to support them as they share stories about their baby’s birth, participate in talking circles, and interpret the study’s findings.
“It’s a nice feeling to be involved in the research and to be that valued as a mother,” said Janice Osecap, a project participant and mother to three children.
“I didn’t realize how important the cultural teachings my parents passed down to me were until this project. I want every Indigenous mother to have these traditions to help them on their journey as a parent,” Osecap said.
The research will be used to create a video as an educational resource for care providers and communities to help increase cultural competency.
“We are so proud to support the work of Saskatchewan researchers and projects like this,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We know this research is important to improve the birth experience and health outcomes for Indigenous families, not only in Saskatchewan, but across Canada.”
Giving Kids the Gift of Communication
Innovative Technology Opens New World of Communication for Kids
The ability to communicate is something many of us take for granted, but for children with brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and degenerative disorders, bridging that gap is a challenging task.
For children with limited body movement or an impaired ability to verbally communicate, everyday tasks like turning on the TV or communicating pain and symptoms to family and health care providers is difficult. Augmentative alternative communication and assistive technology (AAC/AT) is now opening doors, allowing kids to communicate when verbal cues can’t be relied on.
Thanks to donors of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Making Spirits Bright holiday giving campaign, this technology is now available at the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program (ABCDP) in Saskatoon. ABCDP is home to one of only two specialized speech language teams in Saskatchewan, serving children from as far away as Fond du Lac and Yorkton.
Funds raised from the Making Spirits Bright campaign helped purchase eye gaze devices that read eye movements like a mouse, allowing children to interact with a computer screen using only their eyes. The funds also purchased head mouse technology, which is similar but uses a reflective sticker placed on the child’s forehead. Children are able to trial the new equipment before their families, schools or supporting charities invest in the
Since receiving the assessment equipment, Jill Morgan, Speech Language Pathologist with Alvin Buckworld Child Development Centre, has already completed several assessments, which take an average of three or four 90 minute appointments to find the best fit for a child and their family.
“Including this technology in our annual holiday giving campaign was an easy decision,” explained Brynn Boback- Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It is so important for Saskatchewan children with communication obstacles to have access to the necessary technology to gain independence, confidence, literacy, and social engagement. We’re grateful to people across Saskatchewan for recognizing that need and answering the call for help.”
The Larson family of Swift Current regularly travels to Saskatoon with their five-year-old son Cole for speech therapy. In 2013, when Cole was born, he suffered from a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain, resulting in brain damage affecting his lower extremities and speech, with an eventual diagnosis of cerebral palsy before the age of two.
The device Cole uses is a high-tech touchscreen tablet with a language program that allows kids to push buttons that represent words. Cole’s mom Janelle said that since Cole has been using the device she has noticed an increase in his verbal output or speech.
Five-year-old Cole using his new communication tools
“What I like about the device is voice power,” said Morgan. “Before we had this technology we were doing the same kind of thing with paper. We would use books with layer upon layer of language in a binder.”
Cole’s father Derek said they are lucky to have the technology that their son can use to help him learn and communicate without frustration.
“We are fortunate to have organizations and fundraisers who help support kids to give them the best. It will make his life easier for him to keep up with his peers. He is a happier kid and he is not finding it so hard to communicate. We are pretty proud of him.”
What’s Happening
Aug 1-31: WALMART PEN CAMPAIGN
Head back to school in style! With a minimum $2 donation at the till at Walmart locations across Saskatchewan, you will receive a limited edition Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation pen for school, work or home. 100% of your donation will help Saskatchewan kids in hospital.
Aug 8: DQ MIRACLE TREAT DAY
Cool down with a sweet treat on DQ Miracle Treat Day when the proceeds from every Blizzard sold across Saskatchewan are donated to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Keep an eye on our social media accounts for details on celebrations happening near you.
Aug 13: DENIM & DIAMONDS GALA
Get your tickets now for the Denim & Diamonds Gala, hosted by the Lloydminster Exhibition Association and Women of the Wagons. This amazing evening includes cocktails, a prime rib dinner, live entertainment, plus live and silent auctions. Contact Brenda at 306.248.7218 to reserve your table!
Sept 6: COLLIERS CUP
Game on! The 4th annual Colliers Cup Charity Street Hockey Tournament returns to downtown Saskatoon in support of Saskatchewan’s new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. To register for the 3-on-3 plus goalie tournament please visit collierscanada.com/en/offices/Saskatoon/colliers-cup.
Sept 16-22: TIM HORTONS SMILE COOKIE WEEK
Tim Hortons Smile Cookies are back! Purchase your $1 chocolate chunk Smile Cookie at
Tim Hortons locations in Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville and Davidson to help kids and families get the care they need.
Sept 22: BRIAN MAUNULA JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT
Calling all junior golfers! If you’re between the ages of four and 14, be sure to register for the Brian Maunula Junior Golf Tournament in North Battleford. Please contact the Rustic Nine Golf Course at 306.445.0107 to learn more.
Donate Now: wearesaskatchewan.ca
