Play Games and Fundraise to Help Kids on November 8, 2025.

Level up for a cause

When Cody was born, doctors at his local hospital in Cambridge feared the worst. He had Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare condition affecting about one in 60,000 births. Born without a sacrum and with severely underdeveloped legs and feet, his family was told he likely wouldn’t survive the night. But the outlook changed when he was transferred to McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

Today, Cody is 35 and thriving. He has two beautiful kids, a career he enjoys, legs that carry him wherever he needs to go, and a heart that still beats with gratitude for the care that shaped his life. 

Cody spent much of the first year of his life at McMaster Children’s Hospital, visiting every two weeks to have his feet cast in hopes of reshaping them for walking. Later, he underwent major surgeries to fuse his feet to his shin bones, since he was born without ankles. These procedures gave him the ability to stand and walk. Recovery meant weeks in heavy casts, time in a wheelchair, and years of follow-up care. 

Despite the challenges, Cody’s memories of being a MacKid are positive. “I never remember being scared while I was there,” he says. “I remember everyone was very nice and I remember the toy rooms and play areas.” Those spaces gave him comfort and introduced him to one of his lifelong hobbies: video games. 

Years later, that passion became a way to give back. Through Extra Life – a community of gamers who fundraise for children’s hospitals across North America – Cody found the perfect way to support the hospital that gave him so much. Each year, participants take on a 24-hour gaming marathon, rallying donations to help local kids. 

“I thought it was such a cool idea,” Cody says. “When I found out I could fundraise specifically for McMaster Children’s Hospital, it felt perfect.” He invited friends to join him, and they jumped at the chance. 

Now in his 10th year of fundraising, Cody says his motivation is simple: “I do it for the many other children and families in need of a miracle.” 

Funds raised through Extra Life support essential equipment, innovative research, and programs that make hospital stays easier for kids, like child life specialists who provide comfort during procedures and playrooms where kids can just be kids. 

By sharing his story and his passion for gaming, Cody is helping ensure that McMaster Children’s Hospital continues to provide life-changing care.  Support Cody’s fundraiser and join him in helping make miracles happen for families across our region. 

“The team at McMaster Children’s Hospital gave me not just medical care, but hope,” he says. “Because of this, I was given opportunity I otherwise would never have had. I have been able to build a life I did not believe I could. I’ll forever be grateful to the teams who helped me become the person I am today.” 

Join Extra Life and make a difference for kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital

Be like Cody and make your game day matter. By joining Extra Life, you’re helping bring joy, comfort, and essential care to kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

With Extra Life, supporting MacKids isn’t just easy, it’s fun! Join them on game day, November 8, 2025, to play games and heal kids. 

Every dollar raised goes directly to funding crucial programs that enhance the care and comfort of children during their hospital stay. Extra Life fundraisers are vital for McMaster Children’s Hospital to continue providing the specialized care and resources that young patients need. 

When doctors at Hamilton General Hospital determined that a tumour caused the pain in Ligia’s arm and the lump on her neck, they immediately set to work. When they saw that the cancer was rapidly entwining itself around her spine, clavicle, ribs, and shoulder, they started moving mountains.

Ligia was rushed to start radiation therapy and then chemotherapy, aiming to shrink the tumour and buy time for a team of doctors from across Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) to devise a surgical strategy. The complexity of Ligia’s case demanded a coordinated effort from McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC), and The General.

“We’re one of only two hospitals in the province that could perform this surgery,” says Dr. Coroneos, a plastic surgeon involved in Ligia’s surgery. “It reflects all the things we do so well…We’re glad we have a capable team to care for people when they need it.”

“As a regional hub for surgical services, we often take care of patients with complex and rare conditions,” adds Dr. Pahuta the surgical lead for Ligia’s case.

Facing long odds with determination

Her doctors were compassionate and capable, eager to answer her questions, ready to use every resource and determined to see her through this. They were also honest about the severity of her condition. The team of surgeons would be essentially taking her apart and putting her back together. The cancer had spread so aggressively that they would have to remove parts of her bones, muscles, tissue and even her lung. There was a very real chance that she would not survive the surgery. Amputating her arm at the shoulder was one of the best-case scenarios she could hope for.

While the health care teams planned, Ligia prepared herself physically, mentally and emotionally for what was to come. Her loved ones rallied to support her in every way they could, and Ligia drew strength from their care and her fierce resolve to see her daughter grow up.

