Starting my life as a parent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is not how I ever envisioned first meeting my child, however it is our journey that brought me to the Paediatric Family Resource Centre. Through our medical journey, we have learned a great deal about Endocrinology and Genetics as well as how complex the body and our development can be. My goal is always to ensure that families feel that same level of support and compassion, that I received while here with my own child.
As a parent to three children who live with mental illness I am passionate about supporting families during very difficult and emotional times. We have had inpatient and outpatient treatment through our journey along with trips to the Children’s Emergency Department. Our diagnoses include Borderline Personality disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am currently the Operational Specialist for the Paediatric Family Resource Centre and Youth CoRE supporting the team in the passionate work they do
My name is Chris and I spent 6 months at children's hospital and 4 months at Holland Bloorview Children's Rehabilitation Hospital with my teenage son. My experience includes a stay in Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU) and on the inpatient floor. I love being a Paediatric Family Resource Facilitator. I get to support and help families through their hospital journey, I also get to share my son’s inspirational story and provide hope.
My name is Madison and I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. My first surgery was on the day I was born and I have had many surgeries since. My prime experiences are with Neurology, Urology, Nephrology and transitioning from child/youth services to adult services. My parents taught me many things in my life but the biggest things that I learned are: how to be independent and how to self-advocate. I love working in the Paediatric Family Resource Centre because I get to give back to families who are going through what my family and I went through.
Hi! I’m Rebecca, a Family Resource Facilitator by day and Mom to an adventurous toddler by night. I have lived experience as both a paediatric patient and now as a Mom to a patient of Children’s Hospital. We are often in the Emergency Department with asthma-related scares, or in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit for appointments with various specialists, collecting new diagnoses along the way. With a personal history of recurrent pregnancy loss, the long-awaited arrival of my rainbow baby in 2021 taught me that happiness is hard won after loss, but it is absolutely possible. I believe now that hope is essential to effectively navigating any new or ongoing diagnosis, and I am honoured to support families along their journey.
As a parent of an immune compromised child with a rare chronic medical diagnosis, I know firsthand the rollercoaster ride of emotions that come from frequent appointments, surgeries, inpatient stays and living with a diagnosis that impacts daily living. As a kidney transplant recipient, my son is supported by Nephrology, but also Gastroenterology, and Adolescent Medicine. We have learned to advocate, effectively communicate with the team, access resources and embrace each challenge/celebration. As a Family Resource Facilitator, I am humbled to be able to support other parents/caregivers with compassion and empathy during their child’s health journey.
