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SPEAKING OF
SUMMER 2015
Record-breaking
Miracle Weekend
Sun safety tips
A baby fights cancer
Care in the
first year of life
bcchf.ca
spotlight on giving
inside speaking of children
features
www.bcchf.ca
Kirmac Cares for Kids
With a 42-year track record as a successful business,
Kirmac Collision is a leader in its field and a champion
for the younger generations.
Since the inception of its Kirmac Cares for
Kids program in 2011, Kirmac and its employees,
customers and business partners have contributed
over $1 million to BC Children’s Hospital. Their
determination and capacity to raise funds is
impressive: annual contributions to the program have
increased three-fold – from $120,000 to more than
$360,000 – since it began. Employees at all levels of
Kirmac are proud to contribute to the hospital.
“When we chose BC Children’s Hospital as our
charity of choice, it hit me that when we help kids,
we help a whole generation with an entire life ahead
of them...and all the other people they can help
throughout their lives,” says Ian McIntosh, founder &
CEO of Kirmac Collision Services.
Thank you, Kirmac, for your extraordinary support
of BC’s children!
SUMMER 2015
MANAGING EDITOR
Cancer strikes even the youngest.
Stephen Forgacs
EDITOR
Winnie Tam
8 Baby Steps
Fixing a heart the size of a walnut.
CONTRIBUTORS
Justin Beddall, Gail Johnson,
Diane Haarstad, Mary Frances Hill,
Bojana Nikolic
10 We Are All Unique, But . . .
She’s one in seven billion.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Irvin Cheung, Evelyn Ford, Dave
Hale, James LaBounty, Jeff Wedell
Photography, Kristie Robin Photography,
Raymond Ng, Sandy Ng, Mike Remek
ART DIRECTOR
Felice Bisby
12 20 Years of Caring
The first lady pays tribute to donors.
20 2015 Miracle Weekend
Over $18.8 million raised for BC’s kids!
PROJECT MANAGER
Casey Crawford
PRODUCED BY
Sean, Ian (far left and second from left), Mark and Ken McIntosh (far right and second from right)
from Kirmac Collision proudly present a cheque for over $1 million to BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation staff Maria Faccio, Tanya Linau, Jennifer Lau and Selina Yano.
4th Floor, 4180 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
V5C 6A7 604.299.7311
CHAIRMAN, CEO
Peter Legge O.B.C., LL.D (HON)
PRESIDENT
Samantha Legge MBA
A million thanks to the Auxiliary
to BC Children’s Hospital
The dedication and compassion of the Auxiliary to
BC Children’s Hospital volunteers makes the hospital
an extraordinary place for children and families. Each
year, the Auxiliary raises significant funds for the
hospital through its gift shop, the Still Fabulous thrift
shop, sale of holiday cards, clothing donation bins,
silent auctions and other initiatives.
Since 1982, the Auxiliary has donated more than
$5 million to BC Children’s Hospital. The Auxiliary
recently celebrated the completion of its remarkable
$1-million pledge to the Campaign for BC Children,
in support of the construction of the new hospital.
The Auxiliary’s success comes from its network of
volunteers, who generously donate their time to raise
money and provide crucial support for patients and
their families year-round.
Bonnie Nelson joined the Auxiliary board two years ago and currently serves as chair. She could not be happier to be a
part of this legacy that the Auxiliary is creating for BC’s children. “We’re all about doing right by the children and families –
ensuring they have the support they need here at BC Children’s Hospital. The Auxiliary’s gift to the new hospital will help
to lift that support to new heights.”
2 speaking of children summer 2015
6 Already a Survivor at
Seven Months
SENIOR VP/CUSTOM PUBLISHING
Kathleen Freimond MBA
For more information about the editorial content
of Speaking of Children or to make a donation to
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation or
Sunny Hill Foundation for Children,
please contact 604-875-2444, toll-free at 1-888-663-3033
or [email protected].
Charitable Business Number: 11885 2433 RR0001
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation,
938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to
SOC Editor at address above.
Speaking of Children is published three times annually by
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Supporters who donate
$50 or more receive a one-year subscription to the magazine, which is also distributed to government officials, public
health units and libraries throughout the province.
departments
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spotlight on giving
well said
caring for the future
speaking of people
what’s on
healthy habits
what’s up, doc?
children speak
Publication sales agreement #40659514
A PUBLICATION OF
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for
Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre for
Children and the Child & Family Research Institute.
On the Cover
Baby Piper Bowman from Sidney.
See pages 10-11.
Want more stories? Read our new
2014-15 annual report online
at www.bcchf.ca/annual-reports.
summer 2015 speaking of children 3
well said
Caring for children
big and small
The astounding total of $18.8 million revealed on Miracle
Weekend May 30 and 31 shows once again the importance
British Columbians attach to their children’s hospital. Thanks
to a year’s worth of fundraising and awareness activities
undertaken throughout our communities, and the two-day
broadcast on Global BC, thousands came to better understand the impact BC Children’s has on the lives of children
and their families and were moved to donate.
This outpouring of support from every corner of the
province makes miracles happen. It ensures the children
who need it most receive the very best care from our
talented caregivers.
BC Children’s Hospital treats every child who is critically
injured or ill in the province and the Yukon. In this issue
of Speaking of Children, we introduce you to some of our
youngest patients confronted with life-threatening conditions in their first year of life. Thankfully, each of these
stories has a happy ending!
We also include a special section to congratulate and
acknowledge the individuals, organizations, families,
volunteers and sponsors who reached deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to make the
2015 Miracle Weekend the biggest in its 28-year history.
Almost daily, our surgeons perform procedures on infants under a year old. In fact, more
than half of the 200 open-heart procedures performed last year at BC Children’s were on
babies who had not yet reached their first birthday. During these times of struggle and
anguish, our caregivers do everything they can to ensure the best chance of recovery and
good health. At the same time, they make sure to look after the well-being of families, for
they are also dealing with a new reality.
Thanks to supporters like you, we can continue to be there for every patient – infant, toddler,
child and teenager – who requires specialized medical care. Your support ensures our outstanding medical professionals give each child we treat the most up-to-date, personalized care.
Thank you for your incredible care and commitment to the health and well-being of
our children.
