Our stories

Daniel and the dentist

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience. The loud sounds, bright overhead lights, unfamiliar smells and strange instruments are enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable, let alone a child with autism.

Daniel, like many children on the spectrum, has sensory sensitivities that make going to the dentist a stressful ordeal for both him and his mother, France. 

“It’s been such a struggle for us to find a dentist that understands how to support children on the spectrum,” said France. “Daniel...

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COVID-19 testing for children and youth at the Brewer Assessment Centre – An Update

We saw so many big beautiful eyes and tiny feet in long line-ups, and then felt Mother Nature’s chilly nip in the air; and we knew we had to do something to help families wanting testing for their kids at the Brewer Assessment Centre. In less than a week, we rolled out an online booking system (thanks also to some great feedback from you!) so that families could arrange for an appointment from the comfort of their own home. It wasn’t a perfect solution at launch, but we knew it was better than the...

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Dreams do come true! Inspiration from a CHEO Volunteer

Rick’s smile is amazing and his work ethic is second to none, but it’s his ambition that we’re celebrating today! Rick Patch has been a CHEO volunteer since 2012, and he set a personal goal for himself on day one to achieve 1,000 volunteer shifts at CHEO. 

Today, is the day! And we’re so happy to celebrate his personal triumph. He has interacted with hundreds of children, teens, caregivers, staff, physicians and other volunteers over the years and we are indeed the lucky ones.

His goal cumulates...

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Annual Butterfly Memorial remembers infants, children and youth lost

We stand with and support all families who carry the pain of losing a child, this day and every day. Our annual Butterfly Release is an opportunity to come together, reflect on and remember the lives of infants, children and youth lost too soon. It is presented by CHEO and Roger Neilson House in collaboration with The Compassionate Friends.

This year we gather for a virtual memorial, providing space for families, friends and CHEO staff to come together in both remembrance and celebration of life...

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Don’t forget kids like Olivia, Adam and Malakai

By Drs. Sunita Venkateswaran (pediatric neurologist), Nathalie Major (medical director of Complex Medical Care) and Asha Nair (developmental pediatrician), all at CHEO.

As pediatricians caring for kids with complex medical, health and social needs, we have seen the impact of COVID-19 on these children, youth and their families, and are especially concerned right now about the major consequences of their time away from school.

Before March Break, Olivia who is wheelchair dependent and...

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