CHEO stories

Rapid response helps safeguard newborns from RSV

Thanks to a rapid, coordinated response, seven in 10 babies born at eastern Ontario hospitals received protection from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, during the first season of Ontario’s new immunization program — a major step forward in safeguarding infant health.

This feat was accomplished thanks to leadership from CHEO and Kids Come First, which mobilized rapidly once Ontario launched its publicly funded protection program for RSV in November 2024.

The provincial program made the one-time immunization...

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A decade-long journey in nursing excellence with CHEO by her side

The lights in CHEO’s Emergency Department shone brightly through the late night. 

CHEO nurse Gabrielle White had barely slept, sitting with a mother whose daughter had just been diagnosed with leukemia. White knew at that moment; she simply needed to be there.

Later, during her training as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) student in Oncology, she saw the family again. This time, she saw hope.

White stopped the child’s final dose of preventative medication because she reached that milestone in her post-treatment journey. The

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Changing lives together: A CHEO family’s fight against cystic fibrosis

Melanie Rochon has spent 25 years making children smile as a dental hygienist at CHEO. But behind her own bright smile is a story of struggle and relentless advocacy — one that changed the lives of hundreds of Canadian families just like hers.

Her daughter, Camille, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at just two months old. The chronic condition affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to breathing problems, lung infections and difficulty absorbing nutrients. For Camille, it has...

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Crafted with care: Volunteers build adaptive furniture for CHEO kids

In workshops across Ottawa and the surrounding region, 13 dedicated woodworking volunteers are hard at work—crafting customized therapy equipment for children in CHEO’s Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC). They build in their own time, from garages and basements, transforming raw materials into tools that help kids gain comfort, mobility and independence.

This unique program, supported by a specialized fund in partnership with the CHEO Foundation, ensures each piece of equipment is made...

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CHEO, Ontario government break ground on new Integrated Treatment Centre

The new CHEO Integrated Treatment Centre is one step closer to reality as construction begins.

Construction of the new, fully accessible and state-of-the-art treatment centre began with a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The centre will provide integrated and coordinated care under one roof to better serve children and youth living with complex medical, developmental, behavioural, and mental health needs. 

“Today’s groundbreaking is another step in our commitment to protecting...

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