BC Children's Hospital Foundation

At 15 years old, Kaelyn was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a diagnosis that took her out of high school and led to nearly nine months of inpatient care on the oncology floor at BC Children’s Hospital. During this time, she spent her 16th birthday at the hospital surrounded by friends and family, and even getting a special birthday message from one of her favourite actors, .

Driven to give back to the hospital that saved her, Kaelyn rallied her community while she was at the hospital, raising over $18,000 for other patients and families who rely on BC Children’s.

The compassionate and expert care that Kaelyn received inspired her to look ahead to the future. She is now working towards getting into nursing school to get her closer to her dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse at BC Children’s Hospital.

We’re thrilled to see Kaelyn thriving as she enters her last year of high school, currently in remission, all while making a difference for kids with cancer in BC and the Yukon. Thank you, Kaelyn, for your courage and dedication.

Make a positive impact this August by joining in on these events supporting BC Children’s Hospital.

🌮 BCCH CHAMPS x STREATS CLOVERDALE

Enjoy globally inspired street-food while supporting BC’s kids. When you use the code BCCH2024 in-store and online, 20% of all orders are donated to BCCH Champs fundraising initiative. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3M5XwOe

🗓️ AUG 16-18

📍 STReats Cloverdale Kitchen, #132-17455 56 Avenue, Surrey, BC

🎶 EMERGING ARTISTS AT THE HOLLYWOOD – A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BC CHILDREN'S HOSTED BY DANE SUNG

Join us for a night of live music by emerging, local artists in support of BC Children’s Hospital! Get your free ticket here: https://bit.ly/4fJTHM3 and make a donation to support BCCHF here: https://bit.ly/4dBtTk1

🗓️ AUG 20

📍 The Hollywood, 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Reid Taylor, a firefighter from Delta, has been a dedicated supporter of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation for six years. His journey began when his third child, Blakely, spent ten challenging days at BC Children’s Hospital shortly after her birth. "It was a long ten days for our family. Between that and some of the calls I have been on at work involving kids as a first responder, I wanted to do more," Reid shared.

Motivated by sportscaster Rich Eisen's annual 40-yard dash in his work clothes (a suit and tie) to benefit his local children’s hospital, Reid began his own annual fundraiser for BCCHF, running the dash in full firefighting gear. This year, he took his commitment to the next level, choosing to run 42 kilometres—a full marathon —in the same gear, weighing 45 pounds.

Reid’s remarkable marathon effort this year raised $11,000, bringing his total to over $72,000 since 2017. We are incredibly grateful for Reid’s unwavering dedication and for the support he has received from the community along the way. Thank you, Reid, for helping make kids mighty.

We are so grateful to Wholesale Club for the incredible support. When you shop with them, you can make a donation to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and help us make a mighty impact on child health in our province. ❤️

Meet Dr. Martin Hosking and Connie Ens, RN, long-term team members of the BC Children’s Hospital Cardiology department. When asked about their favorite part of working with BCCH Cardiac Services, they both expressed a deep appreciation for their incredible team and the inspiring journeys of the families they support. This gratitude has motivated them to participate in the Triple Crown for Heart charity ride to raise funds for the patients and families they serve.
The annual ride conquers all three North Shore mountains—Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress—in a single day. Whether you ride one mountain or all three, every pedal stroke makes a difference. Proceeds from the ride support projects that enhance the hospital experience and promote healing for pediatric heart patients and their families.

We are deeply thankful for the dedication of team members like Dr. Hosking and Connie, who go above and beyond to support BC Children's Hospital. Their commitment to our patients and families is truly inspiring, both in their daily roles and through their participation in the Triple Crown for Heart ride. Join them on Saturday, July 20, to conquer the mountains and support the cardiac unit!

36 years ago, the Chinese community united with a shared vision to enhance pediatric care at BC Children's Hospital, giving rise to the Chinese-Canadian RISE (CCRISE) Committee. Their rallying call inspired countless compassionate individuals to come forward and lend their support. Today, they continue to inspire the next generation of philanthropists to carry forward their legacy.