Sincerely,
BC CHILDREN’S
HOSPITAL
FOUNDATION
Board of Directors 2015
as of January 1, 2015
Mr. David Podmore,
Chair
Ms. Leslie Arnold
Mr. Kevin Bent
Mr. David Doig
Mr. Doug Gordon
Mrs. Lisa Hudson
Mrs. Tammi Kerzner
Mr. Mike Lam
Mr. Raymond Li
Mr. Don Lindsay
Mr. Graham MacLachlan
Mr. Bjorn Moller
Mr. Geoff Parkin
Dr. Erik Skarsgard
Ms. Andrea Southcott
Mrs. Diane Zell
Foundation Executive
A healthy start
One of the things that makes BC Children’s
Hospital unique is our caregivers’ ability to care
for a wide range of patients with varying needs.
Our patients are infants who are only a few weeks
old; they are also teenagers with complex social
and developmental needs. Regardless of our
patients’ age and needs, our caregivers provide
each child and their families with the care they
need with compassion and respect.
At the end of the day, when a child needs
specialized health care, BC Children’s
Hospital is the place to be.
In this issue of Speaking of Children,
you will meet three infants who received
critical, life-saving care in their first weeks
and months of life. Their care reflects the
wide range of expertise that exists at BC
Children’s, and the support that these babies
receive as they fight their way through cancer,
a heart defect and a genetic condition so rare
that it exists in no other child in the world.
Teri Nicholas, MSW, RSW
President & CEO
Knut Nordlie, CFRE
Vice-President &
Chief Operating Officer
Debora Sweeney, CFRE
Vice-President &
Chief Strategy Officer
Maria Faccio
Vice-President & Chief
Philanthropy Officer
David Podmore, O.B.C.
Lillian Hum
Chair, Board of Directors
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Vice-President & Chief
Philanthropy Officer
4 speaking of children summer 2015
summer 2015 speaking of children 5
feature story
(left) Terry and Allisha Heidt and their baby son Bing;
(above) Dr. Amanda Li
BECOMING
BING
A young family works through a
difficult diagnosis, and moves
forward with hope and optimism.
by MARY FRANCES HILL
Beneath the pleasant, normal life of the Heidt family, there lies
a tiny scar on tender baby skin, memories of an airlift to BC Children’s Hospital and many days of turmoil.
To an outsider, there’s nothing to distinguish Terry and Allisha
Heidt and their baby son Bing from every other family in their
Kelowna community who have welcomed a new baby into the
family. They’re just as sleep-deprived, just as busy, just as thrilled
to see him grow and hear his daily squeals of delight.
Then every six weeks, real life shifts for Terry, Allisha and their
close extended family.
“We’re lucky he can live a normal life, but then we have to go
to Vancouver and we’re reminded that yes, this happened to him,”
says Allisha.
What happened was mesoblastic nephroma, a renal mass,
or kidney tumour so rare that it occurs in eight in every million
newborns. The diagnosis requires that the Heidts travel every six
6 speaking of children summer 2015
weeks from Kelowna to BC Children’s Hospital in Bing’s first year
to monitor his progress and check for new growth.
The news of mesoblastic nephroma came within days of
Bing’s birth on December 29, 2014. It was a shock to the Heidts,
who had enjoyed Allisha’s calm, healthy pregnancy. Mesoblastic
nephroma is often too small to see in early pregnancy ultrasounds
or develops in the late weeks of pregnancy.
The lives of new parents are always up-ended with the arrival
of a baby. But when the baby suffers from medical complexities,
it’s a huge blow for new families’ expectations and their long-held
vision of what life with a baby would be like, says Dr. Amanda Li,
a BC Children’s Hospital oncology fellow who treated Bing, along
with Dr. Jeffrey Davis.
They’re two members of a team dedicated to monitoring
Bing during his first year. With Bing, and any infant who visits
BC Children’s Hospital, the first year of life is critical in terms of
health, motor and brain development; BC Children’s caregivers
maintain communication with the family and are always attuned
to their particular difficulties.
“The diagnosis of cancer is never expected and always stressful and overwhelming,” says Dr. Li. “To put that in the context of
brand new parents who’ve just had their first baby and are from
away, I can’t imagine how overwhelming it would be. And then to
be told you have something medically wrong, [it’s even tougher].”
BC Children’s Hospital surgeon Dr. Sonia Butterworth led the
surgery to remove Bing’s tumour. The wait for a diagnosis, during which Allisha couldn’t hold and nurse Bing, was particularly
unpleasant, Allisha recalls.
Three weeks after they first arrived at BC Children’s, Bing was
tumour-free. He and his parents were able to return to Kelowna
and resume life as normal. Studies show that 98 per cent of newborns with mesoblastic nephroma do indeed survive and thrive.
“At BC Children’s Hospital, we may see a case of mesoblastic
nephroma every year or less in our BC population,” says Dr. Jeffrey Davis, Bing’s oncologist. “This type of tumour is generally
not metastatic [does not spread to other organs]. As long as the
surgery is successful and the baby recovers well, things usually go
well,” he says.
The Heidts also embrace the unexpected benefits that come
with the rarity of mesoblastic nephroma. Where many parents
facing a child’s health crisis might lose themselves in the storm of
medical websites and blogs by parents and support groups, the
random occurrence of mesoblastic nephroma in their son – and
the swift removal of what turned out to be an isolated tumour –
gave the Heidts a perverse advantage over many families dealing
with a child in medical crisis.
With few online experts or families available to expound on this
rare variety of nephroma, the Heidts say they were fortunate to
escape the barrage of speculation and information on social media
that so overwhelms families facing more common ailments.
They accept the random nature that comes with a rare diagnosis,
and find comfort in the fact that with the tumour gone, they
don’t need to constantly obsess about health management. Rather,
they’re free to enjoy their baby boy and take pleasure in his normal,
healthy developmental milestones.
Allisha says the family’s optimism helped them cope through
the most difficult times.
“We said no matter what news we heard, that when we stationed ourselves cribside for the day we wanted to emit only
positive vibrations.”
Daily reminders to each other helped the couple move forward,
Terry adds.
“Every morning when we were at Children’s, Allisha and I said
to each other, ‘It’s going to be a good day.’ It helped us get through
it all.”
summer 2015 speaking of children 7 feature story
TINY MIRACLES
Life begins anew for a baby boy
with a rare heart defect.
by JUSTIN BEDDALL
Elizabeth Van de Polder holding baby Kelso.
8 speaking of children summer 2015
Elizabeth Van de Polder felt a sense of joy and relief when she
finally got to hold her baby boy Kelso for the first time without
any wires or tubes attached to his tiny body.
