Message from the Director of Family Relations
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or many Canadian families winter means playing in the snow, building snowmen, having a vacation from school, giving and receiving gifts, eating delicious food, and visiting friends and family. This season is a time that families can enjoy a winter wonderland outside or choose to curl up inside with a cup of hot chocolate and a crackling fire. For families whose children need transplants, this season can feel like any other and does not hold the same diverse and magical qualities. These families might spend the holidays having blood drawn in hospitals and meeting with doctors, they may not be able to go outside to skate or ski due to medical conditions, and they may not be able to see their loved ones due to being hundreds of kilometers from home for medical treatment. While many children spend the holidays ecstatic about opening their gifts, children who require transplants are hoping for the most precious gift of all – the gift of life. I recently visited a family that the Foundation is assisting and met Kayden, who is waiting for a heart transplant, and his father Cruz. Kayden, who has a Berlin Heart (a medical device that connects to one’s heart and helps it to pump blood), was happy and lively when we visited. It was amazing to see how Kayden’s vibrant energy made all of us in his hospital room smile. There are so many children in Canada waiting for transplants just like Kayden. That is why I would like to use this opportunity to encourage you to take time this holiday season to start conversations about organ donation with those you surround yourself with. As it is a time for giving, consider starting a conversation that could save a life, and considering giving the gift of life through organ donation. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with special moments with your loved ones. Sincerely,
Aleea Dahinden Director of Family Relations
“As it is time for giving, consider starting a conversation that could save a life…”
Michael Ravenhill and Aleea Dahinden visit Cruz and his son Kayden, who is waiting for a heart transplant, at Toronto SickKids Hospital.
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David Foster Foundation Newsletter
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