Children's Connection Winter/Spring 2018

Ed Sheeran: The A-List Celebrity Donation That Will Warm Your Heart

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Winter/Spring 2018

Real Life Heroes Delivering Pediatric Intensive Care in the Air & on the Road

Meet Payton Pioneering New Technology for our Most Vulnerable Babies

Our Brave New Ambassador Takes on Childhood Cancer

Art Therapy: Helping Kids in Hospital Heal

CHILDREN’S CONNECTION

Volume 3 Issue 1

What’s

A publication of

Our Mission: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of maternal and children’s healthcare in Saskatchewan and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Inside 4

How pop superstar Ed Sheeran and Grammy-award winning rock band Train have lined up to help provide hope and healing for children and families in Saskatchewan, plus revolutionary robots: the bold new medical frontier for kids’ mental health.

Our Address: 1 - 345 Third Ave S Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 pattisonchildrens.ca

6

8

ON THE COVER Pushing back against childhood cancer: Our courageous new ambassador stands up for sick kids and shows cancer who’s boss.

facebook.com/ Pattisonchildrens @Pattisonkids

JUST A CLICK AWAY A Canadian first! The remarkable new technology helping families stay connected with their babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Contact Us: 306.931.4887 or 1.888.808.KIDS (5437)

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

10

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK Holiday gift giving made easy with inspiring ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

@Pattisonchildrens

Our Charitable Number: #13530 9342 RR0001

Be Green! Sign up

12

for our eNewsletter at pattisonchildrens.ca and please recycle this copy.

FEATURE STORY Special Cargo: On the road with Saskatchewan’s only traveling pediatric intensive care team.

No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without written consent.

If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us 306.931.4887 or 1.888.808.5437.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation does not sell, trade or lease the personal information of its donors.

16

GAMING FOR GOOD Gamers unite! Saskatchewan’s Extra Life Guild hits an all-new level of support for children in hospital.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 3

REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTS BRING CARE TO NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

What’s New ED SHEERAN’S LEGACY: MORE THAN JUST MUSIC Saskatchewan fans of pop superstar Ed Sheeran have a whole new reason to love him. The 26-yearold Brit performed at a sold out show at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre in July to a crowd of over 12,000 fans.

Prior to the show, the SaskTel Centre team shared some information about the new children’s hospital project and it clearly hit home. What fans didn’t know at the time was that Sheeran quietly made a $10,000 donation just before the show.

The gift was one of several made to children’s charities during his North American tour.

CAMECO CARES CONCERT ROCKS AND RAISES OVER $200,000 Grammy-winning rock band Train headlined a memorable night for Saskatchewan kids and families at the Delta Bessborough Gardens in Saskatoon for this year’s Cameco Cares concert. With a crowd of over 2,500, the concert, presented by 96.3 CRUZ FM, raised $200,000.

Proceeds will help establish a Day Medicine and Treatment Room at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, which will provide infusion treatments including chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and insulin therapy. It will be equipped with games and activities to comfort children and reduce anxiety during treatment.

“We’re thrilled to support this once-in-a-generation project that will benefit so many,” says Tim Gitzel, Cameco President and CEO. “Community support for Cameco Cares has been unbelievable and we’re so proud of the staff and volunteers who spent months planning every detail to produce a memorable event with a wonderful legacy.”

4 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

Train's lead singer Patrick Monahan and bass guitarist Hector Maldonando.

Photos courtesy Cameco.

Children in Northern Saskatchewan will soon have access to ground-breaking mental health care through Remote Presence Technology (RPT). For the first time in Canada, robotic technology will be deployed specifically for youth mental health as a result of a generous $500,000 donation from RBC to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The new RPTs will allow pediatric specialists to diagnose, assess, and treat young patients from larger care centres in Saskatoon and Regina, filling the desperate gap for mental health services in northern communities.

“Limited resources and personnel combined with distance and remoteness translate to a paucity of mental health services in our northern communities.

Remote presence connects various mental health experts with our youth, families and communities, providing a mechanism for collaboration that can have life changing effects," says Dr. Veronica McKinney, Director of Northern Medical Services.

