CHEO stories

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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Cancer care closer to home for CHEO patients and families

Families of kids with cancer will get faster and more convenient access to essential bloodwork closer to home thanks to a partnership of CHEO and the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA). 

As of Sept. 15, 2025, children and youth receiving cancer treatment can visit walk-in EORLA labs throughout eastern Ontario for bloodwork, instead of travelling to CHEO for an appointment. There will be designated spaces at the labs for oncology patients, and immunocompromised children will be prioritized.

This will...

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Kassy’s journey and the changing face of obesity care

When Kassy was a toddler, her mother Nicole Cummins noticed something different. 

“She was always hungry,” Cummins recalled. “Food was the only thing that soothed her. I used to think it was my fault.”

For years, doctors told Nicole that Kassy would “grow into her size.” But the weight gain continued, along with chronic pain, learning difficulties, and a growing sense of isolation.

It wasn’t until Kassy was 13 that she was referred to CHEO’s Centre for Healthy Active Living (CHAL), a clinic that takes a...

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