“Whenever I held him I had to be right beside his bed because
he was hooked up to all these monitors,” she recalls. “But now I
can just pick him up and take him over to my bed and hold him
and feel normal.”
On a sunny May afternoon, Elizabeth is sitting in a comfy
chair inside the living room of her South Surrey home, with Kelso
sleeping peacefully in her arms.
It was a tumultuous first-week-and-a-half of life for Kelso and
his young parents.
Kelso was born on April 16, 2015, at 6:12 pm. The next
morning, as his parents prepared to take him home to meet his
older sister Zoey, a nurse detected an unusual heart murmur.
Kelso was sent to BC Children’s Hospital for testing and later
diagnosed with a rare heart defect that required surgery.
“It was very scary,” says Elizabeth.
Kelso was only six days old when he underwent a delicate
four-hour operation to fix his heart.
After watching their baby disappear into the operating room
at BC Children’s Hospital, Elizabeth and her husband Steven clung
to each other, and to a sense of hope.
They knew Kelso was in good hands.
Every year, the talented and highly trained team of cardiovascular surgeons at the hospital’s Children’s Heart Centre
perform more than 300 operations on infants and children
suffering from a variety of congenital and acquired heart defects.
The team is led by surgeon Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi, who, since
joining BC Children’s in 2010, has played a key role in expanding
the Children’s Heart Centre’s programs and enhancing its
reputation as a top surgical centre.
Dr. Gandhi explains that Kelso’s condition is known as
aortico-left ventricular tunnel, and it’s incredibly unusual. In his
20 years as a surgeon, Dr. Gandhi has only encountered three
similar cases.
“[It is a heart defect] in which there is a connection between
the aorta, which is the blood vessel that provides blood to the
body, and the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber
of the heart,” he explains.
Surgery was the only option to correct the defect.
A baby’s heart is just a little larger than a walnut, so operating
on an infant versus, say, a 10-year-old child, presents added
challenges for the surgery team. Aside from the most obvious
difference – size – Dr. Gandhi explains the other differences
have to do with the heart itself.
“The heart muscle, being much more immature, and hence
delicate, in infancy, doesn’t tolerate stress very well – so you
have to execute operations with perfection; if you don’t, the
outcomes won’t be great.”
The Children’s Heart Centre is one of two designated surgical
centres in the Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network and it
cares for sick young patients from across Western Canada.
“It’s becoming a very well-known place; we care for the full
range of complex congenital heart conditions, all the way from
infancy to adulthood,” says Dr. Gandhi. “The people that are
here are tremendously knowledgeable in all facets of pediatric
heart disease.”
When the Van de Polders met Dr. Gandhi for the first time,
they found the surgeon’s manner both positive and reassuring.
“It made us confident,” says Steven.
Dr. Gandhi understands the emotional adversity parents face
after receiving a jarring diagnosis like this and he tries to connect
with them as parents – to build a trust beyond the typical
surgeon-to-patient relationship.
“To realize the stress that they are experiencing has
everything to do with the fact that we’re talking about their
children…the most precious things in parents’ lives,” says Dr.
Gandhi. “And to establish some sort of confidence with them –
that they are confident that the person who’s been entrusted
to fix their child’s heart knows what he’s doing and is going to
return their kid back in better shape than when they came.”
After Kelso went in for surgery, the Van de Polders received
a beeper that would go off when the operation was finished.
To take their minds off the surgery, the anxious couple walked
around nearby Queen Elizabeth Park, hand-in-hand.
“We knew it was happening and there was no point to bring it
up,” recalls Steven.
Hours later, they returned to a waiting room for parents
inside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit when the device started
beeping.
Dr. Gandhi soon arrived to deliver the news: the operation to
fix Kelso’s heart was a success.
“My heart started pumping again. You can’t explain [the
feeling],” says Elizabeth.
Three days later a healthy Kelso was back at home with his
parents and sister.
“The [heart] murmur is gone,” says Elizabeth, running her
fingers through her sleeping baby’s hair.
“The best part about my job is when kids go home in
great shape and live happy and normal lives, like Kelso,” says
Dr. Gandhi.
summer 2015 speaking of children 9
feature story
PIPER’S JOU RNEY
A multidisciplinary team supports a
baby who’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Shawnie Blinko and baby Piper.
by GAIL JOHNSON
When she went for her 20-week ultrasound in her hometown
of Sidney, Shawnie Blinko discovered she was having a baby
girl. She also learned that her daughter might have kidney
complications. But no one could have foreseen just how complex
baby Piper’s condition would be when she was born on September
8, 2014.
Piper was born with a collapsed lung and acute kidney failure
and was put on life support immediately. She and her parents
were flown to Vancouver, where they found out that her thyroid
wasn’t functioning properly and her heart had a small opening.
Faced with high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and hearing loss,
among other conditions, Piper also has what’s known simply as
chromosome 7q32.2-7q31.6 deletion. She is the only person in the
entire world with the abnormality.
“It had never been reported in scientific literature before,”
Shawnie says of the chromosomal condition. “I felt very isolated.
Because no one had ever had this before, there wasn’t any information on it. There were moments when doctors weren’t sure she
would make it. That’s not something you want to hear after you
have your first baby.”
Piper spent the first three months of her life in hospital,
overcoming incredible challenges along the way. She will need
care throughout her life from specialists in many different
departments. The family currently goes back to Children’s every
three weeks to three months, depending on her health and her
circumstances. Shawnie has been documenting her family’s
experiences on a Facebook page called Piper’s Journey – With
Kidney Disease and a Chromosome Deletion. It’s a way to rally
support for Piper, build a sense of community, and allow people
to see just how exceptional this little girl is in the face of so much
adversity.
Shawnie and Piper’s father, Christian Bowman, have been
amazed at the medical care their beloved daughter has received
at BC Children’s Hospital. Not yet a year old, Piper has had
several surgeries on her kidneys, which were fused together in
10 speaking of children summer 2015
a horseshoe shape. She needed a feeding tube and has worked
with a physiotherapist. She will soon be operated on for a
condition called metopic craniosynostosis, the premature fusion
of the suture in the middle of the forehead.
BC Children’s Hospital is uniquely positioned to care for babies
with special needs. Dr. Colin White, a pediatric nephrologist, cared
for Piper in the hospital’s Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic. With
Piper’s kidneys having since stabilized, he explains that the focus
now is on ensuring she keeps growing so that her kidneys continue
to function well. However, having to treat very small children
with dialysis can be a daunting challenge for medical experts and
families alike.