The new units will be deployed in the coming months to communities with the greatest need.

CONSTRUCTION ON NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 70% COMPLETE: Premier Brad Wall toured the construction site for Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital as it reached 70% completion in October. The new provincial hospital is structurally complete and is now watertight.

“I am immensely proud to see the progress on this world-class facility.

Our government committed to building a children’s hospital for the people of Saskatchewan and we are delivering on that promise,” said Premier Brad Wall.

“This is an exciting milestone for all the project partners as they see their hard work and dedication paying off.”

70% e!

complet

Interior finishing work continues in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Surgery areas, and the Children’s Emergency Department. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is on budget and scheduled for a late 2019 opening.

DONATION BRINGS SPIRITUAL SPACE TO NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

NEWBORN FAMILIES FEEL THE RUSH OF GAME DAYS

A special Spiritual Space is coming to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital because of a generous $1 million gift from Barb and Gord Broda and the Casimir and Marie Broda Family Foundation.

The Saskatchewan Rush have relaunched their Baby Jersey Program. Saskatchewan babies born on Rush Game Days will receive a free toddler jersey as a way for the team to welcome a new generation of lacrosse fans.

Barb, Gord, and Marie

“It is with graciousness and pride that we make this contribution to the children’s hospital. We have had the pleasure and privilege of working in every corner of this great province and we have been blessed with many years of success,” explained Barb, Gord, and Marie Broda. “We are proud of our Saskatchewan roots and know that this new children’s hospital will be a tremendous benefit to our province and the generations that follow us.”

Located on the main floor, the Spiritual Space will be accessible 24 hours a day, offering resources for multi-faith worship, including added ventilation for rituals such as smudging and pipe ceremonies.

Broda.

Families will receive a certificate to claim their jersey from one of three participating facilities, Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Regina General Hospital, and Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.

"The arrival of a new baby is such a special time for families," says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation "We are delighted to celebrate this exciting time by partnering with the Saskatchewan Rush to welcome our newest citizens into the world with a free toddler jersey. This program serves as a great reminder about the importance of supporting our families with urgently needed maternal and pediatric equipment, training and research."

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 5

Peace of Mind: Cutting Edge New Cameras Allow Parents to See their NICU Babies

I

t’s a motion picture event guaranteed to warm the heart of any parent. Thanks to a generous donation from community fundraiser Bloom, newborn babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can now be watched over by family members at any moment.

The world-class technology, called NICVIEW, was installed in 10 NICU incubators over the summer.

It’s a first in Canada, putting Saskatchewan at the forefront of care. The bedside webcams give families a view of what goes on inside their baby’s incubator. Having a NICVIEW camera has helped NICU mom Ashley Taylor to feel more involved with her baby, Maisy, who was born 14 weeks premature.

“Not being able to see her was the hardest part, there’s a lot of anxiety.

It’s made a big difference for us when we wake up in the middle of the night and

we’re able to check on her in the morning,” explains Ashley.

“We are thrilled that this babyfriendly technology has been brought into Saskatchewan and our Children’s Services so that our families can feel at ease while their baby receives medical attention,” says Dr. Laurence Givelichian, Head of Pediatrics at University of Saskatchewan. “Thanks to this family-centred experience, parents with a newborn baby in the NICU will no longer be imagining the worst and will feel as if they are with their baby every minute. This is today’s ultimate family-friendly experience.”

Day by day, it’s an u p and d own roller c oaster. .. we w able to ere see ho w she w doing as in the m iddle of the night.

Bloom, a community fundraising initiative that began with two NICU moms, held its annual dinner, “An Evening of Love”, in May which helped fund the NICVIEW webcams. Since 2011, Bloom has been committed to giving back to the NICU staff that they refer to as ‘Angels on Earth’

and have raised over $198,000 to support current NICU needs.

Each milestone and movement that baby makes is broadcast on the family’s screen, but exactly how does it work?

