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.
David Murphy, director of mental health, reflects on how change can lead to better patient care |
Meet David Murphy, Director of Mental Health at CHEO David (Dave) Murphy has been an intrinsic part of CHEO’s Mental Health department for over 25 years. “I knew at an early age that I wanted to work with kids and youth,” says Dave. When an opportunity presented itself to come work at CHEO, Dave jumped on it. He started as a Child and Youth Counselor in the inpatient psychiatric unit in 1996 and never looked back. |
Ashley Killeen is passionate about transforming care, one step at time |
Meet Ashley Killeen, Program Manager for 1Door4Care When Ashley started as a volunteer at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre (OCTC) in 2007 (OCTC eventually amalgamated with CHEO in 2016), she heard whispers of a new building being planned to further support children and youth. Years later, CHEO is bringing this vision to life. The new CHEO integrated treatment centre, also known as 1Door4Care, will be completed in 2028. And today, Ashley is the Program Manager for this project – a full circle moment from her early days as a volunteer. |
Abby Browne’s journey of compassion at CHEO |
Meet Abby Browne, Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health at CHEO Inspired by her experience working at a summer camp for children with cancer, Abby was touched by the stories of hope and healing that emerged from CHEO. After visiting CHEO’s Medical Day Unit with one of her campers, and seeing the nurses in action, Abby knew she wanted to be part of this great work. “It was at that moment I decided I not only wanted to work at CHEO, but I wanted to become a nurse,” says Abby. |
Mari: “CHEO starts from a place of yes.” |
Meet Mari Teitelbaum, VP Strategy, Quality and Family Partnership & CIO As a child, Mari remembers weekend afternoons sitting in the x-ray department while her mom was on-call as a CHEO radiologist. But it wasn’t until an accident involving losing the ends of two of her fingers on an exercise bike that Mari experienced what it was like to be a CHEO patient. To this day, Mari still remembers the kindness of Dr. Wiley who provided the follow-up care. "The stitches healed with time and now I have two mostly functioning fingers,” shares Mari with a laugh. |
Family-centred care is what makes CHEO so special |
Meet Katelyn Ruggiero, Scheduling Officer for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) 13 years ago, when Katelyn Ruggiero (Katy), was 37 weeks pregnant, her whole life shifted. Her family, including her husband and 2.5-year-old son, Luca, were in a severe car accident. Her son absorbed the brunt of the hit and was airlifted to CHEO. Meanwhile, her husband received care for his injuries and Katy started going into labour. During the early stages of labour, Katy remembers receiving a call from Luca’s neurosurgeon – he told her that Luca had a 50% chance of making it through surgery, but that they should try. Fighting against the odds, her young little fighter made it through and started his long recovery in CHEO’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). |
How the genetics team inspired Melanie to pursue a career with CHEO |
Meet Melanie Laffin Thibodeau, Project Manager - Inpatient Medicine and IMCU, CHEOWorks Melanie’s connection to CHEO started 20 years ago when her nephew was born with multiple complications. The CHEO team took him under their wing and began treatment including a complicated surgery on his liver. Melanie gave her nephew one of the greatest gifts – a liver transplant, which was done at SickKids in Toronto. He went on to receive regular checkups from CHEO for several years. This was just the start of his CHEO journey – and Melanie would eventually begin her own CHEO several years later. |
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
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.