“We do have limits; it’s difficult to
dialyze babies who are less than two
kilos,” Dr. White says. “But for those
we can, it’s a life-altering situation.
They need to be on the machine every
day, seven nights a week, for 12 to 14
hours, until they’re big enough to have
a transplant around 10 kilos or two to
three years of age. They also need
several medications many times a day.
“Technology is always advancing,” he
adds. “Our ability to save lives is getting better.
But what doesn’t change is the stress on
families. I’m always impressed by how much parents do to support their kids. Their commitment
is extraordinary.”
Dr. White
credits the
hard work of
multidisciplinary
teams when it comes
to ensuring sick kids get
better and helping families cope.
“When you’re caring for very,
very young babies, it’s a very large
team of physicians, nurses, social
workers, dietitians, and others
who do the heavy lifting,” he says.
For Shawnie, Piper’s care at
Children’s has and continues to go
well beyond the medical. For one
thing, staff members have always
asked her if her family needs any
help setting up travel and accommodation while in town for Piper’s
treatments. They help make sure
Shawnie is taking care of herself,
too: nurses offer to hold Piper while
Shawnie grabs a quick dinner or has
a short nap. And doctors and nurses
always make a point of including
Shawnie and her partner in Piper’s care.
“Doctors always come to me and ask
me my opinion on everything before going
ahead and doing something like an ultrasound or changing her medication,” Shawnie
says. “They always wanted my input because
they knew how involved I wanted to be with
her care. I had a lot of questions, and they
always have time for them.
“Sometimes they would just let me have a
shoulder to cry on,” she adds. “It was more of a
support system than a medical team. And if they
can’t give the support you’re looking for then they
will refer you; they have so many resources. I trust
them, and I know they will always do their absolute
best for Piper.”
summer 2015 speaking of children 11 feature story
caring for the future
Spirit of Giving
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
OF PHILANTHROPY –
the Children’s
Circle of Care
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together
we can do so much.” That is the belief held by members of the
Children’s Circle of Care, a program that brings together leading
benefactors to 26 of the most esteemed children’s hospitals
in Canada and the US. Through their annual contributions of
$10,000 or more to their local children’s hospitals, Children’s
Circle of Care members – individuals, privately held corporations
and family foundations – have a tremendous impact on child
health in BC and in North America.
BC Children’s Hospital is one of the founding members of
Children’s Circle of Care and one of only three Canadian member
hospitals. When the circle began in 1995, BC Children’s had 43
members. By 2014, membership had grown to an impressive 304.
In the last year alone, members contributed more than $17 million to
BC Children’s Hospital. Children’s Circle of Care members support a
range of initiatives and activities, such as childhood disease research,
the purchase of specialized medical equipment, the construction of
the new Teck Acute Care Centre and more, ensuring BC’s children
continue to have access to the best possible health care.
In June, Children’s Circle of Care donors were invited to the
Woodmark Children’s Forum in Washington, DC, at which first lady
Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker. “I have a real passion for
the work that you all do,” said Mrs. Obama. “I’ve seen the impact
you have in the faces of kids who are beating cancers like leukemia
and who are living longer than ever before with illnesses like
cystic fibrosis. We all know these advances are made possible by
the research that you all fund.” Coincidentally, when Washington
last hosted the conference in 1995, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who
was the first lady at the time, was also the guest of honour. The
calibre of individuals who decide to lend their support to the circle
is testament to the tremendous importance of what members
do, and reflects the value we place on contributions from our
members in British Columbia.
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is grateful to each and every
donor for their generous contributions. Together they help to elevate
the care our children and families receive every day at the hospital.
To learn more about the Children’s Circle of Care, please visit
www.bcchf.ca/ccc or call 604-875-2545.
12 speaking of children summer 2015
Annelie Bloch is 90 years young. The longtime supporter of BC Children’s Hospital
approaches life with a positive attitude and a can-do spirit, so it’s hardly a surprise
that she approaches her estate planning the same way.
When Annelie and her husband Harry sat down with their trust officer, they
realized they didn’t have a beneficiary for the bulk of their estate. “Children don’t
run in our families,” jokes Annelie. “Both of us would dearly have loved children but
we have only distant relatives and some very special friends. We wanted to make
sure they got something.”
Their trust officer inquired if there was a charity they supported; Annelie
immediately thought of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The couple decided to
make the foundation a beneficiary in their will. “It is so important that children be
given the best chance,” Annelie says. “They are our future.”
For Annelie and Harry, getting an estate in order – with a will, a power of
attorney, a health-care representation agreement and other documents – gave
them peace of mind. Each knew that the other would be protected and secure if one
of them had a health crisis.
Sadly, this worst-case scenario happened. When Harry fell ill, Annelie nursed him
tenderly until he passed. It was a terrible blow to Annelie but she remained strong. “I
have to be strong,” she says. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
By leaving her estate to benefit BC’s children, Annelie knows that she is
contributing to the well-being of future generations. “I do it with my whole heart,”
she exclaims. Annelie is one of the original members of the Caring for the Future
Society, a special group formed by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to honour
donors who have left a
future gift to the hospital.
Annelie Bloch and her
Annelie’s infectious energy
late husband Harry at the
1997 Caring for the Future
and lifelong commitment to
Society reception.
learning is inspiring. Currently,
the nonagenarian enjoys
communicating on Facebook
and researching her travels.
“It keeps my mind sharp,”
she says.
First lady Michelle Obama
with children’s hospital
patients Rylie Richards
(left) and Paul Baier at the
Woodmark Children’s Forum.
To learn more about how to
include a gift to BC Children’s
Hospital in your estate plans,
please contact Ellen Schappert
at 604-875-2345 Ext. 4774 or
toll-free at 1-888-663-3033.
You can also email us at
[email protected]
or visit www.bcchf.ca/legacy.
summer 2015 speaking of children 13
what’s on
speaking of people
1
BMO EMPLOYEES BOWL
AND SING THEIR HEARTS OUT
In February BMO Bank of Montreal set out to accomplish
big things with its annual fundraising for BC’s kids with
Lanes & Lyrics: The ‘80s Edition. The event rallied
branches across the province and the Yukon – from
White Rock to Whitehorse – to work together and raise
funds. As a result of employees’ efforts, 36,000 blue
paper hearts were sold in BMO branches and 920
employees from 12 cities showed off their bowling skills
in the “Lanes” part of the event, to raise funds. And on
April 11, over 500 tickets were sold for the “Lyrics”
karaoke night. A total of $225,000 was raised, far
surpassing employees’ original goal. BC Children’s
Hospital was honoured to be one of two beneficiaries of
this event. You rock, BMO!
