SickKids Foundation

Robert just celebrated his 84th birthday, but still remembers his parents telling him the story of how close he came to not even turning two.

In 1943, Robert’s mother noticed a small lump on his shin. The lump turned out to be an infection, and it had spread into Robert’s leg. Unsure if he would make it through the night, doctors at his local hospital informed Robert’s family that his leg would need to be amputated.

Wanting a second opinion, Robert’s father requested they be referred to SickKids, only to be told Robert couldn’t make the trip to Toronto. His father wouldn’t take no for an answer and together, they made the three-hour journey from Simcoe.

When they arrived at SickKids, Robert was immediately rushed into surgery. The Chief of Surgery, Dr. D.E. Robertson, conducted a then-risky procedure that would save Robert’s leg but wouldn't guarantee he’d ever walk again.

Robert spent the next eight months in recovery before finally returning home.

To everyone’s surprise, including Dr. Robertson, Robert came bounding into SickKids during his first follow-up appointment. No one had expected to see him walking again.

Robert’s leg would never limit his athleticism, or his dreams. Growing up, he loved baseball and became an elite junior hockey player.

Now 84, Robert remains active and still works as a local truck driver in Hamilton. He loves spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Robert also plays the annual SickKids Lottery to give back to the Hospital that saved his life all those years ago.

Robert’s story is a reminder of the lasting impact of SickKids - giving kids across generations a chance at the future they deserve. 💙

“Our family’s experience with neuropsychological assessment and support through SickKids has had a significant impact, not only on our children but on our family as a whole.

When a child is struggling emotionally, socially, academically, or behaviourally, families can spend a long time trying to understand what is really going on. It can feel overwhelming trying to navigate schools, health care systems, waitlists, and different opinions, especially when you know your child is struggling but do not yet have a clear understanding of why.

What stood out most to us about our experience at SickKids was how the assessments helped us better understand our children in a fuller, more compassionate way. We left with a clearer picture of both strengths and challenges, as well as practical guidance on how to better support them at home and at school.

We remain deeply grateful for the care, expertise, and compassion we experienced through SickKids, and hopeful that continued investment in these services will allow more children and families to receive the support they need.” – Rachel, SickKids mom

The Family of Support: Child & Youth Mental Health initiative - led by Empire Company Limited and The Sobey Foundation, in partnership with Canada's Children's Hospital Foundations – is providing funding and raising awareness around early intervention and crisis prevention programs across Canada, including neuropsychological assessments at SickKids.

Thank you Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo., and Farm Boy, for your ongoing commitment to improving child health across the country.

From now until October 4th, you can double your impact when donating to Family of Support at your favourite Empire brand store or online. 100% of all donations will support mental health programs at your local children’s hospital. 💙

“Our temporary home away from home.” 🏡

Cassie and Nick’s world changed when their daughter Grace was born with Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) - a congenital heart defect where a hole and abnormal valves affect how blood flows through the heart.

When she was just four months old, Grace was brought to SickKids from Sudbury for surgery.

And thanks to StayWell, they were able to call Toronto their temporary home.

While away, Grace’s family had access to a StayWell suite while she was in recovery.

“The condo allowed us to have access to a full kitchen, which meant we could bring food from home and have home-cooked meals while we stayed in Toronto. This saved us money and allowed us to keep healthy while going through a stressful life event,” Cassie and Nick share.

We’re so grateful to StayWell, for providing safe and affordable accommodations for Canadian families travelling for treatment, including at SickKids. 💙

He was born with a life-threatening diagnosis. But now he’s defying the odds.

Ezra’s newborn screening revealed he had SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) - a rare genetic disorder that compromises his immune system, making him highly vulnerable to serious infections.

After learning that he carried the even rarer RAG-2 variant, Ezra and his parents underwent a full genetic screening panel at SickKids, where they discovered that they too are carriers of the mutated gene.

Throughout his life, Ezra has endured multiple admissions, and a number of setbacks and delays in hitting his milestones like learning to speak, and building friendships with other kids beyond the Hospital walls.

Now at nearly three years old, he approaches life with a smile, continuing to overcome the odds that were stacked against him. 💪

“Even though his first few years were filled with pain, trauma and multiple hospitalizations – he is the sweetest, most polite little guy with a smile that can make your day,” says his mom, Michelle.

Since 2000, CBRE has raised more than $300K to support the highest priority needs at SickKids, so that kiddos like Ezra can get the specialized treatment they need. Thank you. 💙

A grandparent’s love is one that often sits quietly in the background, felt in the moments no one else sees.

For SickKids grandparents, it’s in the early-morning drives to appointments, hours spent in waiting rooms, the care given to siblings, the wisdom they share, and the laughter brought into hardest days. It’s being a steady hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and a quiet strength that holds a family together.

As you click through these photos, six SickKids families share, in their own powerful words, what that support has meant to them.

This , we celebrate and thank every SickKids grandparent who gives so much of themselves to carry their families through moments of joy, uncertainty and everything in between. 💙

"Having a proper place to rest when you're not feeling your best is really important.” 🥹

Hush gave Nori just that – a safe space to decompress, rest, and be her truest self amid her cancer treatment.

From the cozy enclosed bed that has become the entire family’s favourite power nap spot, to the pushpin boards where she can hang and enjoy her artwork, Nori’s dream room has become her sanctuary.

“This bedroom makeover means a lot to me, especially since I was in the Hospital and our house had just flooded when the opportunity came up. My new bedroom is more than I could have ever dreamed of and it means so much to me that so many people from Hush put in so much time and love into making this possible. This room means new and positive beginnings for me.”

Thank you, Hush, for your vision, thoughtfulness, and generosity. 💙