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Riley's Rally for Sick Kids taking place today! Two-hour fun fair will raise money for Sick Kids Hospital
Today is the day and everyone is invited to an incredible event that aims to make a difference in the lives of sick children.
This story involves a young girl named Riley. She was living the life of any typical nine-year-old, until New Year’s Eve, 2022, when she was taken to the Brantford General Hospital with respiratory issues The next day she went back for ultrasound results as she was experiencing bronchiectasis causing her to vomit After a series of tests and a chest x-ray, she was taken to McMaster University Hospital in Hamilton That New Year’s Day from McMaster, she was rushed by ambulance to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto where she was monitored for heart regression By January 4th, Riley underwent surgery to receive her LVAD – a left ventricular assist device which is a pump that is used for patients who have reached end-stage heart failure. The LVAD was surgically implanted in her young body. This batteryoperated, mechanical pump helped Riley’s left ventricle pump blood to the rest of her body. These were extremely scary days and nights for her parents as anyone could only imagine.
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The 6 weeks at SickKids became a place of child and family-centred care for Riley and her family. We knew she was receiving the best care, as SickKids is Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children’s health in the country. Riley and her family are so grateful for the care she received.
During the early hours of Saturday, September 16, 2023, Riley received her donor heart at SickKids. Acall that came in from her team at the hospital was received with joy and trepidation as we knew this meant that another family was suffering the loss of their loved one. Wanting to make a difference and express their deepest gratitude for everyone who has supported her, Riley is hosting Riley’s Rally for Sick Kids, today only. From 12 pm to 2 pm Riley’s Rally is a fun fair style event in Brantford to raise money for Sick Kids
Hospital. The Fun Fair will be hosted at Branlynn School at 238 Brantwood Road, Brantford
The fair will include inflatable obstacle courses, Doug the Great, Brent the Balloon Twister, Stripes from the Hamilton Tigercats, games, prizes, pizza treats and much more.
Join us at Riley's Rally for Sick Kids and be part of a day filled with love, laughter, and compassion. Together, we can make a difference!
Riley and her family are incredibly grateful for the care and support they received at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto during her six week stay. After receiving a new donor heart in September of 2023, Riley is back to bouncing on her trampoline and keeping up with her friends. She wants to give back to Sick Kids Hospital, so she is hosting Riley’s Rally for Sick Kids today only.
