Small changes make a big difference to kids at CHEO
Even small changes can make a big difference in this world.
That’s the message behind Hydro Ottawa’s Go Paperless campaign. With one simple action — switching from paper bills to electronic statements — customers not only reduce paper usage, but also contribute to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
For the fourth year in a row, Hydro is donating $5 to CHEO for each customer who registers for online billing or an automated payment plan during the Go Paperless campaign, which continues until November 30.
“For four years, Hydro Ottawa customers have been making small changes that make a big difference to the children and youth at CHEO,” said Jacqueline Belsito, vice-president of philanthropy and community engagement. “The theme of this year’s campaign has resonated with so many — save paper for what matters — it really does sum it up quite nicely.”
With around 500,000 patient visits a year, CHEO is one of the busiest hospitals in the province. Donations to CHEO’s charitable foundation help fund the purchase of new diagnostic equipment, support medical research and specialized training, and assist families with medical expenses that aren’t fully covered by insurance or provincial health-care plans.
Nadir and Surrey are two children who have benefited from CHEO’s care:
NADIR, AGE 5
Ever since he was a toddler, Nadir has been coming to CHEO for specialized pediatric care. Nadir was unable to walk, and the specialists at CHEO determined that he would need orthopedic surgery to widen the ligaments in his legs. He underwent this surgery in 2017 and is now able to walk short distances with the assistance of a walker.
Nadir is receiving physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy services through Development and Rehabilitation at CHEO.
“Everyone was warm, friendly and welcoming,” said his mother, Nadira. “They helped us find resources and gave us direction. We never had to ask for anything.”
When the time came for him to start school, Nadir was able to receive extra support at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre (OCTC) School for his junior and senior kindergarten years.
The OCTC School offers support for children with physical disabilities and other complex needs, providing both therapy and learning. When ready, students at the OCTC School are transitioned into the community school system.
And that’s exactly what Nadir will be doing this fall, when he moves to Grade 1 at his neighbourhood elementary school.
“For everything, from medication to Nadir’s surgery and the treatments at Development and Rehabilitation — including physical, speech and occupational therapy — CHEO was there for us, guiding us along the way,” Nadira said.
SURREY, AGE 8
No parents want to hear that their child has been diagnosed with failure to thrive. But when Surrey was less than a year old, she lost the ability to keep food down and became dangerously thin. After months of testing and various treatments, doctors were unable to find a reason why.
“By the time Surrey was six months old we knew something wasn’t right,” said her dad, Adam. “She wasn’t gaining the weight that one would normally expect.”
A pediatrician prescribed a variety of medications and high-calorie supplements. But when Surrey was still losing weight after two months, her pediatrician had her admitted to CHEO for more intensive treatment. By this point, Surrey was so malnourished she could no longer sit up or even hold her head up.
For two months, doctors fed Surrey intravenously until she returned to a healthy weight and could eat again. While doctors were not able to find a diagnosis other than “failure to thrive,” they were able to give her the care she needed to recover.
“We left CHEO with a happy and healthy baby,” her father said. “We could not be more thankful for the effort and kindness of the people at CHEO.
“Surrey is doing exceptionally well. She is living a happy and healthy life and is full of energy.”
For more information on how to participate in the Go Paperless campaign, visit www.hydroottawa. com/gopaperless. To learn more about the CHEO Foundation, visit cheofoundation.com.
THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF HYDRO OTTAWA.