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Meet Layna

Eight-month-old Layna has spent most of her life within the walls of Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH).

Sydney, Layna’s mom, noticed differences during this pregnancy than with her other two. She was concerned something wasn’t right, so she drove from Île-à-la-Crosse every two weeks for appointments at JPCH before her delivery. While there were some issues in scans, there didn’t seem to be anything alarming with Sydney’s baby.

Sydney felt confident going into labour, but things quickly shifted when Layna came into the world. Layna wasn’t breathing and the medical team performed CPR right away.

The first few months were difficult. It was an uncertain time and there were moments Sydney didn’t know if her baby would survive. Layna was in the NICU until early August before being transferred to the PICU, where she still is today. She has been diagnosed with a PBX-1 genetic mutation which impacts the function of her kidneys, lungs and heart. In her short life, Layna has already had numerous surgeries and procedures.

It has been a long journey, but Sydney says Layna is a sassy and happy baby who takes everything in stride. JPCH has become another home for Sydney and Layna, and they are grateful to have specialized care right here in Saskatchewan.

“All the staff have been amazing, down to the cleaning service. Everyone knows and loves Layna that comes through the PICU and she’s honestly very spoiled. The staff have been very nice to me, always asking how I am doing and reminding me I need to go on breaks because sometimes I’ll stay at the hospital all day,” Sydney said about her experience at JPCH.

Today, Layna continues to hit milestones and make her family very proud. She was recently able to go outside for the first time which she absolutely loved. While there are still some unknowns about what’s next for Layna, Sydney hopes they’ll be able to go home and be reunited with Layna’s dad and siblings in the coming months.

Purchase tickets for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 to help kids
like Layna!

Meet Jack

When Jack was born, he struggled with coughing and choking while laying on his back and while nursing. Jack was initially treated for acid reflux and later his concerned mother, Lindsay, was referred by their family physician to see a Speech Language Pathologist where he was referred to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital for a modified barium swallow (MBS). Traveling from Swift Current, SK to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) just before his second birthday, Jack and his family embarked on a journey to seek answers. It was during this pivotal appointment that Jack’s condition was diagnosed as a Laryngeal Cleft.

“You don’t expect it is something you are going to have to deal with as a parent, but it was a relief knowing we had an answer for why Jack would aspirate, and we had an action plan to go forward,” said Lindsay, Jack’s mom. “We really just trusted our medical team to point us in the right direction. It was a lot of different emotions that we dealt with for sure,” Lindsay continued.

The following year was filled with numerous visits to JPCH for various tests and medical consultations. To manage his condition, Jack was prescribed thickened liquids, which proved instrumental in preventing aspiration and consistent choking episodes. At the age of three, Jack underwent corrective surgery for his cleft, requiring him to have a two-night stay at JPCH. Throughout this challenging period, Jack’s family expressed immense gratitude for the accessibility of a nearby children’s hospital and commended the exceptional care provided by the dedicated staff at JPCH, whose compassion and expertise helped ease their discomfort during a trying time.

“Nobody wants to have to take their child to the hospital but it makes such a difference knowing that there’s a place so close to home in Saskatchewan. Our appointments were always on time, the staff and volunteers were always warm, understanding and kind, and they always helped to keep us at ease.”

Today, Jack is a thriving five-year-old who no longer deals with aspiration or choking caused by his Laryngeal Cleft. Through a combination of surgery, rehab and growth he made a full recovery and no longer requires MBS tests or consults with his Pediatric ENT. He is a happy little boy, full of energy and loves to play sports, especially hockey and golf!

Purchase tickets for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 to help kids like Jack!

Meet Cassidy

At just four years old, Cassidy from Saskatoon, SK, received a life-altering diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)—a rare genetic disease, affecting only one in 2,500 individuals. It has been a difficult journey for Cassidy and her family, but Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) has been there every step of the way to meet her complex medical needs.

“As a mother, watching your child be diagnosed with a chronic illness and manage their condition is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced and not something I would wish for anyone. Knowing that Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is right here in Saskatchewan and that we have world-class health care right here gives me such peace of mind as a mother. The days can feel long with cystic fibrosis and knowing we have such an incredible team that cares about Cassidy’s health and a facility that offers everything she needs right close to home is such a gift,” said Kimberly, Cassidy’s mom.

Cassidy’s lungs and pancreas create a thick sticky mucus that blocks her organs. She goes to JPCH every three months to a Cystic Fibrosis Clinic; a four-hour appointment with a medical team including a nurse, doctor, physiotherapist, psychiatrist, dietician, social worker and pharmacist. Cassidy expresses profound gratitude for the exceptional pediatric care she has received at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, where the compassionate staff and nurturing atmosphere have consistently provided her with comfort and support.

“Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is such an incredible place. Before this hospital was here, we were in a very dark, old part of the hospital that didn’t feel welcoming. We also had to travel to different Children’s Hospitals before this one was built in Saskatchewan. The clean and colourful rooms and the way my cystic fibrosis team can bring everything I need for my appointment to my room makes going to the clinic so much easier,” said Cassidy.

While there are challenges that come along with having a rare genetic disease, Cassidy uses it as an opportunity to spread hope and advocate for a cure. Cassidy and her mom started Cassidy’s Lemonade Stand, where they share her CF journey and victories such as the new medication she is taking that helps her symptoms and allows her to feel more like herself again! They have raised $125,000 for CF research over the past 11 years! She is in grade 10, just turned 16 and is excited to get her driver’s license. She loves singing, hanging out with friends, music and is looking forward to her first summer job as a certified lifeguard.

