‘He’s our hero’
Niagara Falls teen named McMaster Children’s Hospital champion
A Niagara Falls teenager is being heralded as a champion by McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation for persevering despite ongoing medical challenges.
Each year, the foundation selects a patient ambassador as a champion presented by Walmart Canada.
This week, 13-year-old Ethan Zahn was selected as the 2018 champion.
“Ethan’s resilience in the face of adversity and his remarkable story inspire all who know him, which is why he was selected as this year’s champion,” said Michael Cordeiro, marketing and communications specialist with Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.
“Ethan is an incredible ambassador who has a great sense of humour and a big heart. We hope his story will resonate with the community and encourage people to support the foundation and McMaster Children’s Hospital, which cares for pediatric patients like Ethan across south-central Ontario.”
When he was six years old, Ethan was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract.
He visits McMaster Children’s Hospital every eight weeks for IV infusions and consults with his specialist every four months to manage the disease.
Without treatment, Ethan would be in danger of suffering from malnutrition, unhealthy weight loss and severe abdominal pain.
He continues to flourish and enjoy life thanks to the team at McMaster Children’s Hospital.
The champions presented by Walmart Canada program raises awareness about the important of work of Children’s Miracle Network member hospital foundations, including McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The program honours children who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges and offers them an opportunity to represent the millions of children treated annually at children’s hospitals across North America.
The Canadian portion of the program will see 13 children from across the country travelling to Ottawa for a once-in-a-lifetime experience before travelling to Orlando for the# Childrens Hospitals Week conference in March.
Ethan said he was “in complete shock” when he learned of being named a champion.
“I was amazed and just really honoured,” he said.
Ethan encourages others who are battling health challenges to stay strong.
“Don’t let it get to you. Always be positive and see the good in the situation.”
Ethan’s mother, Kristina, said the family is “so thankful” to have a facility such as McMaster.
“It’s an incredible place and we’ve been fortunate enough to receive the most amazing care for Ethan,” she said.
“They’re always wonderful there. When we go there, they know him, they know his situation. I always feel confident as a mom knowing that everything is going to be OK because we have this hospital and these people.”
Kristina said her son has done a lot at McMaster over the years, and she’s not surprised Ethan has been named a champion.
“He’s so tough. He’s our hero.” rspiteri@postmedia.com twitter.com/rayspiteri