First, families can decide if they want to view their baby on a mobile device on the go, or on a desktop screen at home. Next, they can login to the online software and type in their NICU-issued user name and password to get a live, unobstructed view of their baby.

The live-stream is only accessible to specified users and is protected by encrypted transmissions.

“Day by day, it’s an up and down roller coaster,” says Ashley. “Maisy recently had surgery so when we went home we were able to see how she was doing in the middle of the night and didn’t feel like we had to rush back to her right away to see what was going on.”

In the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will be located on the top floor with panoramic views of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. Currently, families and their newborns share space side

by side in open bays. Come 2019 in the new facility, each baby and family will have their own private room and a dedicated sleep area for families to rest away from baby’s room while remaining close by.

“We genuinely thank everyone who has supported our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit designative fund, including those involved in the Bloom fundraiser,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The support we receive has helped fund a lifechanging experience and makes this cutting-edge piece of NICU equipment a reality in Canada and in the province of Saskatchewan.

As a mother to a NICU newborn myself, this kind of technology would have helped our own family to better understand the incredible work of those who help our babies.

We are so grateful to those who have donated and made this opportunity possible for families throughout Saskatchewan."

To support our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s designated fund, visit the donation page at pattisonchildrens.ca and click on the designated fund.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 7

Meet

Payton Our brave and bold new hero takes on childhood cancer

Nine-year-old Payton Sernick, Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation's 2017 Hero, presented by Walmart.

8 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

P

ayton was only six years old when she developed severe unexplained tummy pain. Things got so bad that she could hardly walk. Unknowingly, little Payton had hundreds of tumors growing inside her which gave doctors an alarming lead on an eventual diagnosis of Stage 4 Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The Estevan girl had received the worst news imaginable.

The diagnosis was devastating to the family of four.

but the hardest part for Payton was being away from her little brother Beckham who remained at home during her treatments.

“I remember every minute of everything,” says Payton’s mom Andrea. “It seemed unbelievable, but we didn’t really have time to think about it. All you do is live according to your daybook and take one step at a time.”

Payton’s diagnosis compelled her to share her story to show other kids that cancer doesn’t have to be scary. The fourthgrader now speaks to schools and clubs about her journey. Payton and her brother launched “The Cancer Sucks Project.”

Together they have raised nearly $40,000 for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation to help kids just like her, who will, at times, call the new children’s hospital home.

how I know can scary it end p s o t e b the time in l. hospita

The fight of her life began with 40 days in isolation in hospital in Regina. Payton’s 11-month long treatment began with x-rays, tests, ultrasounds, CT and MRI scans, biopsies and bone marrow aspirations, plus many painful episodes of blood work before beginning nearly a full year of intense chemotherapy. She was exhausted, lost her hair and even some teeth

“Siblings being apart is one of the most heartbreaking things because an experience like this totally splits up a family,” says Andrea.

“We had one parent with one child and the other parent with another child. We tried to spend as much time as possible together in hospital, but at night we had to go our separate ways.”

“Even at my age, I know how scary it can be to spend time in the hospital,” explains Payton.

“I am one of the reasons why Saskatchewan needs a children’s hospital.”

Now nine years old, Payton has spent well over 200 days in hospital so far.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 9

Holiday Giving

Gift Catalogue Makes Holiday Gift Shopping Easy

A

n online gift catalogue is making it easier than ever to find gifts that really matter ahead of the busy holiday season. For the fourth year in a row, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation has compiled a catalogue of meaningful items for kids and families in need in hospital this holiday season.

“Shopping the Making Spirits Bright catalogue is such an easy way to give a gift from the heart for just about anyone on your list,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Rather than worrying about returns or fighting the crowds at the mall, your gift can making a real and lasting impact for children and mothers who need our help this holiday season.”

Last year, thanks to hundreds of donors across Saskatchewan like you, we purchased toys and teaching tools, fetal heart monitors, and “no pokes” respiratory support for children in respiratory distress.

The 4th Annual Making Spirits Bright Campaign runs until December 31st with 100% of your gift staying right here at home to help Saskatchewan kids and families.

