BC Children's Hospital Foundation
938 V5Z 4H4 Vancouver, BC, Canada

BC Children's Hospital played a pivotal role in Ruby's treatment when she was fighting cancer. The team did everything they could to give her a chance. She lost her fight on May 24, 2017. We decided shortly after that we would do a special Christmas tree every year in her memory. This is our third year doing a tree for the Festival of Trees at Mission Hill Estate Winery and it is our best one yet! Disney was always a pretty happy place for us. Even prior to Ruby being sick we were big Disney fans - it runs throughout a family with our other kids. Rota Family One of the trees at this year’s Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Festival of Trees Kelowna is decorated in honour of Ruby. Ruby Rota's Little Mermaid tree has already raised over $11,000 for BC Children's Hospital. https://www.bcchf.ca/fundraiser/festival-of-trees-kelowna/

My family brings me joy and laughter. I would like to honour them this holiday season. When I was losing hair during treatment, my cousin, Jayden decided to shave his head with me to show his support. This photo was taken after we shaved our heads. I had a special moment last year in the hospital saying Merry Christmas to the hospital staff. I brought chocolates and gave them to the nurses and doctors. Merry Christmas to all the staff at BC Children’s Hospital! Evelyn, 9-years-old, oncology patient

Marissa and I both loved having Rachel as a nurse. She was extremely informative and helpful. Marissa says Rachel is her favourite nurse because she is so kind and funny. I want to thank all the nurses for their patience with our learning curve, their listening skills and their kindness. Also, a big thank you for all the information and reassurance that our Nurse Clinicians, Suzanne and Diane, gave us. May all the hard-working hospital staff have a peaceful Christmas. Mar...ee, Marissa’s mom Health care providers at BC Children’s Hospital work tirelessly to ensure every child and family who come through its doors receive the highest level of care. But in recent months, they’ve been faced with enormous challenges that have made it harder than ever to do just that. Learn more about honouring a health care hero and showing your gratitude for the care at the hospital: https://www.bcchf.ca/honour-a-health-care-hero/

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver lobby has been transformed into a lush forest of unique and beautifully decorated trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital. Explore the trees in this special 3D tour of the space: https://bcchf.pixlworks.com/ #FestivalofTreesBC #FestivalofTrees

Tune in tonight for the ‘We are the World Mini Concert’. Stay tuned for performances by talented youth from around the world in support of the orthopedics department at BC Children’s Hospital. The concert will be live tonight at 6 pm PST on D2D Destiny's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_nV4vbE667Y

Charlee has had a phenomenal year. Her surgical outcomes have improved since our team has started using the 3D endoscopic system. She is needing surgery less often now, from every 4-6 weeks to now only every 3-4 months. - Dr. Neil Chadha, head, division of pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at BC Children’s Hospital One year ago, we celebrated the arrival of Canada’s first 3D endoscopic system for high-precision head and neck surgeries, including surgical ear, n...ose and throat (ENT) structures. Thanks to the generosity of Hollyburn Properties, BC Children’s became home to this new technology, which has greatly improved surgical and safety outcomes for kids like Charlee. The superior 3D technology has greatly improved visibility for surgeons operating on children’s delicate internal ear, nose and throat structures which are much smaller than those of adults. The impact of this incredible gift has improved quality of life and is helping BC’s kids get back to being kids. Thank you Hollyburn Properties Ltd. for building vibrant and healthy communities where kids like Charlee can thrive. #OneYearAnniversary

What if I could have my old life back? We have an ambitious goal on Nov 21 to launch a $35 million initiative to save more kids, reduce the long term impacts of cancer treatment, and give families the support they need. Get your virtual access ticket: http://bcchf.ca/crystalball ... #CBGala #CBTakeover

On their journey with cancer, patients can tell their unique story by collecting dozens, even hundreds, of beads. Each one symbolizes their courage through the treatments they endure and milestones they reach. While no two journeys are the same, 20 per cent of these children have something devastating in common. They won’t make it to a day when they receive their final survivor bead. Join us and help bring new hope to those who need it most. #CBGala #CBTakeover #BeadsofCourage

What if childhood illness didn’t exist? We know that’s an audacious goal, but we’re determined to challenge the status quo. Today we’re launching our quest to tackle the toughest questions facing kids with debilitating diseases and chronic illnesses. While many strides have been made in improving children’s health care, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to taking on the biggest health threats facing our kids. From advancing care to improving survival rates, we’re... working to break through the barriers that remain. But we can’t do it without you. What if you helped? #WhatIfBCCHF

