A Message From Mark Hierlihy

President & CEO, CCHF

The following message was shared publicly with our network on March 18, 2020.

To our fellow Canadians, supporters, partners, and friends:

We have entered a very turbulent time, as the world grapples with the outbreak of COVID-19. We know that we will only make it through if we stick together and follow the recommendations of top health authorities. We also know many of you have your own stresses at this difficult time, so we want to send our love and support back to you, as so many of you have generously been there for sick children and their families.

As we navigate through this ongoing situation, we remain dedicated to the health and wellbeing of families and kids across the country, our foundation members, and our partners. We have adopted the recommended social distancing protocol and have implemented a mandatory work from home policy from March 16 – April 5, 2020. Our team will remain working during this time, doing our part to reduce potential transmission by closing our physical office for three weeks.

It is important that we, as Canadians and global citizens, remain focused and vigilant about the situation. We hope that we can all remain healthy, safe, and supportive of each other.

For the kids. For Canada. For health care.

Mark Hierlihy
President & CEO, CCHF

A Child’s Future Starts with Healthy Decisions Today

With March being Nutrition Month and Liver Health Month, it’s time to take the right preventative measures and work healthy habits into our everyday lives, especially with the global climate of today. Our mission to change the health of children starts here.

Back in 1970, Nutrition Month began as a “Nutrition Week” by the Dietitians of Canada.This was in an effort to increase public awareness around the dietary profession and encourage Canadians to use credible sources for food and nutrition information. Similarly, Liver Health Month reminds us to “check under the hood” and re-evaluate the health of one of the body’s most vital organs.

After all, it is estimated that 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease, which is linked to behaviours we’re all guilty of at one point – lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. [1].

Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre understands that a child’s liver health requires attention to their daily nutrition and several other factors.

Their Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Program links liver health and nutrition into one practice to effectively treat a child’s health issues at all angles. This program not only includes Gastroenterologists who specialize in treating liver-related issues, but also Paediatric Dietitians to provide qualified dietary advice which is especially helpful during post-liver transplant follow-ups.

Across the country, our hospitals are working to promote nutrition education and provide multi-disciplinary treatments for child patients facing liver complications. Our partners are even getting involved in these types of healthy-living programs, such as Sun Life and its Meant2Prevent nutrition support initiative.

FOUNDATION FOCUS: Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

LHSC facilitates an exceptional Multi-Organ Transplant Program for patients suffering from polycystic liver disease, however, LHSC’s mission is to encourage patients into an active and healthy lifestyle to ensure that liver conditions do not continue to a point where a transplant is needed.

Children’s Hospital effectively supports more than 30,000 children and their families from throughout Western Ontario. Its focus is on family-centred care so that the patient and their family can feel empowered to put health first together.

Outside view of children's hospital building

What's happening at CCHF?

During these unprecedented times, we’re taking the right measures to prioritize health and safety. Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) has made the difficult decision to not hold CHW as planned on April 6-10, 2020. We are working to ensure that we maintain constant communication with our partners and member hospital foundations. We hope that we can all remain healthy, safe, and supportive of each other.

Teddy bear on a bed covered by a blanket

March is Liver Health Month + Nutrition Month.

Liver Health Month was established by the Canadian Liver Foundation to increase awareness of liver health and continuously push liver research to the forefront. Contrary to popular belief, liver-related diseases aren’t limited to adults. In fact, “children as young as two years old can be affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)” [2].

Nutrition Month is Dietitian Canada’s initiative to nourish the lifestyles of families and urges parents to bring children into the kitchen to foster healthy food experiences early on and embrace cooking as a way to bond and learn.

Learn more about the significance of Liver Health Month here and Nutrition Month’s history here.

Mother with daughter whisking in the kitchen

Teaghan, 13, Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D)

At the age of 7, Teaghan began to experience increasing stomach pain that wouldn’t go away. After a visit to the paediatrician, and several tests and a liver biopsy, it was determined that Teaghan had Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D). It’s a rare, metabolic disorder that can cause a buildup of fatty tissue and, ultimately, liver failure.

Teaghan was able to receive life-saving enzyme medication, which has allowed her to regain a stable body weight and start feeling better. She continues to be monitored by Children’s Hospital to ensure she is healthy and thriving.

Meet Blayke

March 2020