All gifts come with a free customizable e-card. Here is the preview of our gift catalogue with inspired items for the loved ones on your shopping list.

Order online at pattisonchildrens.ca or by calling 1.888.808.KIDS (5437)

10 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

Give Where Needed Most...

Put your gift to the best use possible by supporting the most critical maternal and pediatric needs facing our province’s children, moms, and families. Make your gift monthly for even greater impact and receive a cumulative tax receipt issued annually. $20+/share

With CP's Support, Bring Heart Care Closer to Home...

With our children’s hospital set to open in 2019, we need your help now, more than ever, to ensure the right equipment and enhancements will be in place to create a cardiology centre for children across the province. Through CP Has Heart and the 2018 CP Women’s Open in Regina, CP has named us the tournament’s beneficiary and will generously match your donation towards a dedicated cardiology space in the Pediatric Outpatients Clinic. Thanks to CP, your donation will be matched! $20+/share

Help kids feel better...

The perfect feel good gift for kids in hospital!

Your gift will fund supplies for hair stylists and estheticians to visit children in hospital weekly, boosting morale and making them feel more like themselves again. $25/share

Bring art supplies to kids in hospital...

Provide art supplies to children in hospital, giving them the opportunity to work one-onone with art therapists for creative expression and an escape from their medical problems. $30/share

Gift Catalogue Heal pediatric brain injuries...

Over 20% of children admitted Saskatchewan’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit have central nervous system injuries or neurological complications. Help purchase a Transcranial Doppler Transducer which monitors blood flow to the brain and provides a range of treatment options never available before in Canada. $40/share

Help kids move and explore...

Provide modular climbing equipment, indoor play structures, and special mobility devices for Saskatchewan kids at significant risk for development, cognitive, and physical challenges. $50/share

Make every second count...

With just 2-3 drops of blood, a handheld, wireless iSTAT monitor provides real-time blood work and lab evaluation en route with Saskatchewan’s busy Pediatric Transport Team. When a young patient’s condition changes quickly, this caring team has the right data at their fingertips for the over 550 trips made every year. $60/share

Give peace of mind to new moms...

Our maternal department provides care for around 5,600 mothers and their babies each year.

Fetal heart monitors are needed to track the heart rate of baby, so health care providers can tell if baby is doing well or is in distress. $100/share

Send a kid to heart camp...

Your gift will send a Saskatchewan child with a congenital heart defect to a week-long heart camp.

Designed for kids aged 7-15, this camp investigates physical activity, nutrition, and mental health in a fun atmosphere all while developing a Canadawide pediatric cardiac management program. $200/share *Gifts made through Making Spirits Bright are directed towards the services, equipment and programs described here, many of which represent our designated funds. Should a gift category be completely funded through this campaign, your gift will be directed to the area of greatest need.

Allen Meet

Age: 18 months Hometown: Saskatoon Condition: Goldenhar syndrome

This holiday season will be a very special one for the Tulagan family. Their 18-monthold son Allen will be home for the holidays for the first time in his life.

With a healthy daughter already at home, it came as a shock to discover that Allen was born with a rare congenital defect called Goldenhar syndrome, which often leads to growth issues with critical internal organs like lungs, heart, and kidneys and many facial features not completely developed including ears, nose, lower jaw, and soft palate. It means that Allen will be a regular visitor to our new children's hospital.

While Allen’s family is thrilled to have him home for the holidays, hundreds of Saskatchewan children like him will remain in hospital. You can help make their spirits bright and truly make this giving season a time for celebration.

Special Cargo: Delivering Pediatric Intensive Care On the Go

T

hey are one of the most reassuring medical teams that a family with a sick or injured child may ever face but until you need them, you may not even be aware that they exist.

The provincial Pediatric Transport Team, including nine registered nurses, nine respiratory therapists, and five pediatric intensivists has been a comforting lifeline to Saskatchewan kids and families in need for nearly 20 years. The only one of its kind in Saskatchewan, the team provides specialized care either by road or air ambulance. Despite the long-haul commute to some of Saskatchewan’s critically ill or injured kids, the team goes the extra mile to transport children whose health has taken an unexpected turn for the worse.