Just 5 years ago, responding to the growing Mandarin-speaking Chinese population, the Chinese-Canadian Care (CCCARE) Committee emerged from this vibrant community. This year, both committees joined forces to champion the Food Allergy Immunotherapy Program (FAIT) at BC Children’s. Through their combined efforts, they have raised over $1 million to aid children facing life-threatening food allergies.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese community for their unwavering dedication and support, which is making a profound difference in the lives of children and families across the province.

TD RBC

Some children present to the hospital with puzzling symptoms like recurrent infections and inflammatory conditions, making diagnosis a challenge. Enter the Division of Immunology—one of the newest divisions at BC Children’s Hospital, with a dedicated team of clinical immunologists celebrated globally for their expertise in care, teaching, and research.

At our annual Legacy Circle Members Luncheon, members were inspired and enthralled as the Immunology team shared compelling stories of successful diagnoses and treatments. They had the opportunity to learn about Immunoglobulin replacement therapy and how to use subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) pumps, as well as interact with antibodies and microbes. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy provides antibodies from healthy donors to children with immune deficiencies. SCIG can be administered at home, offering accessibility, convenience, safety, and comfort for pediatric patients.

To our Legacy Circle Members, we are so grateful for your future legacy commitment. Together, you are ensuring that tomorrow’s children benefit from the latest innovations and advances in child health.

Thank you, Dr. Kyla Hildebrand, Dr. Elliot James, Dr. Catherine Biggs and Colleen Ring, RN, for your inspiring presentation and your care of kids across BC and the Yukon.

If you would like to learn more about how you can leave a lasting impact for generations to come, visit bcchf.ca/legacy

Kick off summer with these exciting events for a great cause.

🌮 LITTLE MEXICO CANTINA TACO EATING CONTEST
Be a spectator or join in on this epic taco eating competition in Steveston in support of Wigs for Kids BC. Sign up or donate here: https://secure.bcchf.ca/SuperheroPages/team.cfm?Event=WigsForKids&Team=15735
🗓️ JUNE 30
📍 Little Mexico Cantina - 3131 Chatham St #150, Richmond, BC

🌙 RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET
Check out our BCCHF booth at the Richmond Summer Night Market! 100% of proceeds will support the Food Allergy Immunotherapy Program at BC Children’s Hospital.
🗓️ JUNE 28 - JULY 1
📍 8351 River Road, Richmond, BC

⚽ KICK FOR A CURE EVENT
Enjoy an all-day event with soccer tournaments, kids' soccer clinics, prizes, food vendors, and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children's Hospital.
🗓️ JULY 6
📍 Coquitlam Town Centre - 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC

🧋 CANADA BUBBLE TEA FESTIVAL
Canada’s largest Bubble Tea Festival is coming to Vancouver! Enjoy a cool drink for a cause, with all ticket sales supporting BC Children’s Hospital when purchased via https://www.bcchf.ca/vanbubbleteafest
🗓️ JULY 19 - 21
📍 Swangard Stadium, 6100 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC

🚴 TRIPLE CROWN FOR HEART
Conquer all three North Shore mountains (Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress) at this cycling event, where all proceeds go to supporting heart patients and their families.
🗓️ JULY 20
📍 Ron Andrews Community Center, 931 Lytton St, North Vancouver, BC

The Chinese-Canadian Care Fundraising Committee (CCCare) has been a pillar of support for BC Children's Hospital since its inception in 2019. Founded to unite like-minded community and business leaders, particularly within the Mandarin-speaking community, CCCare has spent the last five years enabling the hospital to provide exceptional care for kids and families across BC.
Last Friday, the community came together for the 2024 Care for Kids Golf Tournament, golfing for a good cause and raising an impressive $196,782. This tremendous success also concludes the 2023-2024 Chinese-Canadian Care Campaign with a remarkable total of $418,610 and counting, bringing their cumulative total to over $1,019,695 in support of BC Children's Hospital over the past five years.

