Kids4Kids Program
In 2006, 9-year old Sarah LeMay asked the Healing Cycle Foundation if money raised by children at its event could be given to children who require palliative care. Her question lead to the creation of a team of children raising money for other children. Sarah agreed to captain a Kids4Kids Team, knowing that 100% of the money her team raised would go to helping children who needed palliative care assistance from Credit Valley Hospital.
As a direct result of the Kids4Kids Team, the Healing Cycle Foundation was able to fund a Paediatric Palliative Care Facilitator staff position at Credit Valley Hospital. This position assists families who need to establish contact with local paediatricians and doctors expert in palliative care, once it becomes clear that the child no longer has curative treatment options. The Facilitator bridges the gap between community services, Credit Valley Hospital and multidisciplinary team members. If a child becomes distressed due to respiratory difficulties, pain management issues or other end-of-life complications the Facilitator communicates a plan of care and develops a system of “direct admit” from home to an inpatient bed, bypassing the Emergency Department, ensuring a smooth transition from the home, should the need arise.
As the children continue to raise funds for other children, there will be other projects and opportunities to assist these special children and their families.
