Our 2021 MacKids Walk & Wheel Patient Ambassadors are sharing their stories about the remarkable care they received at McMaster Children’s Hospital, including Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre. We hope these stories inspire you to register and fundraise!
MacKids Jackson and William
Jackson and William share a special bond – they are fraternal twins who are both on the autism spectrum.
At Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, therapists work with the boys to enhance their communication skills and reduce behaviours like screaming and aggression. The boys were flourishing and learning how to communicate their basic needs, but all of their progress came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
Unable to attend in-person therapy and use virtual-care services, parents Tom and Liz practiced the strategies they learned from Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, including walks outside. But after a few months, exhaustion set in and the boys regressed to their previous behaviours.
The boys resumed in-person services at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in August 2020 and they continue to develop new skills each day despite the setbacks they faced.
“They bring out the best in people,” Tom says. “They are so vulnerable, yet so full of life. We are grateful to be their parents.”
Jackson and William are thrilled to be Patient Ambassadors for MacKids Walk & Wheel 2021. Their adventure is going for six separate walks around the neighbourhood. Each boy will carry a stuffed toy during the walk to represent the 12 therapists who have helped them since they began therapy at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in 2019.
DONATE OR JOIN JACKSON AND WILLIAM’S TEAM
MacKid Mady
In 2019, 14-year-old Mady from Acton realized that something was seriously “off” in her back when the pain in her back kept getting worse. After a friend noticed a strange curvature in her back, Mady visited her family doctor.
An X-ray revealed that Mady had scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, which was already quite advanced. If left untreated, scoliosis can worsen to the point where even walking and standing are unbearably painful. The condition can also lead to serious heart and lung damage.
Mady was referred to McMaster Children’s Hospital, where the orthopedic specialists determined that surgery was necessary. She underwent surgery in February 2021, requiring the implantation of rods to straighten her spine. The 12-hour procedure also involved flattening her shoulder blades and aligning her ribcage, which were displaced due to pressure from her spinal curvature.
After being discharged, Mady’s recovery continued at home. Her posture was greatly improved and the pain gradually decreased with time.
“I can’t say enough good things about the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for me,” she says. “Thanks to them, I’ll be able to pursue my dream of traveling the world in the future.”
MacKid Mattis
By the time Mattis from Mount Hope reached Grade 3, his parents were concerned because he was struggling to control his emotions and was falling behind in terms of physical growth.
He was also seen by Endocrinology at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where the team treated Mattis with hormone therapy to support his physical growth into adolescence and beyond.
Mattis was recently diagnosed with level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which were all making social interaction challenging.
Now 14 years old, Mattis is doing well in school and making new friends.
“It’s wonderful to watch our son shine and live life to its fullest,” says his mother, Cécile.
Mattis is excited to be a Patient Ambassador for the 2021 MacKids Walk & Wheel. He will be walking different routes for eight days that begin and end at McMaster Children’s Hospital and Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre.
MacKid Mia
Danielle and Greg grew concerned about newborn Mia’s rapid weight loss.
Mia was under-nourished when she underwent a series of tests, bloodwork and consultations at McMaster Children’s Hospital to determine the cause. Mia was later sent to the operating room to have an intravenous (IV) line inserted to help her receive the nutrients she needed.
She was eventually diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causing ulcers to form in her digestive tract. Although it is a life-long condition, it can be managed with daily medication which helps Mia digest food.
After 56 days as an inpatient, Mia was discharged home. Today, she is thriving and active. She loves dancing, singing and gymnastics. Mia is excited to be a Patient Ambassador for the 2021 MacKids Walk & Wheel and is the team captain of “The Mia Monsters.” She will be walking or riding for 56 minutes (one minute for every day she spent at the Hospital).
“McMaster Children’s Hospital saved Mia’s life and we’re forever grateful,” says Greg. “We encourage people to donate and help children like Mia so they can keep receiving the care they urgently need.”