For over 80 years, the remarkable generosity of our donors has led to incredible accomplishments in specialized pediatric care and tremendous strides in children's health research.Thanks to our donors, we have purchased leading edge equipment; provided resources and tools that improve care and education and recruited the best and brightest research scientists, to name a few. We are pleased to be able to share the stories behind some of our donors.

Legacy of Love

Carol McHugh had a special hero in her life, her granddaughter, Shelby Gagne. At just 21 months of age, Shelby was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer. The cancer was very advanced, with an extremely poor prognosis. Following an 18 month courageous battle against this cancer, Shelby’s family chose to be placed in palliative care at Children’s Hospital, where doctors, nurses, and family worked tirelessly to keep Shelby comfortable and as pain free as possible. Sadly, in July 2006, Shelby graciously succumbed to this disease at 3 years and 3 months of age.

In honor and memory of her granddaughter, Carol holds her annual Shelby Gagne Memorial Golf Tournament in support of Children’s Health Foundation. Her unwavering advocacy and personal investment to help others is a powerful driving force against the ravages of childhood cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

"We were provided with so much support and compassionate care during Shelby’s journey. I just simply want to ‘pay it forward’ in an attempt to give back,” says Carol. “Shelby reached out and touched the hearts and souls of people worldwide, and her bright light continues to shine forth, radiating hope and inspiration from the heavens.”

Over the past three years, Carol has raised an amazing $58,000 to fund special projects related to childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Thanks to Carol, and the generous community that joined her in celebrating the life of Shelby, many children and their families have been supported during the most challenging, powerful and painful times in their lives.

Thank you Carol for being our hero!

Leading the Way

The newly established Translational Research Centre (TRC) at Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI) has recently benefited from an amazing $20,000 donation made by Fisher Scientific, becoming the very first company to give to the TRC. "Fisher Scientific recognizes the importance of driving advancements in the area of children's health research,” says Dave Ruse, Regional Manager, Fisher Scientific Canada. “We look for ways to support initiatives and projects that will make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

The services offered by the Translational Research Centre, will ultimately serve to shorten the time from scientific discovery to clinical application in the area of children's health. A partnership program has also been established that will see Fisher Scientific offering ongoing support and sponsorship of various research-related activities at CHRI.

We are very grateful to Fisher Scientific. Thanks to their generosity, CHRI can continue to provide world-class research into the causes, cures and prevention of childhood illness and diseases. Thank you!