A marathon operation

On November 24, 2021, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses and other health care professionals in The General’s Spine Surgery Clinic, led by Dr. Pahuta, worked meticulously for 32 hours to remove the cancer and rebuild the parts of Ligia it had stolen. They had to remove half her clavicle and two ribs, along with significant muscle and tissue from her throat and neck. They were able to keep her arm but had to remove all its nerves, leaving her without any sensation from the shoulder down.

Waking up from the surgery was disorienting, but as Ligia realized that she was still alive, not paralyzed, and had her right arm, she felt joyous.

“I was feeling grateful. I was feeling happy because I would be seeing my family again.”

Ligia’s recovery journey was arduous, involving extensive physiotherapy, wearing a halo to support her neck for two months and adapting to life with some physical limitations. Still, every day, she grounded herself with gratitude for her life, for time with her daughter, family and friends, and for everyone at HHS – from the surgeons to the cleaning staff to the donors – who helped save her life.

The complex, interdisciplinary care Ligia received at HHS is only possible through the generosity of donors. Your contributions enable the hospital to push the boundaries of medical science and provide life-saving treatments to patients like Ligia. Donate now.

From before she was even born, Claire’s journey with McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) began. Now, at 18 years old, she is preparing for adulthood—something that once seemed uncertain. Throughout her life, one thing has remained constant: the expert, compassionate care she has received at McMaster Children’s Hospital, particularly from the hospital’s cardiology team. 

Leanne, Claire’s mom, first came to McMaster Children’s Hospital when she was pregnant. Her obstetrician in Guelph referred her to prenatal care at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire was growth-restricted, and they identified some abnormalities on ultrasound. It was a terrifying time, filled with uncertainty. But at McMaster Children’s Hospital, they found not only answers but also reassurance. 

From the beginning, the hospital’s cardiology team was at the center of Claire’s care. “We saw Dr. Mondal before she was born,” Leanne shares. “He always jokes that he’s known Claire the longest because he saw her on a fetal echocardiogram.” That early connection set the stage for a lifelong relationship with the cardiology team at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

Claire was born with mosaic trisomy 22, a rare genetic condition that affected multiple areas of her health, including her heart. She spent two months in the hospital after birth, undergoing countless tests and assessments. She was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary stenosis, conditions that would require multiple surgeries as well as lifelong monitoring and intervention. 
 

“Ever since I was little I would get excited to go to McMaster,” says Claire. “I was really seen as a person. They took time to answer me.”

“Every single step of the way has been amazing right from the very first appointment,” Leanne says. “They were so kind and took their time to answer all of our questions and reassure us as best as they could.” 

“Ever since I was little, I would get excited to go to McMaster,” says Claire. “I was really seen as a person. They took time to answer me. They prepared me and gave me the tools to understand so I could one day manage my health as an adult.” 

Over the years, cardiology remained a constant thread in Claire’s life. Dr. Mondal performed two heart procedures, and all of her monitoring, follow-up care, and treatment planning happened at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire had annual or biannual visits to cardiology where she underwent ECGs, stress tests, pulmonary tests and even sleep studies related to her heart. 

For Claire, having access to such comprehensive care in one place made all the difference. Her condition affected multiple systems in her body. Her care was complex. She also received care from ENT specialists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and developmental teams. Because of her heart condition, even things like getting her wisdom teeth out had to happen at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where they could manage any complications. 

“We’ve had countless appointments, countless encounters and hospital stays over the years,” says Leanne. “And I can’t think of one negative thing in all of those times. Never once did we feel rushed or that we didn’t get the attention she needed.” 

Despite the challenges, Claire has thrived. “She was very much at risk for developmental delays, but because of the care she got early she’s able to do all activities that other kids could do right through till now.” 

Today, Claire is attending college to become a social services worker. “I love working with kids and youth who have disabilities,” she says. “I just hope to inspire kids that have health conditions that going through what you’re going through is just a small part of you, not your whole identity. It does get better and that you can make the world a better place.” 