“I’m so grateful for my team at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital for the way they take care of me. I get to continue living my life and thrive because of the way I’m being taken care of,” said Cassidy.

Purchase tickets for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 to help kids like Cassidy!

Meet Kenji

In November 2022, Kenji experienced ear pain which was assumed to just be an ear infection. However, Kenji’s symptoms worsened in the months that followed, including extreme ear pain and swelling in his eye.

After various tests in March 2023, Kenji’s family was told he needed to be admitted to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH). Kenji and his family arrived and soon learned he had tumours. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) the following day.

It has been a tough, lengthy journey for the eight-year-old, but his mom Carmela says the dedication and kindness from JPCH medical staff were instrumental in Kenji’s recovery.

“Every step of the way, the medical team demonstrated an outstanding level of expertise and proficiency. They displayed not only their medical knowledge but also their incredible ability to provide emotional support to both my son and our entire blended family. During those challenging months, I knew Kenji was in the most capable hands,” Carmela said.

Kenji underwent chemotherapy treatment for 194 days. He’s still being closely monitored, but is happy to now be back home in Kindersley with his family. Kenji’s family is grateful he was able to receive his lifesaving treatment close to home in Saskatchewan. He has been an inspiration to his family and everyone who supported him along his medical journey.

“Kenji’s strength throughout his battle with cancer has been truly remarkable. It takes immense courage and resilience to face such a challenging journey, and he has shown that strength every step of the way. As his parents, we are incredibly proud of him for his determination and bravery in fighting cancer,” Carmela said about her son.

While he’s shy at first, Kenji loves making friends, learning, drawing and playing soccer and basketball. At a young age, he has learned to appreciate the little things in life including time with family.

Purchase tickets for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 to help kids like Kenji!

Meet Aven

 

 

 

At 10 years old, Aven’s life in Regina, SK, was turned upside down in a matter of weeks
when what appeared as typical growing pains and a stomach ache became much more serious. When his pain escalated to the point of being unable to use the stairs his concerned mom, Tracy, took Aven for bloodwork revealing a shocking diagnosis: leukemia.

“I didn’t accept it. We got in the car and drove to Saskatoon. I was adamant that when we got there I would demand they rerun his blood work. I kept praying and believing that they would check it and there would be no evidence of Leukemia,” said Tracy.

At first, Aven was scared to go to JPCH for his treatments, but the uplifting atmosphere and phenomenal staff at JPCH helped keep a smile on his face through the roughest time of his life. He loved participating in the Mosaic Child Life Program in the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, going to the JPCH Movie Theatre with his family, and said it felt like he was staying in a nice hotel, not a hospital room.

“Everyone was so caring and made our time there a little easier as it was a very emotional time for us,” said Rory.

Throughout his two-and-a-half-year treatment journey, Aven faced challenges, including weight loss and food aversion due to intense treatment. Despite the hardships, he completed treatment in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in his battle against leukemia.

Today, Aven is 13 years old, and on the mend. Aven enjoys playing guitar, building Lego, gaming, and spending time with friends. Aven’s family is incredibly grateful for their kind-hearted and intelligent boy and the care and programming at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital that allowed him to experience joy through his difficult medical journey.

Purchase tickets for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 to help kids like Aven!

Miracle Story Sponsors

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Lottery License #: LR23-0135

Past Winners

Congratulations to James Calwell of Elrose, SK for winning $97,325 from Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50, presented by Knights of Columbus Saskatoon Council #1517

Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation would like to thank our 50/50 presenting sponsor Knights of Columbus Saskatoon Council #1517, and Miracle Story Sponsors Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation, Lake Country Co-op and Discovery Co-op.

THANK YOU to everyone who purchased 50/50 tickets! We are extremely appreciative of your support for families and kids who come from all across the province to receive specialized health care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations to Leora Nokinsky, the winner of the 2022 Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 presented by Knights of Columbus Saskatoon Council #1517.

Leora won $64,225, with a total jackpot of $128,450!

“I can’t believe it! I just thought of it as a donation. I have nine grandchildren so it’s really important to me to have a Children’s Hospital in Saskatchewan. It’s priceless,” said Leora when asked why she bought a ticket.

Your incredible support will make a big difference in helping our kids in Saskatchewan get the best care possible!

Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation would like to thank our 50/50 presenting sponsor Knights of Columbus Saskatoon Council #1517, and Miracle Story Sponsor, BHP. A special thank you to CommAlert and everyone who purchased tickets! We are extremely appreciative of your support for families and kids who come from all across the province to receive specialized health care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Lottery License #: LR21-0124

 

Congratulations to Jolene Gorski, the winner of the 2021 Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation 50/50 sponsored by The Mosaic Company.

Jolene won an astounding $120,180, with a total jackpot of $240,360.

Your incredible support will make a big difference in helping our kids in Saskatchewan get the best care possible!

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation would like to thank the 50/50 presenting sponsor The Mosaic Company. The foundation would also like to thank its Miracle Story sponsors Broda Group, Graham Construction, Duane and Bev Smith, Innovation Credit Union, and CommAlert.

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Lottery License #: LR20-0092

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