Our stories

Life-saving CHEO transport team can now help older kids

CHEO’s Critical Care Transport Team, a lifeline for children in crisis, has now extended its life-saving expertise to older patients. 

With a team of specialized nurses and respiratory therapists on call 24/7, they traverse vast distances by ambulance, helicopter, or plane, bringing urgent care to communities across eastern and northern Ontario and western Quebec.

And thanks to the generous support of our community through the CHEO Foundation, the Critical Care Transport Team is equipped to safely carry...

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New CHEO program gives all families a stronger connection to research opportunities

Hazel Radley’s development has taken some big steps thanks to participating in research at CHEO.

Now 4, Hazel was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at seven months old. She normally uses a walker but recently took part in a research study using the Trexo robotic walker.

Her mother, Melanie Radley, said participating in the CHEO research study helped build up Hazel’s strength as she was required to use the Trexo robotic walker for about 45 minutes per day. 

“It's incredible how life-changing this research is for...

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CHEO nurses improve mental health support for health-care workers

Peer support for CHEO staff, medical staff and learners has significantly improved thanks in large part to the vision of critical care nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). 

It began when PICU Advanced Practice Nurse Sophia Bucking and her colleagues felt the toll of a traumatic case during a shift in 2017. Recognizing the inherent risk of burnout and compassion fatigue, Bucking initiated conversations with critical care leadership about the need for more timely mental health support.

CHEO Nurse...

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Helping Anxious Kids Thrive: Holiday Tips for Parents

For some children and teens, school breaks like winter or summer offer a much-needed chance to unwind. For others, these times can bring unexpected challenges. Here are some tips to help your child feel more at ease during the holidays.

1. Check-in with your children and teens. Let them express their feelings in a safe, understanding and non-judgemental way that's safe, understanding and non-judgemental. It’s a good idea to slow down and spend time with your children and teens.
2. Some children and...

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Giving back to the hospital that saved her life

Meet Lisa Cater, a Clerk in CHEO's Health Records Department.

At 12, Lisa Cater was diagnosed with a brain tumor and rushed into emergency surgery at CHEO. Six months later, the tumor aggressively returned. After two more surgeries, Lisa developed hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, requiring a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and several revisions to ensure proper function.

After 30 rounds of radiation, Lisa was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain...

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