She’s also transitioning into the adult health care system, something that both she and her mom find daunting. “I don’t like it,” Leanne admits. “Neither of us do. We’ve known these people her whole life.” Fortunately, Leanne has also described the transition as “seamless” with Dr. Mondal is making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

As Claire moves forward, one thing is clear: the care she received at McMaster Children’s Hospital has given her a future full of possibilities. From fetal diagnosis to adolescence and now adulthood, McMaster Children’s Hospital has been there every step of the way, ensuring Claire’s heart—and her future—remain strong. 

“I’ve said many times that if we hadn’t needed McMaster, we wouldn’t have known how valuable they were. We could never pay it back in, a million years, and I think every donation to go towards the care for the kids like Claire is worth it. They all deserve that level of care and that support is so important.” 

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is expanding medical interpretation services for its patients and families thanks to a $900,000 commitment from the RBC Foundation. Medical interpretation platforms using on-demand video and audio services are currently being used to support patients and families in all in patient, emergency and diagnostic areas within the hospital. This donation will make it possible to expand this technology to over 300 ambulatory (outpatient and clinic) services across all sites, as well.

“This medical interpretation technology will help ensure that everyone involved can ask questions, resolve confusion, and have a clear understanding of the patient’s needs and plan of care,” says Maria Artuso, VP Commercial Services, Greater Hamilton, RBC. 

“Recognizing that approximately 27 percent of Hamilton residents have a first language other than English, this service is key to help provide inclusive health care for patients.” 

As one of Ontario’s largest and most comprehensive health-care organizations, Hamilton Health Sciences recognizes the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in delivering exceptional care to our diverse community of 2.3 million people. When it comes to interpretive services, Hamilton Health Sciences previously relied on in-person interpreters or phone services, however, these were time-consuming and often unavailable in a timely manner. This medical interpretation solution provides on-demand video and audio interpretation at the bedside – in less than 20 seconds on average – and in 240 languages, including American Sign Language. 

People are at their most vulnerable state when trying to access health services, and the inability to speak in their native tongue to clinicians is an incredibly challenging barrier,” says Anissa Hilborn, CEO of the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. 

“So, we’re extremely thankful to the RBC Foundation for this donation that will help us overcome this barrier and create a more seamless experience when accessing health care in our community.” 

Media inquiries can be directed to: 

• Wendy Stewart 
• Hamilton Health Sciences 
• stewartwen@hhsc.ca 

Areej’s journey began when she was pregnant with her third child, facing the challenges of preeclampsia. Though she delivered a healthy baby boy on November 24, 2022, she was hospitalized for an additional 10 days due to complications related to the preeclampsia. In the weeks following her return home, concerns arose when her stomach began growing again, defying the natural postpartum trajectory. As her stomach continued to grow to the point that she was in excruciating pain she returned to the emergency room. 

At intake, seeing Areej’s abdomen distended like she was nine months pregnant and listening to her complaints of acute pain, the doctor’s first thought was that Areej was in labour. 

“I was like, no no, we just did this. There’s no way it’s labour,” says Areej. 

An ultrasound uncovered a much more profound issue: two masses on her ovaries and significant fluid buildup. The fluid was drained and tested, culminating in a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. 

In January 2023, Areej underwent a complete hysterectomy, with surgical intervention extending to her abdomen, liver and spleen. Three weeks of recovery paved the way for a determined battle against cancer through six rounds of chemotherapy that lasted through June. Now on maintenance therapy with ‘No Evidence of Disease,’ Areej hopes that this two-year regimen of maintenance medication will keep her cancer-free. 

Areej’s journey was buoyed by a robust support network. Her family, especially her husband, sister and mother, played a crucial role in managing the challenges of surgery, chemotherapy and caring for a newborn. Areej especially drew strength and inspiration from her mother, a cancer survivor who underwent radiation therapy for breast cancer at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, throughout the grueling treatment process.  

Areej acknowledges the exceptional care provided by Hamilton Health Sciences, specifically recognizing Dr. Nica and her team. She emphasizes the empathetic and genuine care she received, highlighting the pivotal role of compassionate support in her journey. 

This autumn, Areej found herself not only a survivor but a beacon of hope for her community. In October, Areej united her community to partake in the Illuminight, and fundraised $1859, an amount that eclipsed all other fundraising teams. 

Areej’s triumph is more than a personal victory. Her story stands as a testament to the strength of community and the unwavering dedication to ensuring the best possible care for those bravely confronting the challenges of cancer. 

Heaton’s ninth wedding anniversary was unforgettable, but not in a way he hoped.  