What if my body wasn’t a battlefield? What if there was a better waya reason for new hope? With the power of genetic testing, there is. The key to discovering why children have relapsed lies in their very genesand by looking at each child’s unique genetic makeup, experts can create a new roadmap in the quest to save their lives. This year’s Crystal Ball presented by Nicola Wealth will fund ground-breaking research to better understand why children with hard-to-treat canc...ers are relapsing. While this work will require time and resources, it has tremendous potential to open the door to new treatments that can change the lives of the 20 per cent of kids who currently don’t make it. Want to help? Get your virtual access ticket: http://bcchf.ca/crystalball #CBGala #CBTakeover

The Teck Acute Care Centre is an amazing place to work as a health care provider. When we opened three years ago and came into this incredible building for the first time, I couldn’t imagine or forecast what an impact this facility would have on the lives of children. The operating rooms are spacious, bright and designed with the child and the anxiety of a child having surgery - in mind - Dr. Erik Skarsgard, Surgeon in Chief After ten years in the making, the Teck Acute Care Centre opened its doors on October 29, 2017. More than 80,000 people from across the province generously came together to support the new hospital and help make this new era of child health possible. Today, we’re celebrating the lives that have been impacted by the Teck Acute Care Centre.

Children and families diagnosed with cancer live in enormous fearfear of the cancer itself, the treatment, and what it means to their lives. But the risk of relapse looms large. We want to bring hope that if they do relapse, that there is a second chance. Dr. Strahlendorf, Division Head of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant BC Children’s is home to experts who are leading the way in treating the most aggressive cancersbut even so, a devastating 20 per cent of children who are diagnosed with cancer will not survive. #CBGala #CBTakeover

What if diabetes was no big deal? Starting this Sunday, November 1, join us as we shine a light on the many voices of diabetes, leading up to the virtual A Night of Miracles on November 7. Throughout the week, you will discover the courage and tenacity of the kids, parents, researchers and health care providers who are fighting to transform diabetes care for kids across the province. #ANightofMiracles #ANOMTakeover

By the age of 3, Caleb already had five ER visits due to unintended exposures to nuts. The first time we rushed to the ER was when he was just 14 months old. We found out that he has a life-threatening food allergy to cashews and we later learned he is also anaphylactic to peanuts and tree nuts. I was very ignorant and did not know anything about food allergies at the time. Our lives changed. As a family, we had to stop eating out and getting take-outs. I couldn’t just pick ...up a snack for him from coffee shops. Instead, I had to always pack his food, even when he visits grandparents, family and friends, and other kid’s birthday parties. Food allergy impacts kids in a very profound way, they suffer food anxiety, social isolation and the list just goes on. All I know is that as a mother, I couldn't give up. I wanted to look for any possible medical management to help my child. So through my search, I found Dr. Edmond Chan and his team at BC Children’s Allergy Clinic who is researching on Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) as the medical management for nut allergy. We became a patient of Dr. Chan. Through OIT, desensitization not only saved my son’s life, but it also allows us to live a normal life, enjoying simple things with my son such as getting ice cream and having store-bought birthday cake without having to worry about the possible anaphylactic reaction. Janey, mom of Caleb Last month, Janey’s team from OIT for BC and Dr. Edmond Chan, together with DoReMi Happy Mommy Society, hosted a seminar on research and treatment on paediatric food allergy. The seminar welcomed 500 participants and raised an incredible $6,230 for the hospital. DoDo

What if my only tests were at school? Kids facing cancer inspire us day after day to battle the odds against them. They are strong and resilient, but so are the cancers they are fighting. #CBGala #CBTakeover

Behind every child with diabetes is a village of supporters, holding them up. These children will survive their disease, but will they thrive? Their village will help determine that. Join us virtually on November 7 for the 12th Annual A Night of Miracles, co-presented by Fasken and Rogers. Your support will help provide a lifeline for kids and families who are shouldering the burdens of diabetes aloneand give them hope of a brighter future. Today is the last day to reserve y...our virtual gala experience package: http://anightofmiracles.ca/ #ANightofMiracles

The waiting is the most challenging. The feelings that surround waiting aren’t distinguished by whether one is waiting for good news or bad news, the anguish is the same. Truthfully nothing could have prepared us for the words spoken in that meeting: Grade 4, aggressive, malignant, central nervous system embryonal tumor with a 40 per cent chance of surviving 5 years. - Sharon, mom of Cameron #CBGala #CBTakeover

Back in 2017, I was part of the team that helped educate and train all the staff to safely care for all the kids and the families in the new Teck Acute Care Centre. It was so exciting to show off this brand new facility to the staff, and then ultimately, to the patients. We so appreciate this purpose-built building, especially right now with COVID, because all those single rooms that the families appreciated before, we truly appreciate even more so now. - Shelley Kellner, C...linical Nurse Educator Every day we are moving closer to our vision: that every child is healthy and able to fulfill their hopes and dreams. The vision, ingenuity, and collaboration at the heart of the Teck Acute Care Centre are indications of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. After three years in the Teck Acute Care Centre, we look back on the amazing support from our friends at Teck that helps us aim higher and dream even bigger for BC’s kids.