2
[1] Bowlers from BMO. [2] BMO employees put on a show at the River
Rock Show Theatre.
3
MAKING WAVES ON
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Thank you to the Vancouver Island community for raising
$182,199 at the 13th annual Ocean 98.5’s Radiothon for Kids
– the highest total in six years! Funds raised go to the
Excellence in Child Health Fund to support the most urgent
needs of BC Children’s Hospital. The two-day event, broadcast live from Victoria’s Hillside Centre, featured emotional
and inspirational interviews with Vancouver Island families
who have been supported by BC Children’s. Many thanks to
the staff at Ocean 98.5 for their continued support, to
Vancouver Island listeners for their generosity, and to
Hillside Centre for the venue.
[3] BC Children’s Hospital patient Hailey-Ann with her mother Kristina
Grant (left) and Ocean 98.5 hosts Michael Forbes and Lisa Marshall.
OPEN HOUSE
On March 31, major donors to the Campaign for BC Children
got a sneak peek at some of the patient rooms and clinical
care areas in the Teck Acute Care Centre. Life-sized
mockups were constructed to give caregivers the
opportunity to test the configuration of the spaces and to
provide a last round of feedback before construction of the
areas begin. The mockups were outfitted with real medical
equipment, light fixtures, patient beds and more to give
caregivers an experience as close to real life as possible. The
rigour applied to the design process demonstrates the
hospital’s ongoing commitment to building the most
effective and family-centred facility possible.
14 speaking of children summer 2015
Grind For Kids
Grind For Kids is now in its sixth year
and leverages the enthusiasm of
thousands of people in the Lower
Mainland who do the Grouse Grind on
a regular basis. People sign up and ask
friends, family and co-workers to
pledge $1 or more for every Grind they
complete by the end of the season
(typically in September). This year Grind
For Kids has the added support of
Canadian Pacific (CP) and its CP Has
Heart initiative, which will match every
dollar raised. To register and for more
information visit www.grindforkids.com.
CP Has Heart
In addition to Grind For
Kids, you can also
double the impact of your gift between
now and August 23, 2015 – the last day
of the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open
LPGA tournament at the Vancouver Golf
Club – if you donate online. CP will
match online donations to BC Children’s
Hospital with a contribution of an equal
amount. To donate, please visit
www.bcchf.ca/cphasheart.
Dairy Queen
Miracle Treat Day
On Thursday, August 13,
participating Dairy Queen
locations in BC will hold their
annual Miracle Treat Day. At least $1
from every Blizzard treat sold will be
donated to BC Children’s Hospital. In
2014, Dairy Queen raised over $400,000
for the hospital.
initiative benefit BC Children’s Hospital.
Register today or learn more at
www.miraclechallenge.ca.
Tim Hortons
Smile Cookies
From September 14-20, visit
your local Tim Hortons and
purchase a Smile Cookie for $1.
Proceeds from participating Lower
Mainland locations support BC
Children’s Hospital. Tim Hortons and its
customers have raised over $1.5 million
for BC Children’s since 2002.
Challenge Yourself
A Night of
Miracles
This fall, put your fitness
first with the Miracle
Challenge! For 27 days,
starting September 1,
people who sign up will receive daily
challenges and fitness tips from expert
coaches. Track your activity and
fundraising accomplishments online to
win some cool prizes. Funds raised
through this Children’s Miracle Network
The seventh annual
A Night of Miracles
gala takes place
Saturday, November 7, at the Vancouver
Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. This
black-tie event will attract 400 guests in
celebration of the South Asian
community’s support for child health.
Visit www.anightofmiracles.ca for more
information.
summer 2015 speaking of children 15 healthy habits
Fun
Sun
UVA: UVA rays can damage DNA in
skin cells and cause early aging. They
are also believed to play a part in the
development of some skin cancers.
UVB: UVB rays directly damage
the DNA of skin cells and are
believed to be the direct cause of
most skin cancers.
UVC: UVC rays often do not pass
through the Earth’s atmosphere so they
are not believed to cause any skin
cancers.
The amount of UV radiation you are
exposed to depends on the length of
exposure, the strength of the rays, and
how you choose to protect yourself (with
sunscreen, clothing etc.).
in
the
16 speaking of children summer 2015
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible
energy that mainly comes from the
sun. Though not dangerous in short
exposures, UV rays are damaging to the
DNA of our skin cells. Skin cancer can
develop when this radiation tampers
with the DNA of genes that control the
growth cycle of skin cells.
Skin cancer is not the only danger of
2. What types of UV rays are thought to
cause cancer?
a) UVA and UVC
b) UVC
c) UVA and UVB
d) UVB and UVC
prolonged exposure to UV rays. Other
effects include sunburn, premature
aging of the skin, increased risk of
cataracts and other eye problems, just
to name a few.
Types of UV radiation
There are three types of UV radiation to
which we are regularly exposed and that
can cause damage.
Safety in the sun
There are many ways you can defend
yourself against the sun’s harmful rays.
1. Slap on some sunscreen. The SPF
rating is a measure of the fraction of
sunburn-producing UV rays that reach
the skin. For example, SPF 15 means
that 1/15th of the burning radiation
will reach the skin. A sunscreen with
3. A sunscreen with SPF 15 can:
a) Make you dance
b) Block 93 per cent of damaging UV rays
c) Interfere with vitamin D production
d) Affect your appetite
Answers: 1) d; 2) c; 3) b
There are many different kinds of
sunscreen with varied levels of SPF,
which can make it difficult for the
average person to choose the best one.
First, it’s important to know
approximately how long you intend to
stay in the sun. A sunscreen with an
SPF of at least 15 is recommended at all
times. Most moisturizers and cosmetics
offer this level of protection.
If you plan on spending an extended
amount of time in the sun, a sunscreen
with an SPF of 30 to 40 is recommended.
If high-intensity sun exposure is your
intention, a sunscreen with an SPF of
at least 50 is recommended. This SPF
manages to block about 98 per cent
of damaging UVB rays and offers the
highest level of protection.
by BOJANA NIKOLIC
What is ultraviolet radiation?