The back pain that had started a few weeks earlier when lifting a heavy bag of mulch had escalated to the point of agony. Despite the celebratory day, his husband insisted they get this checked out. 

Heaton assumed he’d pulled a muscle. The doctors at his local emergency department weren’t so optimistic. He rushed him to Hamilton General Hospital for an emergency MRI. The scan revealed a spine riddled with lesions. Doctors sent Heaton for an urgent consultation at Juravinski Cancer Centre.

Emergency intervention

Heaton went directly from his initial consultation to the radiation suite. Within days he had his first consultation with Dr. Hira Mian, a hematology oncologist. She soon determined that Heaton had multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer. As one of Canada’s leading multiple myeloma researchers, Dr. Mian knew it needed to be treated immediately and aggressively. If all went well, the best intervention would be a stem cell transplant. 

Fortunately for Heaton, he was in the right place. Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre is a world leader in stem cell transplants and one of only three Ontario hospitals offering all forms of adult stem cell transplants. 

Transplant and recovery

Dr. Mian put Heaton on an intensive 20-week course of chemotherapy in preparation for the transplant. “The chemo experience is not fun,” he says. He was taking as many as 50 pills in a day and feeling incredibly weakened. “But people in the chemo suite do everything to make it as comfortable as possible.” 

Eventually, the chemo reduced the tumours enough to schedule an autologous stem cell transplant. For this procedure his own stem cells were collected, stored and then reinfused back into his body to attack the multiple myeloma. 

“The process itself is grueling,” says Heaton, remembering the initial weeks post-transplant when he felt so nauseous that the taste of water was more than he could bare. But over the course of the next six weeks, Heaton went from feeling the worst he had ever felt in his life to quite normal. 

Ongoing support and commitment

Today, Heaton’s life is mostly back to normal – with the exception of a firm prohibition on lifting gardening mulch. “My husband won’t allow it,” he jokes. 

While landscaping is off the table, Heaton is proud to have traded in his walker for a back brace and to be back up to a rigorous 10,000 steps a day. 

He credits his progress to the exceptional care he received at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. “You’re going through a difficult situation with people who really care,” he said, emphasizing that everyone he encountered at the Hospital was warm, professional, competent and had a knack for injecting a healthy dose of humour with masterful timing. “My experiences have been nothing short of outstanding because of the team at the hospital.” 

Heaton’s cancer is currently being suppressed by a daily drug regimen. He is closely monitored by Dr. Mian and her team at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. Multiple Myeloma is a highly recurrent cancer. Heaton describes the current state of his cancer journey as an intermission rather than remission – relapse is almost inevitable. When this drug regimen stops working – whether that’s in two years or 15 – Heaton will need a new treatment regimen. His journey with Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre is far from over. 

“I’m in a life-long relationship with the team at [the Cancer Centre],” says Heaton. “They’re keeping me alive and will always be part of my life, and that’s beautiful.” 

For his part, Heaton is fully committed to this long-term relationship. His work raising funds and awareness with the Myeloma March underscores his commitment to support the team that has taken such diligent care of his health. 

“I strongly believe that charitable giving is your opportunity to say thanks,” he explains. “And if you’re dealing with cancer and have all these people helping you, you’ll want to say thanks, again and again.” 

When six-year-old Lyla was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, her family’s world changed overnight. She began treatment immediately. 

Lyla’s parents, Danielle and Jason, had been looking for a run or walk to support cancer care when they discovered MacKids Walk & Wheel. The fact that it supported their own hospital made the decision easy. On March 23, they created the fundraising team Lyla the Laser Beam, setting a modest $100 fundraising goal. Just two weeks later, they had raised over $11,000. 

“We’re honestly overwhelmed by the support,” says Danielle. It started with friends and family, and quickly grew as those friends and family shared it with their own friends and family. 

Lyla is now several weeks into treatment, and her family hopes she’ll be able to join them at MacKids Walk & Wheel next month with her four-year-old brother Cameron. “She’s a brave little girl,” says Danielle. 

Team Lyla is still fundraising, and still inspiring. “Even if you’re just getting started,” Danielle says, “your community will show up for you.” 

Meet Team Lyla’s Laser Beams! 

Soon to be seven-year-old Lyla is busy battling leukemia but that hasn’t stopped her and her family from bringing their community together to support the hospital that’s become her second home! 