Join us virtually on November 21 for the 34th Annual Crystal Ball, presented by Nicola Wealth. Help us launch a $35 million oncology initiative to save kids who relapse from hard-to-treat cancers and still don’t make it. Reserve your evening package today: www.bcchf.ca/crystalball Today, 80% of children like Liam, who was diagnosed with leukemia at just five months old, will survive but that means 20% of children still don’t. By supporting the Crystal Ball, you can help bring new hope to these children and their families and give them a second chance at life. #CBGala

Halloween is just around the corner! Be sure to visit your local Spirit Halloween location, where you will receive 10% off your purchase and a matching donation of 10% will support BC Children's Hospital. (Photos from last year's Halloween in the hospital) Spirit of Children... #spiritofchildren See more

For over 27 years, BC Children’s Hospital has been E.B. Horsman & Son’s primary charity of choice. Our employees, suppliers and customers work together throughout the year to raise funds to make sure that children across the province get the care they so desperately need. Tim Horsman, President & CEO We are proud to nominate one of Western Canada’s leading electrical distributors, E.B. Horsman & Son, as Outstanding Corporation for the Giving Hearts Awards, presented by th...e AFP Greater Vancouver. With over 27 years of support for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, their dedication has inspired EBH&S employees, suppliers and customers to raise more than $1 million across the company’s 21 locations in BC. This generosity has helped countless children in BC fulfill their hopes and dreams in addition to funding critical research in areas such as childhood cancer and juvenile diabetes. #GivingisReceiving #EBHGivingBack #EBHsince1900

World skaters, Andrew Poje and Meghan Agosta are paired up to compete on season 6 of CBC’s Battle of the Blades, with the chance to win $100,000 for their charity of choice, BC Children’s Hospital. The reality show pairs figure skaters and hockey players in a figure skating competition and will start to air today, Oct 22. Four-time Olympic medalist, Meghan, has BC Children’s close to her heart as her daughter, Chance, spent the first six weeks after her birth at the hospital. We wish Andrew and Meghan the best of luck in the competition and thank you for the incredible support for BC’s kids!

For kids with diabetes, childhood can be extended. Mom and dad have always got to be there, and I feel like that if Evelyn could have experiences outside, away from us, she could grow more as a person. Crystal, mom of Evelyn Join us virtually on November 7 for the 12th Annual A Night of Miracles, co-presented by Fasken and Rogers. Together we will continue our journey to raise $3.1 million to transform diabetes care, provide a lifeline for families across our province, and give kids a future where they can thrive. You have one week left to buy your experience package! Learn more about how your support will help create a healthier future for kids with diabetes: http://anightofmiracles.ca/

Every year, 12-year-old Sia Sidhu hosts a fundraiser for BC Children's Hospital in her Surrey neighbourhood. This year, Sia accepted the challenge to make her 6th annual fundraiser virtual. She held two successful virtual raffles, raising $15,000 for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, her highest total yet! Thank you Sia, for your incredible support for BC’s kids. Learn more about hosting your own virtual fundraiser here: http://www.bcchf.ca/virtual-fundraisers

We’ve had to accommodate challenging scenarios and move the Great Trek race online, but this hasn’t stopped the incredible Vancouver running community from being active or donating. UBC Recreation supports Rare Disease research because we want every kid to have the opportunity to be a kid. For over ten years now through Lace Up for Kids and now the Great Trek, the UBC and Vancouver community has mobilized into fundraising for this life saving and life improving research. - Alex Northey, UBC REC This year's Great Trek Run is virtual, so instead of taking place on the UBC campus on a certain day in October, it can be completed anywhere in the world between the dates of October 16th and 31st. Partial proceeds from registration will support the Rare Disease Foundation's translational research program at BC Children's Hospital. #runandgive

My parents began giving back with the Smile Cookie campaign because I was born with a hole in my heart and had open-heart surgery at BC Children’s when I was 3-years-old. They took the initial $1 per cookie and decided to go even further and sell boxes of 140 cookies to local businesses. My husband, sister, and I run the business and we now have our own reasons to continue to give back. My son, Max, was diagnosed with asthma at BC Children’s when he was 3-years-old. My niece..., Charlize, began her diagnosis with autism at BC Children’s when she was 18-months-old. I don’t think you’ll find many families that haven’t been touched with the amazing work that this hospital does. - Samara Bunsko, Restaurant Owner and HR Representative, Tim Hortons, Ridge Meadows This #SmileCookie week, local Tim Hortons restaurant owners raised over $163,000 to help BC’s kids get the best health care imaginable. We are so grateful to Tim Hortons restaurant owners, team members and Smile Cookie lovers across the Lower Mainland for buying a cookie to support families like Samara’s.