From our humble beginnings, we've grown into a leading institution, providing world-class pediatric care, training for the next generation and pioneering research that continues to make a positive impact on young lives.
CHEO's success is a testament to the unwavering support of our community. It's a celebration of the collaborative spirit that unites healthcare professionals, families, volunteers and donors in the common goal of ensuring every child receives the best life possible.
Everyone has had a part in building and growing CHEO.
As we reflect on the past 50 years, we also look ahead with optimism and excitement for the future.
CHEO remains committed to advancing pediatric healthcare, embracing new technologies and continuing to be a beacon of hope for children, youth and their families.
Our stories
Today begins our journey in commemorating five decades of CHEO and its commitment to the health and well-being of children.
For some of our staff, medical staff and learners, their health journey began at CHEO. Years later, they found their way back to help make a difference in the lives of children.
“CHEO is more than just a hospital.” – Scarlett Montserrat Sanabria-Ramos |
Meet Scarlett Montserrat Sanabria-Ramos, Administrative Assistant with the Consultation Liaison Team “CHEO is more than just a hospital; it is a beacon of hope, love, and inspiration for our family,” says Scarlett. Growing up in Mexico City, Scarlett spent her childhood battling severe asthma attacks due to the city's thick smog. Before arriving in Canada in 2012, hospital visits were already a routine part of her life. “My family made the monumental decision to leave behind everything we knew,” shares Scarlett. “The thought of adjusting to a new culture, weather, and language was daunting, but the promise of better healthcare and cleaner air filled us with hope and determination.” |
CHEO became a comfort for Fei Fan as a new mother |
Meet Fei Fan Chen, a Housekeeper with CHEO’s Environmental Services team At six months pregnant, Fei Fan immigrated to Canada from China. At the time, little did she know the role CHEO would end up playing in her life or that it would become the place that would guide her in her early days as a mother to her newborn son Gabriel. Fei Fan’s pregnancy had been uncomplicated and without concern – that is, until her first ultrasound in Canada. During her seven-month ultrasound, everything changed. Her baby was measuring small and during her follow-up ultrasound, they couldn’t see his brain. |
“CHEO is the reason I moved to Ottawa.” – Jessica McAdam |
Meet Jessica McAdam, Registered Nurse First Assistant with Perioperative Services-Operating Room “CHEO is the community that gave me a permanent home,” says Jessica, a registered nurse (RN) with CHEO since 2009. Growing up in a military family, Jessica spent her childhood moving across North America. But today, she considers the CHEO community her home base and rather than move from city to city, she expands her nursing skills. Over her 15 years at CHEO, Jessica has been an RN in inpatient surgery, an RN in the operating room (OR) and a nurse educator. |
Maia’s childhood friend inspired her journey with CHEO |
Meet Maia Popovic, child and youth counsellor with CHEO’s Eating Disorders Day program When Maia was 17 years old, her best friend confided in her that she had an eating disorder. Confused and saddened that her friend, who portrayed such beauty and confidence, could be struggling so much, Maia turned to Google to try and find her friend some help. Her search led her to the CHEO website which provided resources on how to support your loved ones through eating disorders. Maia remembers thinking, “If CHEO can help me and my friend with online resources, I can only imagine how much they could help in person.” And that thought, coupled with her friend’s meaningful confession, inspired Maia’s career and her journey with CHEO. |
Mustafa, Arabic interpreter, helps newcomer families navigate CHEO |
Meet Mustafa Tawfiq, Arabic Interpreter with the Patient Experience team “Throughout my journey, I have been committed to gaining people’s trust and supporting them. I feel obliged to be a positive member of society,” says Mustafa. A dentist by trade, Mustafa immigrated to Canada from the Middle East in 2008. After several unsuccessful attempts to get accredited for dentistry in Canada, Mustafa pivoted. Since 2018, Mustafa has helped newcomer families navigate the health-care system, orient themselves to CHEO and get the right treatment and supports to meet their needs. |
Alaa found her new community at CHEO |
Meet Alaa Abashar, Patient Experience Lead in the Emergency Department “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” says Alaa. “I didn’t know how exactly, but I knew it was something I was meant to do.” In 2013, Alaa’s dream began to take shape. She moved from Abu Dhabi to Canada and started her bachelor’s degree in childhood and youth studies, with a minor in disability studies. But moving to Ottawa and away from everything she knew was a culture shock for Alaa. Her first year of university felt isolating and difficult. Alaa was no longer surrounded by the community she grew up with and her mental health suffered. “We don’t talk about mental health where I come from,” says Alaa. “That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others on their mental health journey.” |
Stay tuned as we share more meaningful stories from our dedicated staff, medical staff, learners and volunteers.
Share your story
We’re looking for special CHEO stories and memories as we mark this significant milestone.
If someone at CHEO has changed your life or that of your child or teen over the past 50 years, share your story!
Celebrate with CHEO
![Decorative image of a paper airplane.](/en/about-us/resources/50/Paper-airplane.png)
Join the conversation on social media using our official hashtag — #CHEO50andBeyond.
Share your stories, memories and well-wishes as we mark this significant milestone in the history of CHEO.
Here's to 50 years of caring, growing and healing so that children and youth can live their best lives.