I’m running (yes, on purpose... again...) in the Ottawa Race Weekend — and I’m doing it in support of CHEO.

As someone who grew up in Ottawa, CHEO has always been part of the landscape — both literally and personally. I’ve experienced their care firsthand as a kid, and now as a parent, I’m deeply grateful to have world-class pediatric care just down the road.

We’ve been lucky — our family’s visits have included treatment for infant fevers, broken bones, baby-sized IV needles (gastro that just wouldn’t quit), stitches, ultrasounds, X-rays, burns, asthma flare-ups… but nothing too serious. That said, no one ever walks through CHEO’s doors on their best day. Whether it’s a late-night ER visit, specialized diagnostic care, speech therapy, or far more complex challenges like oncological care, chronic condition management, or mental health treatment — CHEO is there.

From the animal footprints that help you navigate the halls, to staff who somehow still go the extra mile despite the pressures on our healthcare system — CHEO shows up, every single time.

If you’re able, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support as I lace up and raise funds for this essential institution. Let’s make sure CHEO can keep doing what they do best — caring for our kids, when they need it most.