They set a $100 fundraising goal for MacKids Walk & Wheel. They asked their friends and family to support. Their friends and family spread the word and two weeks later, they’d raised more than $10,000.  

Fundraising can be simple – and incredibly powerful. Your support makes a difference for kids like Lyla. 

When Kerisha went into labour with her daughter Sloane at just 26 weeks, she was terrified. 

Sloane’s umbilical cord had ripped, and both their lives were at stake. For Kerisha, it was hectic and traumatic, but there was no time. Sloane needed to come out right away. Within minutes of arriving at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Kerisha had an emergency C-section.  

When every second counted and Kerisha didn’t know if her precious baby would survive, the McMaster Children’s Hospital team saved Sloane’s life. 

Just 1.5 lbs at birth, Sloane was also born with extensive orthopedic issues affecting her legs. 

“Her feet were up in her face,” says Kerisha, remembering meeting Sloane for the first time in the NICU the day after she was born. “She opened her eyes, grabbed my finger and held it so tight and from there, I was just like, I’m gonna do whatever I can to help her.” 

And from that moment, Kerisha did just that. So too did the team at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

For the first year and half of her life, Sloane’s legs were in splints and casts to help straighten them. Extensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, the child rehabilitation hospital that is part of McMaster Children’s Hospital offering outpatient services, were the next big steps in helping the tiny, but resolute Sloane get where she wanted to go. 

“She’s very strong and determined,” says Kerisha. “She’s never taken no for an answer and I think that’s helped her get as far as she has.” 

Now five years old and in senior kindergarten, Sloane has made incredible progress. Despite being warned that she might never walk, she is now walking on her own and with the support of a walker. Every day she continues to make great strides. 

When Carolyn arrived at Hamilton General Hospital for knee surgery earlier this year, she didn’t realize she was about to make history. 

She was the first patient at the hospital to receive surgery with the new, donor-funded robotic arm. 

The state-of-the-art robotic arm technology is used for joint replacement procedures, offering unmatched precision and accuracy. For patients like Carolyn, who required a partial knee replacement, this kind of donor-funded equipment makes a world of difference. 

Carolyn’s knee pain had been worsening for a couple of years, and by early 2024, it was severely impacting her life. An avid gardener and active grandparent, she found herself sidelined. “I’m very hands-on in our business,” she explains. “My husband and I work together in design and build, and the pain really limited me last year.” 

After a referral to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dale Williams, Carolyn was diagnosed with severe arthritis localized to one side of her left knee. That made her an ideal candidate for a half-knee replacement, and for the newly donated robotic arm system. 

While robotic-assisted surgery might seem intimidating, Carolyn says her confidence in Dr. Williams helped put her at ease. Her concern about having the robotic arm involved in her surgery was “only a fleeting thought; a millisecond of doubt,” says Carolyn. “Then it just made heaps of sense. It was a phenomenal opportunity that I was looking forward to.”  

And the benefits are clear. The robotic arm uses detailed imaging to map out a surgical plan with incredible accuracy. This allows for smaller incisions, preservation of healthy tissue and ligaments and more consistent results. For Carolyn, that meant a smoother procedure and a remarkably fast recovery. 

“Four days post-surgery, I was already seeing my physiotherapist, and she said that the bend in my knee was where she usually expect patients to be weeks later,” she says. By seven weeks post-op Carolyn was back to normal. 

Carolyn credits the expertise of Dr. Williams, the support of her care team and the advanced technology made possible by donors. “I’m the beneficiary of someone’s generosity, and my gratefulness is immense,” she says. “It’s so worthwhile to support the hospital if that’s something you have the means to do. Helping others is such a wonderful gift.” 

Thanks to donor-funded innovations like the robotic arm, patients like Carolyn can regain mobility, reduce recovery time and get back to living life on their terms. Hamilton General Hospital is a regional leader in orthopedic surgery, offering patients access to cutting-edge tools and expert care teams who are pushing the boundaries of what recovery can look like. None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors who continue to invest in the latest medical technology and help bring world-class care closer to home. 

Months of uncertainty and the search for answers turned McMaster Children’s Hospital into a home away from home for little Tristan and his parents, Heidi and Rob. But through it all, one thing remained constant for his mother Heidi, “there’s no other place I’d rather be.” 

