February 15, 2024

Hospital feels like home for 2024 Saskatchewan Champion Child, Kherington

Resilient 12-year-old Kherington from Saskatoon, SK calls three places home: her house, the dance studio, and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH). Starting at the age of four, Kherington has been diagnosed with several rare conditions, yet the underlying cause behind them remains unidentified. She has had over 2,000 needles, numerous surgeries and regular visits to JPCH every two to four weeks. Brave Kherington has been chosen as the 2024 Saskatchewan ambassador, representing Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF), for the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program.

“Even though it is hard being sick, I love the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and all of the people here. I purposely come early when I get my needles so I can say hi to all my friends. I like that it’s not scary for me to go get my needles,” said Kherington. 

The exceptional staff and welcoming atmosphere have allowed JPCH to be a safe space for Kherington during her medical journey. Although Kherington and her parents, Cara and Jamie, have often found themselves feeling overwhelmed and isolated while dealing with her rare and complex medical needs, they have come to view the hospital as a haven of comfort during tough times.

“Every aspect of the children’s hospital has been designed with kids in mind and to help them not be afraid. I don’t think people realize how important that is in a children’s hospital because these kids are the bravest. These kids are the strongest. And if we can even do something little like make it colourful and bright to make them feel more at ease, it’s worth it,” said Kherington’s mom, Cara.

Since 2022, Kherington has been a JPCHF ambassador sharing her story as JPCHF’s face for the RBC Race for the Kids, participating in videos for the Day of Sunshine Campaign and being a part of the JPCH Radiothon. 

“It brings us immense pride to announce Kherington as the 2024 Champion Child representing Saskatchewan children. Kherington’s dedication to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and her resiliency to overcome her health challenges make her a true Champion. We are honoured to have her in this role,” said Jada Kook, Community Engagement Manager at JPCHF. 

Through the Champion Program, Kherington and her family will get the opportunity to travel to Orlando, FL this spring to represent Saskatchewan families at Children’s Hospitals Week and meet other child ambassadors from across North America.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation wants to thank Nicko Karpan from Martensville, SK who passes the role of Champion Child to Kherington. Nicko has been an outstanding ambassador for the Foundation for almost eight years, sharing his journey with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. 

Read more about Kherington’s story here.