Cardiac Kids

Team Sick Kids at the world transplant games!

 We first heard about this organization after Joshua's second surgery, since then they have been a support to us, providing fun things for us to do as a family to forget for a moment that Josh is anything more than a normal little boy. They are out there raising support so that kids like Josh can find each other and not feel so different after all. As we move through February and CHD awareness month on this Blog I am happy to include this amazing charity and highlight the things that they do for us, but also for the many other families affected by CHD. The money they raise goes directly to the Cardiology ward at Sick Kids, directly helping Josh and the kids he has gotten to know through Sick Kids.

Cardiac Kids is a volunteer group established in 2000 to raise much-needed funds for children who are suffering from congenital heart disease. 1 in 100 Canadian children are born with a congenital heart defect and more than half need surgery to survive. More than half of the patients who require surgery are under one year old, and almost a quarter are less than a month old. Congenital Heart Defects or CHDs are the most common birth defect.

Funds raised by Cardiac Kids are used to support the children and staff of the cardiology ward at The Hospital for Sick Children.

 “Cardiac Kids is important because it provides emotional support to
patients and families living with congenital heart disease. The
opportunity to meet each other outside the hospital setting is so
valuable, especially for those who are early in their journey. Meeting
families with older children who have had similar experiences with cardiac
surgery and hospitalization in a fun and social setting provides hope that
there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is so important in building
resilience and supporting emotional health and well being that contributes
to improved quality of life.”

- Kathleen Einarson RN, MScN, NP-Paediatrics
Nurse Practitioner
The Labatt Family Heart Centre
The Hospital for Sick Children
Chair, Cardiac Kids Committee

Cardiac Kids has touched many lives since its inception, we remain committed to providing fun and social opportunities that contribute to the emotional well being of children with congenital heart disease. To boost the morale of the children and their families, Cardiac Kids has hosted approximately 2000 kids from across Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada at various sporting and social events. In addition, Cardiac Kids provides funding for educational seminars for patients and their families, sponsors Team SickKids at the World Transplant Games, and donated $1,000,000 to Camp Oki the first Canadian camp for kids with heart defects.

Cardiac Kids is a strong supporter of pediatric cardiology nursing education, with the aim of helping provide the best possible care for children who must undergo cardiac treatment. To that end, each year scholarships and conference funding are provided to Cardiac Program nurses to maintain their position at the leading edge of pediatric cardiology nursing.

Colena - meeting John Michael Liles at the Leafs game