Heidi’s connection to McMaster Children’s Hospital began before Tristan was even born. Six months into her pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed genetic markers that required further investigation. Testing and routine monitoring at the Hospital followed, though the exact nature of Tristan’s condition remained unclear. 

Tristan was healthy and squalling when he arrived on September 16, 2017, but his early days were complicated by clubbed feet that required immediate attention at McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Fracture Clinic.  

However, the most life-changing moment for Tristan’s family came when he was four months old and began having seizures. Heidi vividly recalls how, despite initial dismissals at her local hospital, she trusted her instincts and took Tristan to McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department. There, her concerns were validated within hours. 

A life-changing diagnosis

“I was terrified,” recounts Heidi. “But at the same time, I knew that I’m in the best place possible, and the doctors and all the nurses, they care and they make you a top priority.” 

An MRI revealed Tristan had polymicrogyria, a condition in which the brain develops too many folds, affecting vital functions. The condition affects each person differently. For Tristan, polymicrogyria affects his oral-motor function including speech, swallowing and breathing. The seizures were a direct result of this condition, which also caused cerebral palsy and global developmental delays.  

“It was a life-changing day,” Heidi recalls. 

While the diagnosis was daunting, Heidi and her family felt reassured by the dependably compassionate and expert care provided at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

A team that cares 

Tristan’s care team at McMaster Children’s Hospital includes neurologists, surgeons and other specialists who have worked collaboratively to address his complex needs. “Everybody works together. The doctors talk to each other, which has been amazing,” Heidi shares. From managing his seizures to performing surgeries for his tonsils, adenoids and hips, the Hospital’s team of experts in every field of pediatric health care have been there every step of the way. “They’re always focused on making Tristan as comfortable as possible. Everybody wants the best for him and they want to see him thriving.” 

Sometimes, the journey of helping Tristan flourish was challenging. Over time, Tristan’s limited oral function made it increasingly difficult for him to gain weight and take medication. But Heidi and Rob were reluctant to move him to a gastronomy tube (g-tube). A g-tube is a medical device inserted through the abdomen directly into the stomach to provide nutrition, fluids and medication to people like Tristan who cannot eat or swallow by mouth. 

Initially, Heidi was apprehensive about the procedure and administering tube feeding for her son, but she was also realistic about what was needed to improve his wellbeing. She and Rob had a long conversation with the surgeon who would install the g-tube. They received training on how to use and clean it and were assigned a nurse to support them anytime they ran into trouble, day or night. 

With the g-tube, Tristan quickly gained weight, improving his health and happiness and affirming to Heidi that they had made the right decision. “Not all changes are bad. That was a terrifying one but now that we have it, I couldn’t imagine life without it,” she says. 

Tristan’s spirit is unbreakable. He’s always smiling, giving high-fives to his doctors and eager for new adventures, showing everyone what he’s capable of – including, most recently, skiing. 

“He loved it. He was over the moon,” Heidi beams, talking about the sit-ski program Tristan was finally able to join after a two-year wait. 

Heidi credits the team and Hospital for their role in Tristan’s achievements. They genuinely care about him and celebrate every success with us, she says. “When we walk into the hospital, we know we’re in the best place possible.” 

Changing lives through generosity

Behind every story like Tristan’s is the generosity of donors who support McMaster Children’s Hospital. Donations enable the hospital to invest in advanced technology, specialized training and innovative treatments that improve the lives of children and their families. 

From the equipment used to diagnose and treat Tristan’s condition to the multidisciplinary team that coordinates his care, donor funding has played a critical role. “I feel extra lucky that we’re just blessed to have this care and to have everybody want the best for your child and just to see them thrive,” she says. 

Every year, Heidi and her family channeled their gratitude into action by hosting Tristan’s Fall Fair, an annual event that raises funds for organizations that have supported Tristan’s journey. What started as a small first birthday party has grown into a large community celebration at their family farm, attracting dozens of attendees. Last year, the generosity of Tristan’s friends, family and neighbours went to support MacKids. 

Heidi explains, “Our friends and family are so, so generous, and then it just infectious, right? It all started for Tristan, and while it’s still about Tristan, we’re able to help other kids like him too.” 

Heidi and her family remain optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead, inspired by Tristan’s determination and the unwavering support of McMaster Children’s Hospital. Together, they are eager to put every opportunity in front of Tristan and let him show everyone what he can do. And he wants to do it all.