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.
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How volunteering helped Divya find her path |
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Meet Divya Massilamani, Clinical Administrative Assistant in Genetics As a high school student, Divya dreamed of going into medicine, specifically pediatrics. To complete her mandatory volunteer hours, she volunteered at CHEO and quickly realized that there was more to this hospital than she thought. With so many ways she could get involved with kids, Divya realized there was no better place to work than CHEO. |
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CHEO – A dream come true for Jeanette McNalty |
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Meet Jeanette McNalty, Occupational Therapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Inpatient Medicine Jeanette has always known she wanted to work in health care – her mom was a nurse, after all. So Jeanette went to Brock University intending to become a pediatrician. Her time at school inspired her to become an occupational therapist (OT). She finished her bachelor’s and master’s, and then worked in schools for 12 years. “It would be so cool to be an OT in the NICU. I love feeding, I have a passion for it and I would love to get to do that one day,” she would say to student therapists on placement.
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“It’s OK. My mom works at CHEO. She’ll take really good care of you.” |
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Meet Michelle Vander Meer, Health Care Aide on Inpatient Surgery. “I remember being a visitor and how kind everyone was to him and to me,” says Michelle. “It always stuck with me how the kindness of others could shine so much light during a dark time.” |
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"We're like a little family." |
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Meet Anick Labrèche, Speech-Language Pathologist in the Clinic for Augmentative Communication. Anick’s first connection to CHEO started at a young age. Anick was born with microtia – a small ear – and atresia of the external ear canal – this means she doesn’t hear out of her right ear. At 10 years old, she had multiple surgeries at CHEO to reconstruct her external ear. Her second connection to CHEO is through volunteering with the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program and the Clinic for Augmentative Communication.
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"CHEO is a special place." - Ashley Hilliard |
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For Ashley, CHEO is a special place. It’s where she landed her dream job, where she found her voice as a recreation therapist, and ultimately what led to the adoption of her son, Dawson. Early on, Ashley knew she wanted to work with kids with disabilities. When she started here in 2011, Ashley initially found it tough as summer can be a busy time, but she credits her fellow colleagues to helping her find her feet. “I’m lucky that I started off with a really great team because they helped show me what recreation therapy at CHEO looks like,” she says. |
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Allison’s journey to becoming a nurse practitioner |
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Meet Allison Helmer, passionate Nurse Practitioner, at CHEO. Growing up, Allison’s mother and both grandmothers were proud nurses. So, it was no surprise when she decided to follow in their footsteps. Inspired by the experience of witnessing the birth of her godchildren, Allison applied to CHEO after graduating from Nipissing University and secured a nursing position on the surgical team. Shortly thereafter, she was presented with another opportunity at a different hospital. However, Allison chose to stay at CHEO due to her supportive manager, collaborative team, and the dynamic, fast-paced environment she thrived in. |
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.