“The most remarkable thing about them is their dedication,” says Amanda Dumont, Manager of Nursing for Saskatchewan’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “They have dealt with all types of health complications – you name it and they’ve seen it.”

A typical day for the team involves dealing with young patients with anything from severe infection, respiratory issues, heart problems or even serious trama. Patients are often transported to Saskatoon, or occasionally to out-of-province facilities for sub-specialized services or emergency procedures. The team has travelled to nearly every community in Saskatchewan. During each crucial moment the team is en route, they strive to provide every child the same level of care they would receive if they were in a tertiary hospital.

One of the team’s many trips last year was to pick up 15-year-old Darren Skinner of Indian Head. His frightening experience started out as a bad headache with admission to Regina General Hospital. A CT scan revealed this was no ordinary headache. Darren had a

12 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

serious sinus infection that required immediate transport to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Saskatoon. There, he underwent three brain surgeries and spent over 30 days in a hypothermic induced coma.

“The transport team is amazing,” says Darren’s dad, Chad Skinner. “Until we needed it, we were unaware of what they do. Without their outstanding skills, equipment, and caring, our son may not be with us today.”

The team is equipped with monitors, an incubator for neonatal patients, outerwear, and training all funded by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Additionally Enbridge Pipelines Inc. funded the team’s first ventilator at the Children’s Hospital Radiothon in Regina in 2013.

“The Pediatric Transport Team often faces precarious conditions both with weather and patient stability. Having the right equipment to deliver care allows them to continue pediatric critical care in the transport environment,” says Dr. Tanya Holt, Director of Pediatric Critical Care and Inter-Facility Transport. “Equipment like transport ventilators enable safe respiratory care to children with respiratory failure. Monitoring the patient’s vital signs in real-time comes from the Life pack Monitor which allow moment The transp to moment ort team is am assessment azing... and adjustment Without th eir outstan of care. Many ding skills, equ of these ipment, an critical pieces d c a r in g , our son m would not ay not be possible be with us today. without the generosity

“

”

of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation donors.”

From bone-chilling January nights to the smouldering heat of July, the team completes approximately 550 trips every year, almost double the number from just three years ago.

Recognizing a rapidly growing need for the team, the Foundation designated $260,000 to fund a transport ventilator and a second transport isolette at the 15th Annual Children’s Hospital Radiothon in Regina in November.

“This year, thanks to the generosity of our Radiothon donors, we were able to provide two critical new equipment pieces to help this team grow and better serve the children of Saskatchewan,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We’re very grateful to our donors who recognized the need for this important team to be properly equipped to handle the high volume of calls they receive.”

With an increasing number of trips, there is often overlap between the day and night teams, meaning that prior to this new ventilator purchase, the second team was, at times, required to use a breathing bag pumped by hand for each breath of a young patient, leaving room for human error. The new transport isolette means that the transport team will no longer need to borrow from other busy hospital departments, subject to availability when a case arises.

“When minutes count, this extraordinary team goes above and beyond to ensure our province’s children and families receive the highest level of care while in transit,” says Boback-Lane. “We are so thankful for them and they work they do each and every day to keep our most vulnerable children alive.”

To donate to the Pediatric Transport Team, visit the donation page at pattisonchildrens.ca and click on PICU designated fund.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 13

The

Art Effect What goes on inside the mind of a young patient? It doesn’t always require fancy equipment to find out, just a simple set of art supplies.

C

Art Therapist Jill Scott helping a young patient.

ombining visual art and psychotherapy, the new pediatric art therapy program is easing the healing process for vulnerable young patients in Acute Care Pediatrics. Art therapists Jill Scott and Tracey Dudar spend eight hours a week in pediatrics to help kids find a voice for what can’t always be put into words.

Jill, who provides individual art sessions and therapeutic counselling. “In the process of providing art therapy services we have noted that many patients have gained significant insight into their circumstances. We have also had opportunities to provide parent-child and dyadic art therapy sessions.”

