It was inspiring to see so many participants attending the event at Bayfront Park on June 4. It was the first in-person Walk & Wheel to be held since 2019, and the spirit of community made for an unforgettable celebration. After enjoying their walk or ride along Hamilton’s beautiful waterfront, registrants enjoyed lunch, the popular Teddy Bear Hospital sponsored by Marz Homes, games, face painting, inflatable bouncy castles and many family-friendly activities.
This year’s event featured four Patient Ambassadors, who shared their remarkable stories of care at McMaster Children’s Hospital (including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre):
• Ethan from Milton, who underwent extensive chemotherapy for a brain tumour and had surgeries to reduce swelling in his brain.
• Claire from Hamilton, who underwent surgery for a cleft lip when she was a baby. She also received lifesaving care for type 1 diabetes at the age of 5.
• Claire’s sister Molly, who receives care for spina bifida through different clinics at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre to maximize her quality of life.
• Katelynn from Burlington, who underwent surgery and chemotherapy after a tumour was discovered in her brain. She is currently receiving care through the Medically Complex Care Program for various medical conditions resulting from the tumour.
Thank you to our Patient Ambassadors for inspiring us with your courage and demonstrating the importance of donor support. Funds raised from MacKids Walk & Wheel will support the purchase of vital medical equipment to enhance patient care.
“We are extremely grateful to our Patient Ambassadors, participants, sponsors and community partners for making MacKids Walk & Wheel such a tremendous success,” says Pearl F. Veenema, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor: RBC; our Platinum Sponsor: CP; our Teddy Bear Hospital Sponsor: Marz Homes; our Bike Safety Sponsor; Old Republic Insurance; and our Gold Sponsors: Healthy Planet and Stryker Canada.
On behalf of the patients of McMaster Children’s Hospital and their families, thank you to everyone for supporting MacKids Walk & Wheel and making a difference in pediatric health care for the region. Donations can still be made at www.mackids.ca/walkandwheel or 905-522-3863.