We are so grateful for the CCCare committee and Community, whose support continues to drive advancements in child health across the province. To learn more about the event, please visit https://secure.bcchf.ca/SHP/index.cfm?Event=CareForKids

Thank you for bringing joy and sharing smiles with our mighty patients, Vancouver Whitecaps FC ! 💙

This week, our community shared how the dads and father figures in their lives make them mighty. Each story and photo we received reflects the powerful love, strength, and dedication BC Children’s parents bring to their kids’ lives—even during the toughest moments. Thank you, dads, for .

In July 2023, Navy was the third British Columbian in 20 years to be diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease, a rare genetic disorder. Her family had no way of knowing at that time what a powerful role Navy's sister, Hallie, would play in this journey.

“Almost five years ago, we walked through a different set of hospital doors to bring our girl Hallie into the world. Today, we walked into BC Children’s to explain to her how she can change her little sister’s world as a bone marrow donor. At her appointment today, Hallie learned about the bone marrow and immune system, and how her body could save her little sister Navy’s life. She surprised us and asked some really good questions. She shared her fears and was met with reassurance. She was asked if she wanted to be Navy’s hero—and she said yes. Tomorrow Hallie turns five, and I couldn’t possibly be more proud of her. She is not only Navy’s hero, but mine and Daddy’s too.” -Charlene, Hallie and Navy’s mom

Ahead of this weekend's RBC Race for the Kids, we're highlighting some inspiring fundraisers. Meet Oliver.

Oliver and his family first encountered RBC Race for the Kids through work—not only is Oliver's dad an RBC employee, his grandparents are too. Although they had never needed BC Children’s Hospital before, they’ve always passionately supported children’s health—his mom Melissa even ran the race while pregnant with Oliver. Then, this past January, everything changed: 4-year-old Oliver was diagnosed with cancer. "You never think it’s going to be your kid who needs the hospital, until one day it is," said Melissa.

Now more than ever, Oliver’s family remains steadfast in their support of BC Children’s Hospital, proud of how their community has rallied around them. “Oliver is mighty even on tough days, and it’s so touching to see how his siblings have stood by him,” said Melissa. “I’m proud of them, and for the community that comes together every year to race for something so important. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

Last week, we unveiled the Shinozaki Family School Room – an essential space that gives children who require long-term care the ability to continue their education while in hospital. We are honoured to name the space after Ken and Junko Shinozaki and their family, who have donated $1.4 million to BC Children’s Hospital since 2019 to propel innovative research in pediatric oncology and diabetes, as well as support vital social work initiatives. This gift stands as a testament to the heartfelt belief of Ken and Junko that “children are our future and our greatest treasure”.

We are deeply grateful for Ken, Junko, and their two children. It is thanks to donors like the Shinozaki family, who believe in the holistic care provided by the teams at BC Children’s Hospital, that healthcare goes above and beyond treatment at BC Children’s to meet the unique needs of kids during their mighty journey.

We are officially one week away from RBC Race for the Kids, and we can't wait to join Eva and her team, , as they turn small steps into mighty strides and run to conquer childhood illness across the province. 🏃‍♂️💙 Show us how you're preparing for next week's race—tag us and use the hashtag to share your journey to race day!

Caleb was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy. Despite doing everything they could to avoid nuts, his family found themselves in the emergency department five times before he turned three due to accidental exposure.

“It was such a dark time—but I knew I couldn’t give up,” his mother Janey said. Her persistence led her to Dr. Edmond Chan and the team at the BC Children’s Hospital Allergy Clinic, who are at the forefront of oral immunotherapy (OIT) research. With steady increases in peanut dosage starting at age 4, his family was thrilled to see incredible progress in his tolerance levels. Today, the 10-year-old no longer faces any food restrictions—all thanks to the transformative impact of the program.