“During these sessions, children open up to the therapists and discuss emotions that they may not be comfortable sharing with other staff. Often emotions of traumatic events, anxiety, depression or fear can be discussed,” says Melissa Speiser, Co-Manager of Acute Care Pediatrics. “Art therapy is less intimidating.”

The sessions allow young patients to escape the everyday in hospital and give kids the freedom to explore a world of their own. Art therapy is especially helpful in treating young patients that may be dealing with significant issues, including oncology patients, teens with eating disorders, or overdose cases.

“Art therapy provides a complimentary service to traditional medical and psychiatric treatments, which provide many benefits such as stimulating unconscious thoughts and using both hemispheres of the brain,” says

Marie Adam-Tootoosis’ 10-year-old granddaughter Keliya Bedard-Tootoosis spent two weeks in hospital this summer for a kidney condition. While going through treatment, the Grandora, SK girl participated in art therapy several times.

14 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

“She was hesitant at first but she really got into it. It really helped her express her feelings better,”explains Marie. “She was very excited for her second session and the art therapist helped bring out her feelings and we saw an expression of dark greys. It was so good to be able to use this medium for self-expression during her medical journey.”

The new art therapy program receives funding from Spirit Halloween stores during the busy Halloween shopping season through the ‘Spirit of Children’ Program, which is dedicated to making hospitals less scary for kids. Since 2010, Spirit of Children has donated $128,684 to support the Child Life programming thanks to the help of Spirit Halloween store customers who dig into their pockets for a small donation that adds up to a lot. Rick Tereo from the Spirit of Children Program has noted just how important this mission is: “Local Spirit Halloween stores collect donations during the selling season, so that the benefit is felt in the immediate community. It is gratifying to us to understand what is made possible through our support,” says Rick. “All of the artwork sent to us from children across North America has brought us great joy and helped us to understand a little of what they are going through.”

It was so good to be able to use this medium for Art Therapy will be a key part self-expression of the new Child Life Zone in Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison during her medical Children’s Hospital. The 2,800 square foot therapeutic play space journey. will give pediatric patients and their

families a spot to play, learn, laugh and relax. It was created in partnership with country music legend Garth Brooks and his Teammates for Kids Foundation, The Mosaic Company, and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“We are so thankful for the funding received for the art therapy program and the therapists who work directly with our sick and injured children,” says Brynn BobackLane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Having personal expressions of art through creative therapy as a part of the Child Life Program is a proven healer. This addition will make an immense difference in a child’s physical and emotional healing.”

Art Therapist Tracey Dudar.

To donate to the Child Life Program, visit our donation page at pattisonchildrens.ca and click on designated funds.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA 15

Game On!

Extra Life Gamers Unite for Saskatchewan Kids

G

aming is serious business – especially when it helps kids in hospital. Each year, Extra Life unites thousands of players around the world to play games and heal kids. This year, players in Saskatchewan have hit a whole new level, reaching guild status.

“It’s an achievement that means more than just a strong gaming community,” says Sash Broda, Manager of Development and Engagement at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “A guild in Saskatchewan gives provincial recognition to those who have a common passion – gaming and helping kids in hospital. We’re thankful for those who take their favourite hobby and use it as something impactful for sick and injured kids.”

Extra Life began in 2008 as a small movement for gamers of all types to participate in a 24hour gaming marathon to raise money for local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. The movement was inspired by a young girl named Victoria Enmon, who tragically lost her life to Leukemia. Today, Extra Life is a worldwide phenomenon, with 65,000 participating in North America alone. Extra Life has raised over $30 million worldwide, including support from yearround community events, all in honour of Victoria.

Last year, 207 guild members collected $64,267 for Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation, the sole Saskatchewan member of Children's Miracle Network Canada. The group helped purchase a special incubator and warmer in one mobile unit for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

While gamers typically participate from the comfort of their own home, one Saskatchewan gamer has taken the adventure to a whole new level. Nolan Blackstock, President of Saskatchewan’s Extra Life

16 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

Guild, has travelled to Florida for the past two years to participate in Extra Life United. Part celebration, part tournament, the three day event allows gamers to compete for $150,000 in prize pool money for local children’s hospitals. Blackstock was the only Saskatchewan representative and one of seven Canadians who took part. To date, he has raised $7,430.