1. What is the most prevalent type of cancer
in Canada?
a) Breast cancer
b) Lung cancer
c) Skin cancer
d) Colon cancer
Sunscreen for the soul
Learn how to
protect yourself
and your family
before heading
outside.
When it’s sunny and bright outside
there’s nothing better than heading
down to the beach or local swimming
pool to enjoy the warm weather.
However, too much time in the sun can
lead to detrimental effects on your and
your child’s health, even if the effects
may not be immediately apparent.
It doesn’t take as long as you may
think to get your daily intake of vitamin
D from the sun. According to Dr. Julie
Prendiville, a pediatric dermatologist
at BC Children’s Hospital, when UV
radiation levels are high, most people
only need a few minutes in the sun for
adequate vitamin D production.
Test your sun safety knowledge
an SPF of at least 15 can block 93 per
cent of UV rays and prevent damaging
sun burns. It’s important to remember
that the SPF does not refer to UVA
protection. Dr. Prendiville advises
using a broad spectrum sunscreen that
protects against both UVA and UVB.
2. Put on a hat and cover up. The best
kind of hat to wear is one with a wide
brim that protects your ears, nose and
forehead. You should also wear clothing
that completely blocks out light, and
apply sunscreen to any exposed areas.
3. Pop on your favourite shades.
Sunglasses can usually block out 93 to
99 per cent of UV rays and effectively
protect your eyes from the sun.
4. Limit sun time. The best way to
protect yourself from the sun is to
decrease the amount of time you spend
at peak times of the day. The sun is
strongest between 11 am and 4 pm.
Pay attention to the daily UV index in
your area. Based on a scale of one to 10,
UV index guidelines are universal across
the globe and inform about the amount
of sun protection individuals need on a
specific day or time.
Did you know?
No matter what time of the year it is
and whether it is sunny, cloudy, foggy
or raining, there are always UV rays in
our atmosphere. Wear sunscreen and
protect yourself at all times!
Skin cancer is more prevalent than
ever in Canada. Remember to stay safe
while you have fun!
summer 2015 speaking of children 17
what’s up, doc?
children speak
Dear Children’s Hospital . . .
Taylin McGill has been a BC Children’s Hospital patient since she was 10
days old. Here, she writes about her medical journey and what she’s done
to give back to the hospital that has saved her life numerous times.
Dr. Megan Levings
BEHIND THE MICROSCOPE
HOBBIES
I am an immunologist, leading a research lab
that studies how one kind of white blood cell
(called a regulatory T cells, or Tregs) controls
immune responses. I never get tired of looking
at Tregs under the microscope.
My latest project is growing a Meyer Lemon tree
– I am very excited because they actually turned
yellow! I used to do all sorts of crafts (sewing,
knitting, pottery, photography) but that is on hold
while the kids are little. In the winter we also
cross-country ski; this year we are working on
teaching the kids how to skate ski.
TRAINING
I obtained a BSc in biology from Simon Fraser
University, a PhD in genetics from UBC, and
then moved to Milan in Italy for four years to
learn how to study the white blood cells that
make up our immune system.
SECRET FANTASY
I would really like to learn how to
play the classical guitar.
IF I DIDN’T HAVE TO WORK
FAMILY/PERSONAL PICTURE
I am married to another research scientist who
also works at CFRI. Actually it works out well
because lunch is one of the only times we get to
talk to each other without kids interrupting! My
boys are seven and nine years old; they keep us
very busy and are keen to donate some blood
so they can look at their white blood cells under
the microscope.
I would garden and cook more
and definitely go back to Italy
more often!
PHILOSOPHY
I am always advising my students (and
kids!) that it is OK to make mistakes as
long as you learn from them.
WHAT I’M READING NOW
WHAT YOU’D NEVER KNOW ABOUT ME
When we lived in Italy we had the chance to hear
many amazing early music concerts in churches
built at the time the music was written. But I also
love ’80s indie music (The Cure, The Smiths etc.)
– it’s a strange combination.
WHY I BECAME A RESEARCH SCIENTIST
I think it was in my genes as my father is also
a research scientist and I’ve had a lifelong
passion for learning. I’m really happy to be
working in the field of immunology because
understanding how the immune system works
has broad applicability to so many aspects
of health.
18 speaking of children summer 2015
Lots of new cookbooks
from British
chefs who are
introducing me
to all sorts of
exciting new
ingredients
and dishes
from the
Middle East.
I’m also
re-reading
the whole
Harry Potter
series with
my kids.
Do you have a story about BC Children’s
Hospital to tell? Please submit your Miracle
Kid stories to [email protected].
miracle weekend
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
This year’s Miracle Weekend was full of bright, sunny days
with smiles and laughter. I believe my smile was one of the
biggest when the record-breaking $18.8 million total was
revealed. The hard work of all of our volunteers throughout
the year, and the support of Global BC and viewers across
British Columbia, helped push this number beyond
what any of us expected.
What makes the $18.8 million even more
impressive is that it is made up of donations from
thousands of individuals and organizations from
across the province. Contributing events include
everything from school fundraisers and golf
tournaments to Jeans Day™, which had
participants from every corner of the
province. You’ll see from our recognition list (next page) that Miracle
Weekend truly is the culmination of
fundraising efforts by hundreds of
diverse corporate and community
groups, which have diligently raised
funds for the hospital all year round.
The donations made to Miracle
Weekend have an impact on thousands of lives at BC Children’s Hospital. As
donors and volunteers, we work hard to
support the hospital because every child in
BC and the Yukon deserves to have access
to the very best in specialized care, and
BC Children’s is the only place in the
province where they can get that care.
The testimonials I heard from children,
families and caregivers during the weekend reaffirmed what I already knew: that
BC Children’s Hospital is the best place for
critically ill and injured children. The gratitude on the families’ faces is our greatest
motivation to continue doing what we do
– to ensure the hospital remains an invaluable resource for our children and families.
Thank you to everyone who made this
year a tremendous success. I look forward
to leading the Miracle Weekend team again
next year.
