CHEO stories

World-first ThinkRare algorithm helps family get early diagnosis of rare genetic disorder

CHEO's world-first ThinkRare algorithm is improving the lives of children, youth, and families by helping to flag some of the youngest patients who may have undiagnosed rare diseases, which answers important medical questions sooner.

Eddy Craig was born just a few days before Christmas 2022. From day one, his mom Ashley says Eddy had difficulties feeding, and he would gurgle and wheeze while trying to breathe.

He was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, a medical term used when a child does not grow or gain weight...

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CHEO transforms care and research of eating disorders

CHEO leads the way in tackling one of the most complex and critical areas of pediatric health care: eating disorders, with clinicians and researchers pioneering innovative approaches that are not only improving care at CHEO but also shaping health systems across Canada and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the social and economic cost of eating disorders into the spotlight as a national study led by the CHEO Research Institute showed a significant increase of children and youth who visited the emergency...

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Breaking barriers and warming hearts with the Ottawa Charge

Several members of the Ottawa Charge visited CHEO and the CHEO Research Institute to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and to hand out valentines to children and youth at CHEO.

Like the players, who compete in the Professional Women's Hockey League, female researchers are changing lives and inspiring the next generation.

Players also toured inside the hospital to lift the spirits of kids receiving care at CHEO. You can watch our video on Instagram.

Thank you to those who...

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Olympian and former CHEO patient cherishes role helping kids with diabetes

Every time Hannah Schmidt steps into her skis, the Canadian Olympian readies to compete against the world’s best in women’s ski cross with a little more weighing on her mind.

Schmidt, an Ottawa native, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 12, and received care at CHEO for six years.

Now 30, she must prepare for each competition with a brighter spotlight on her diet — and that’s become a good thing.

"It's made me a better athlete in the long run," said Schmidt.

As a teenager, though, the stigma of her...

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How Child Life specialists make the holidays bright for CHEO patients

The holiday season is a time filled with traditions, celebrations, and gatherings, but for those spending December at CHEO, the experience can feel very different. 

While celebrating the holidays in hospital may not be every child’s first choice, for many it’s a necessity. That’s where CHEO’s Child Life team steps in to make the season as special and comforting as possible.

Child Life specialists play a vital role in helping children, youth, and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness,...

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