“Being part of a cause that raises millions of dollars every year across North America for organizations like Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is tremendously humbling,” says Nolan. “Being involved in Extra Life provides a chance to meet those impacted by the great work being done. Everything we do in Extra Life is for the kids and their families.”

Ian Matties, who joined Extra Life in 2014, recognizes the pressing need for a dedicated children’s hospital here in Saskatchewan.

“Almost seven years ago one of my best friends and his wife had twins, and for several years one of those twins had health problems and often travelled to Edmonton. There is also a couple in my church that has had to travel for their daughter.

It doesn’t seem right that both of these families from a large suburban area like Saskatoon should have to travel over 500 kilometres because there are no available healthcare options closer to home,” says Matties. “That’s why it is important for me to Extra Life. I would recommend that anyone who likes playing games should participate in this event. Saskatchewan children are our future and we need to provide the best we can for them.”

The Extra Life Guild will continue to collect donations from gamers for their annual total until December 31st. Learn more at extra-life.org.

Extra Life launched in

2008 The Extra Life movement was inspired by a young girl named

Victoria Enmon

She tragically lost her life to Leukemia.

There are over

70 Extra Life Guilds across North America.

Extra Life has raised over

$30 million In 2014, over

100,000

gamers were part of the worldwide Extra Life community.

Over

65,000

gamers participated in North America last year.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 PATISONCHILDRENS.CA 17

What’s Happening Now On

PRAIRIE PROUD

Community is one of the fundamental values of Prairie Proud and they have committed to investing back into the prairies, by donating a portion of every sale of hoodies, shirts, hats, sweats, watches and more to a prairie based charity. Here in Saskatchewan, all funds raised are donated to Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation. For products please visit: prairieproud.ca.

Mar

3

CROSSMOUNT PRINCESS GALA

Dust off your tiara, slip on your princess slippers, and put on your party dress for the 2nd Annual Crossmount Princess Gala. Filled with fairy-tale crafts, Disney Princesses, activities and story time, and a child-friendly dinner buffet followed by a dance led by Prince Charming, this is sure to be an elegant evening full of magic in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Mar

4-17

GIANT TIGER CAMPAIGN FOR KIDS

Giant Tiger stores across Saskatchewan are raising money for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation! Stop in at your local Giant Tiger from March 4 - 17 and purchase a JPCHF icon. 100% of the funds raised support Saskatchewan moms, kids, and babies.

18 PATTISONCHILDRENS.CA WINTER/SPRING 2018

ROUND UP AT SAVE-ON-FOODS

Starts Feb

23

Save On Foods stores across the province are rounding up for kids!

You can help provide advanced care to Saskatchewan kids when you round up your bill to the nearest dollar.

All funds raised will stay in Saskatchewan to help our moms, babies, kids and teens. Runs to March 8.

FIRE FIGHTERS CALENDAR Fire Fighters of Saskatchewan have come together to support Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, through sales of their 15th anniversary calendar.

Now On

The calendar can be purchased at London Drugs, Peavy Mart, select Walmarts, and online at saskfirefighterscalendar.com.

JEANS & JEWELS GALA

Apr

27

Get out your mod minis, bell bottoms, polyester, and peace signs! Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala presented by Mosaic returns with a fab night of food, far out live and silent auctions, a free photobooth and the grooviest entertainment in town.

Get your tickets today at pattisonchildrens.ca.

Please donate to Saskatchewan’s maternal and children’s hospital.

C H I L D R E N ’S H OS P I TA L

pattisonchildrens.ca

Tune in to CJWW, 92.9 The Bull & 98COOL fm January 31 - February 2.

Get involved.

Fundraise.

Donate. pattisonchildrens.ca

Hopebegins & Healing with you Donate Today. pattisonchildrens.ca

1-345 Third Ave S, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6 | info@pattisonchildrens.ca | 1.888.808.5437