Approximately 58,000 children in BC live with potentially life-threatening food allergies, but fortunately, BCCH is home to globally renowned pediatric allergists who are at the forefront of food immunotherapy. Through the development of the Virtual Food Allergy Immunotherapy () Pilot Program at BCCH—the first nurse-supported virtual platform for food allergy immunotherapy in Canada—more kids will be able to receive food immunotherapy that has the power to eliminate their allergies and transform their lives.

This year, the 36th Annual Chinese-Canadian RISE for BC Kids is raising funds for this program through a two-day radiothon and telethon starting this weekend. Tune in to and discover how you can double your impact and help accelerate our fight against food allergies. Learn more at bcchf.ca/ccrise

Last week, esteemed members of the Innovators Program at BC Children’s Hospital, along with a community of passionate philanthropists, came together to launch year two of this transformative program.

The Innovators program brings together an exclusive group of entrepreneurial philanthropists, business and community leaders and change-makers who share a common goal to transform children’s health, one idea at a time. While the concept is simple, its potential for impact is immense. As the next generation of philanthropists, Innovators are committed to funding big ideas and projects that will ignite breakthrough, accelerate medical discoveries, and bring innovative treatments to kids.

To learn more about the Innovators Program and how you can get involved visit: bcchf.ca/innovators

Meet RBC Banking Advisor Kevin Walls. As a former patient with Tetralogy of Fallot, Kevin underwent two complex surgeries at BC Children’s Hospital—one at just eight months old and another at three years old. Kevin credits the hospital staff for making him feel safe and cared for during his early years despite the challenges of being a young patient with a serious medical condition. Now living in Kelowna with his own family, he takes pride in the access to care provided by BCCH. He feels grateful to work with RBC, a company that champions initiatives like RBC Race for the Kids to support child health in BC. “Without the dedication and expertise of the team at BC Children’s Hospital, I would not be here today to enjoy my life with my loving partner and beautiful daughters,” he says. Join Kevin and thousands of other supporters as they come together on June 9 to make mighty strides for BC's kids here: https://fundraise.bcchf.ca/event/race-for-the-kids

Nate and his family have participated in RBC Race for the Kids for several years now. This isn’t just because Nate has received exceptional care from BC Children’s, but because it allows the 6-year-old to channel his passion for running into helping other kids facing serious illness.

Born with Down syndrome, Nate had minimal medical needs in the early stages of his life. But at 17 months old, he was diagnosed with an alarming respiratory condition, and rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at BC Children’s—where his mother Christina had worked for over 15 years. While his health has stabilized in recent years, the family is grateful for the dedicated care he received in his time of need. They love giving back through RBC Race for the Kids. “We always look forward to the energy of the event,” said Christina. “And I love building “Nate’s Army” filled with all the people who love and support both him and BC Children’s.”

Join Nate and his team at this year’s race on June 9 as they race toward a healthier future for children in BC. Sign up here: https://fundraise.bcchf.ca/event/race-for-the-kids

Remember our beloved ‘Mighty as a Mother’ shirts from last year? Now, you can stop by the BC Children’s Hospital Gift Shop to explore our latest limited collection, honouring not only the mighty mothers, but also the dads and siblings who stand strong beside kids during their medical journeys. Proceeds from each purchase support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. 👕❤️

Last night, the For Children We Care Gala presented by Rogers and Vancouver Canucks took place, and we’re thrilled to announce that an incredible $2M (and counting) has been raised to help shape the future of care by advancing the Clinical Trials Super Hub at BC Children’s Hospital. The Super Hub will bring clinical trials closer to home and advance new treatments across all areas of the hospital, ultimately helping to solidify BC Children’s as a global leader in clinical trials.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the For Children We Care Committee, guided by co-chairs Jessica Yan-Macintosh and Katherine Xu, for their dedication in bringing this event to life.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors, partners, and donors, including Rogers, Vancouver Canucks, RBC, Coast Fraser, Oakridge Park, and Viva Pharmaceutical Inc. Last night would not have been possible without your support!

