Thursday, July 23, 2020

Right now, it can feel like everything is changing at a rapid pace.

For over 3 months now, many of us have made changes at home to adapt to new social norms and protect ourselves and our families. Now, as we slowly move back into regular life and businesses begin to re-open, we’ll be changing routines once again.

Although our lives may soon start to look like it did prior to COVID-19, it’s important to remember that there are many children across Canada who’s circumstances and health are changing rapidly – they are still looking for stability and protection.
This includes those children whose lives are dependent on the care of children’s hospitals across Canada. This also includes children and families who are continuously receiving news of another required surgery – which our featured Champion Quinn (below) is very familiar with.

To acknowledge those children who are used to turbulent times, we’re recognizing two relevant occasions this month – World Blood Donor Day (June 14th) and Spina Bifida Awareness Month.

FOUNDATION FOCUS: Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation

As the only paediatric facility in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Janeway Children’s Hospital understands the needs to support Spina Bifida research.

In October 2019, Janeway opened it’s doors to a new Special Care Unit which provides their smallest surgical patients a concentrated area of care for babies. Patients like our Champion child Quinn benefit from rooms like these while being treated for a range of conditions, including Spina Bifida. Read more about her story below.

Janeway’s care for children is unique. The Development and Rehabilitation Division at the Janeway is the only program of its kind for children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides service to children and adolescents with physical, developmental and learning disabilities.

Janeway Childrens Hospital Foundation logo
Read more

What's happening at CCHF?

On June 25th, we held our first ever Canadian Children’s Impact Series – Virtual Edition! CCHF was excited to come together with our foundations and corporate partners, feel inspired and celebrate our achievements thus far.

In addition, thank you to all of our donors and Walmart Canada associates who have made this year’s campaign such a huge success despite the challenges around COVID-19. We are consistently impressed by your generosity.

We also want to acknowledge #BlackLivesMatter and Pride Month – our organization stresses the importance of inclusiveness, and the support for all kids of all identities. Every life deserves respect.

Teddy bear on a bed covered by a blanket

June: Spina Bifida Awareness Month & World Blood Donor Day (June 14).

Did you know Spina Bifida is the #1 physically disabling birth defect in newborns? Or, that a single blood donation can save up to three lives?

Spina Bifida Awareness Month is led by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada, and aims to educate the masses on facts like the previously mentioned. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Blood Donor Day reminds us that while we are still in a pandemic, there are many patients who rely on your blood donations to stay alive. Read more about Spina Bifida here and learn what you can do throughout the year to donate blood here.

World Blood Donor Day

Quinn,12, Spina Bifida

Quinn can tell you exactly what her condition is, what surgeries, tests and treatments she has had, and why.

Quinn was diagnosed with meningocele, one of three main types of Spina Bifida, a condition that develops a defect in the formation of the spine. Quinn also had a tethered spinal cord, a condition where the spinal cord is attached (tethered) at the base of the spine and cannot move freely.

Quinn Schmiedendorf
Meet Quinn

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