Allen Bordeleau, Save-On-Foods
Chair, 2015 Miracle Weekend
20 speaking of children summer 2015
Miracle Weeke nd Events
1
1 30 Years of ChildRun
On May 31, a record 6,900 runners, walkers and
wheelers from across the Lower Mainland enjoyed a
day of exercise, family entertainment, and fresh
fruits and veggies while raising money for pediatric
oncology research and treatment at BC Children’s
Hospital during the 30th annual ChildRun. Thanks
to the support of participants, sponsors and
volunteers, the event raised $1 million. Over the past three
decades, ChildRun participants have raised more than
$10 million for childhood cancer programs at BC Children’s.
2 Chinese-Canadian Miracle Weekend
The 27th annual Chinese-Canadian Miracle Weekend raised
$740,000 for the Excellence in Child Health Fund, supporting
the most urgent needs of children at BC Children’s Hospital.
A month-long campaign in May focused on educating the
Chinese community on the importance of donations and the
transformation that takes place in the lives of BC’s children
as a result of donors’ generosity. The organizing committee
is grateful to the corporate and media sponsors, donors,
community groups and volunteers for another successful year.
3 Mining for Miracles
In 2015, BC’s mining community raised $1,834,235 through
the Teck Celebrity Pie Throw, the Diamond Draw, the Hooked
on Miracles Fishing Tournament, Jeans Day™ and Slo-Pitch,
and a variety of employee and corporate fundraising campaigns. Since 1988, Mining for Miracles has raised over $25.2
million for BC Children’s Hospital. Funds raised by Mining for
Miracles in 2015 and 2016 will support the development of
the CAUSES research clinic at BC Children’s Hospital to
support the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in children
who would otherwise require numerous tests or who
might not be diagnosed at all.
4 Jeans Day™
On April 30, thousands of supporters
from across BC and the Yukon wore
their jeans in celebration of the 25th
anniversary of Jeans Day™. Schools
and businesses ordered over 230,000
$5 buttons and over 38,000 $20 lapel
pins and, with support from our School
and Hockey Card Program Sponsor
Odlum Brown Limited, the event raised
$1,200,177 for BC’s kids!
5 Retail & Wholesale Division
This year, the Retail & Wholesale Division
made the largest contribution from a
business group in Miracle Weekend’s
28-year history: $6,699,143. This
outstanding achievement was made
possible by a large number of fundraising
activities, including the sale of paper
icons, golf tournaments, employee giving
and many other events that involved
staff, customers, vendors and corporate
supporters. Since 1992, this division has
raised over $53 million for BC’s kids.
6 25th Annual Slo-Pitch Event
Our deepest thanks to all participants who
knocked it out of the park at this year’s
25th annual Slo-Pitch Event! More than
$274,000 was raised May 22-24. This
year, 54 teams from different industries
took part; 74 participants accepted the
Ledcor Challenge and raised over $500
and an additional 59 participants became
Silver Sluggers by raising $250 or more.
There was fun for the whole family
including the Aldergrove Financial Group
KidZone, a daily barbecue, silent auction
and more. For photos and updates, visit
www.bcchf.ca/slopitch.
7 Banks Division
In 2015, the banks of British Columbia
raised $2,043,914 for BC Children’s
Hospital through their fundraising
efforts. Over the past 25 years, the
majority of banks in British Columbia
have collectively contributed more than
$46 million. The banking community’s
2
support comes from corporate
contributions and employees and
customers who support the banks’
various annual fundraising initiatives,
including bake sales, barbecues, spin-athons, and karaoke and pub nights.
8 Development & Real Estate Division
The Development & Real Estate
Division had another successful year,
raising $1,300,040. A large portion
of this total is raised by RE/MAX of
Western Canada, one of BC Children’s
Hospital Foundation’s national partners
through Children’s Miracle Network.
The industry also organizes the annual
Building for Kids Charity Golf Classic
event and supports the Building for
Kids signage program. Other initiatives
such as corporate contributions and
employee giving campaigns round out
the support received
from this generous
industry.
3
4
5
6
7
8
summer 2014 speaking of children 21
Thank You, British Columbia!
$18,804,361 raised for BC’s kids!
MEDIA PARTNERS
Thousands of British Columbians made
miracles happen for BC’s children on
Miracle Weekend.
Thank you to our donors, sponsors
and volunteers for making the
weekend a record-breaking success!
MIRACLE MATCH
5
$2,825,051.44
TOP CONTRIBUTING INDUSTRIES
Retail & Wholesale
$6,699,143.87
Banks$2,043,914.00
Mining$1,834,235.00
Real Estate & Development $1,300,040.00
Credit Unions, Insurance and Financial Services
$430,241.69
South Asian Community $295,702.00
FOUNDATION EVENTS
Jeans Day $1,200,177.73
ChildRun$1,000,000.00
Chinese-Canadian Miracle Weekend
$740,000.00
Slo-Pitch$274,504.00
Building for Kids Charity Golf Classic
$213,518.00
Ocean 98.5’s Radiothon for Kids $182,199.00
TM
IN-KIND PARTNERS
COMMUNITIES FOR KIDS
Victoria$180,960.00
Vanderhoof$64,336.00
Upper Fraser Valley
$44,700.00
Port Alberni
$33,336.00
Central Vancouver Island
$25,071.00
Prince George
$15,000.00
MIRACLE WEEKEND
SUPPORTERS
NATIONAL PARTNER
Miracle Weekend was made possible by the
following individuals who led volunteer
committees and fundraising efforts across BC.
MIRACLE WEEKEND EXECUTIVE
Chair Allen Bordeleau, Save-On-Foods
Honorary Physician Dr. Mary Bennett,
BC Children’s Hospital
HANS GABRIEL RANA,
cardiology patient
2014/2015 Champion Child
presented by Walmart
SPONSOR
THE MIRACLE
WEEKEND TEAM
We are proud to recognize our
corporate and community partners
who contributed $10,000 or more
to Miracle Weekend.
$1 MILLION +
Costco Wholesale, Employees and
Members
Save-On-Foods, Overwaitea Foods,
PriceSmart Foods, Cooper’s Foods,
Urban Fare and Bulkley Valley
Wholesale
$750,000-$999,999
TD Bank Group - Employees and
Customers
Walmart Canada & Associates
$500,000-$749,999
RE/MAX of Western Canada
Teck Resources Limited; Teck Highland
Valley Copper Operations; Teck
Metals Ltd; Teck Trail Operations;
Teck Coal Limited
$250,000-$499,999
Auxiliary to BC Children’s Hospital
CIBC Clients and Employees
Dairy Queen Canada Inc.