Some of the children who come to BC Children’s each year are facing a devastating illness or condition. When standard treatments prove ineffective, clinical trials offer the opportunity to access cutting-edge therapeutic options that would otherwise be unavailable. A clinical trial can lead to a better understanding of a disease, opening the door to novel medications, treatments and even cures. For families facing the unthinkable, it is a source of hope and light when the world is at its darkest.

Tomorrow night, the 2024 For Children We Care Gala presented by Rogers and Vancouver Canucks is fundraising to fast-track the Clinical Trials Super Hub at BC Children’s Hospital, a first of its kind in Canada. Supporters of the gala will help to improve the lives of BC’s kids and pave the way to a future where every child can thrive.

We invite you to follow our Instagram and Facebook stories tomorrow as we make a lasting impact on children’s health.

For 6-year-old Lennox and his family, RBC Race for the Kids is a celebration of joy and resilience. Lennox has battled a rare, life-threatening immune disorder for the last 3 years, and now that he’s finished his chemo treatments, the family knows this year’s race is going to be better than ever.

When asked what motivated the family to join the run, Lennox’s mom Katie said, “My son has had the most exceptional care from BC Children’s. We wanted to give back any way we can, and this was such a great opportunity.”

While the family initially joined the race to give back, they were blown away by how much fun they had. “Last year was magical,” said Katie. “There were people on stilts, people dressed up as movie characters—everyone coming together as a community to make a difference. We didn’t want it to end. This is a race we want to be a part of year after year.”

Join Team Hero Lennox and thousands of other people across the province on June 9 for this year's race. Sign up here: https://fundraise.bcchf.ca/event/race-for-the-kids/

Join us in making a difference while enjoying the festivities this month!

🖼️ Behnaz’s Art Show
🗓️ MAY 1 - 31
📍 3811 Moncton St, Richmond, BC
👉 Support local artist Behnaz Behzadi, who is donating 50% of proceeds sold from her paintings to BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

🎵 Mona Louey Charity Concert
🗓️ MAY 2
📍 Continental Seafood Restaurant
👉 Enjoy an evening of music with friends and family, all in the cause of supporting BC Children's Hospital.

🎉 TJ Fest
🗓️ MAY 4-5, 11AM-4PM
📍 3426 Smith Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 2T3
👉 Celebrate a festive weekend with loved ones at this free community cultural event. Visit our BC Children's Hospital Foundation booth and meet our event partners: Chloe Jewelry, Star Face Painting Studio, Vancouver Youngme Share and Serve Association, and Youngme Youth Volunteer Program!

⛳ Upper Fraser Valley Golf Tournament
🗓️ MAY 11
📍 Cultus Lake Golf Club, 4000 Columbia Valley Highway
👉 Join us at this annual event, where the Upper Fraser Valley Community for Kids Committee hosts a lively, non-competitive golf tournament, all in support of BC Children’s Hospital fundraising efforts.

💃 Changna Dance Academy Charity Show
🗓️ MAY 19
📍 Richmond Riverrock Theatre
👉 Dance towards a brighter future for children's health at this charity show where all ticket proceeds support BC Children's Hospital.

🎉 Youngme Youth Volunteer Gala
🗓️ MAY 25
📍 Fortune Terrace Chinese Cuisine
👉 Come celebrate Vancouver Youngme's eighth anniversary as they honour outstanding youth volunteers at their Charity Gala. Ticket sales and auction proceeds will benefit BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

🛍️ Auxiliary Silent Auction
🗓️ MAY 23 - 24
📍 Online
👉 Join the BC Children's Hospital Auxiliary online auction, where you can bid on an array of items including clothes, toys, electronics and more all while knowing that every bid goes toward supporting BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

🏓 Ping for BC Kids
🗓️ MAY 25
📍 Cosports Badminton & Table Tennis Club
👉 Watch as players compete for a cause at this Ping Pong Tournament, rallying support for BC Children's Hospital.