Departments of Pediatric Anesthesia,
Dentistry & Surgery of BCCH
Hooked on Miracles - Mining For
Miracles Charity Fishing Tournament
Kirmac Collision Services
Medical Departments of BC Children’s
Hospital and Child & Family Research
Institute
RBC and RBC Employees & Clients
$100,000-$249,999
Asa & Kashmir Johal & the Johal Family
Balding for Dollars
BMO Financial Group Employees
Extra Life Event
Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
Goldcorp Inc.
HSBC Bank Canada and Employees
Ledcor Group of Companies
Ocean 98.5
Safeway & Employees
Scotiabank Employees & Customers
Sher-e-Punjab Radio
Summits of Hope
Tim Hortons
Wigs for Kids
$50,000-$99,999
Bats for a Cause
BC Hydro Power Pioneers
The Brick
Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation
Copper Mountain Mining Corporation
E. B. Horsman and Son
Golden Girls Group
Grind for Kids
Huckleberry Mines Ltd. &
Employees
Marriott Hotels
Music For Young Children - Kids
Helping Kids
Prospera Credit Union
Spirit of Children Halloween Event
sponsored by Spirit Halloween
$25,000-$49,999
Aspen Custom Trailers
BC Children’s Hospital Liaison
Committee
BC Safety Authority & Employees
BMX Canada ABA Association
Child’s Play Charity
Endeavour Silver Corp. &
Employees
Envision Financial, Valley First,
Enderby & District Financial
and Island Savings, divisions
of First West Credit Union
ESSO
Fresh St.
Fruiticana
G&F Financial Group
Hannah’s Heroes Foundation
ICBC
IHOP BC
International Longshore &
Warehouse Union 502
International Longshore &
Warehouse Union 514
Mining Suppliers Association
of BC
Procter & Gamble Inc.
Provincial Employees
Community Services Fund
Silver Wheaton
SMS Equipment Inc.
Surtek Industries Inc.
UBC Recreation Lace Up for Kids
$10,000-$24,999
AA Wayne’s Towing - Charity
Car Program
Adera Foundation Society
Afternoon in the Garden
Air Canada Foundation
Alberni Valley Charity Golf Classic
Aldergrove Financial Group
AMPCO Manuracturers Inc.
Auguston Traditional
Elementary School
B.C. Road Builders & Heavy
Construction Assoc.
BC Ferries Refit Facilities
BlueShore Financial
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Canadian Pacific
Canadian Western Bank
Canfor Corporation
Clean Energy BC
C-Lovers Fish & Chips
Crazy Eights Slo Pitch Tourney
Crown Packaging & Employees
Deepak Binning Foundation
Deer Garden Signatures
Restaurant
Deloitte
Dental Corporation of Canada
Dr. Knox Middle School Bald
Falcon Day
Éminence Organic Skin Care
FLSmidth Knelson
GCT Canada
Genworth Canada
Golder Associates Ltd.
Integris Credit Union
Interlock Industries (B.C.) Ltd.
& Hatch Ltd.
Jameson Development
Corporation
Jordan Owens Memorial
Hockey Tournament
Kids Can Help
London Drugs Limited
Long & McQuade Musical
Instruments
Mangia E Bevi Ristorante
McMillan
Mortgage Brokers Association
of British Columbia
Music Heals Charitable
Foundation
New Gold
Pacific Northwest Children’s
Cancer Society - Kiwanis
Children’s Cancer Program
Raymond James Canada
Foundation
Robert L. Conconi Foundation
Rogers Communications
Sears Canada Employee
Charitable Fund
SFU Dance Marathon
Shaw Communications Inc.
Southwest Contracting Ltd.
Stephen Bros. Contracting Ltd.
Strategic Charitable Giving
Foundation
Swing for a Cause
Taiga & LP Building Products
Thrifty Foods
Truck Loggers Association
Vancity
Vancouver Police Department
Dog Squad
Wastech Services Ltd. - Employees
Williams Sonoma, Pottery
Barn, Pottery Barn Kids &
West Elm
Youth Helping Youth Society BC
MIRACLE WEEKEND
FUNDRAISING CABINET
Banks Todd Shewfelt, RBC & Todd
Laycraft, TD Bank Group
BC Children’s Hospital Liaison Committee
Debbie Cain & Jennifer Farr, BC Children’s
Hospital
ChildRun Connie Baechler, RBC Dominion
Securities & Sheila Louis, ActiveState Software
Chinese-Canadian Miracle Weekend
Thomas Lee, RBC & Clara Kan
Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services
Val Mackey, Aldergrove Financial Group & Lesley
Bernardin, G&F Financial Group
Jeans Day™ Cynthia Curll, BC Hydro
Mining for Miracles Jason Weber, Alianza
Minerals & Jeff Hanman, Teck Resources Limited
Real Estate & Development Roger Steers,
Read Jones Christoffersen
Retail & Wholesale Shawn Loftus,
Save-On-Foods
Slo-Pitch Kendall Andersen, Borden Ladner
Gervais LLP
South Asian Community Suky Cheema,
BDO Canada LLP & Akash Sablok, Sablok
& Sablok Notaries Public
COMMUNITIES FOR KIDS
Central Vancouver Island Kathy Berg & Andrea
van Rossum
Port Alberni Barbara-Anne & Steven Kalugin
Prince George Richard Mintz & John Abbott
Sooke Shanna Hamilton & Elizabeth Olsen
Upper Fraser Valley Pat Johnston
Vanderhoof Corleen McNolty &
Michelle Roberge
Victoria Cherie Caillet & Lisa Baumeler
MIRACLE WEEKEND
OPERATIONS CABINET
Audience Leah Peden
Catering Nia Vekris & David Rooney
Donations Management Carolyn Davies
Guest Services Christina Papadimitriou
Logistics Alicia Krywaniuk, Amira Bakovic,
James Smith, Meghan Glover
Play Area Brina Soni
Presentations A.K. Hudani & Rita Ferrera
Registration John Chandler
Telephones Management Carol Miller &
Louise Schmiing
/BCChildrens
@bcchf@bcchf
summer 2015 speaking of children 23
2014/2015
Annual Report
Every year at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation we are
inspired by the connections among our young patients,
their families and our supporters—donors and volunteers
alike—whose gifts of time and money lead to constant
improvements in care and advances in research. Go online
now to read our 2014/15 annual report and see how these
connections make a difference.
www.bcchf.ca/annual-reports
PM 40659514