Meet our 2018 Champion Child
Colton Hasebe named 2018 ambassador for BC Children’s Hospital
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce Colton Hasebe as their 2018 Champion Child presented by Walmart Canada. Hasebe takes over the role of Champion Child from 16-year-old Taylin McGill, who presented her superhero cape to the new ambassador at an event with Walmart Canada today.
Children’s Miracle Network Champions presented by Walmart is an awareness program designed to educate communities on the life-saving work happening at member hospitals across Canada. As Champion Child, Colton and his family will be present at many major fundraising events for BC Children’s Hospital, sharing his story and speaking about how the hospital has impacted him. He’ll also spend time in Ottawa and Orlando, Florida, meeting other Champions representing children’s hospitals across North America.
On December 19th, 2015 Colton was suffering from a worrisome asthma attack when his family decided to bring him to BC Children’s Hospital. Upon entering the Emergency Department, he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. The young boy’s heart stopped beating for a full 15 minutes and he suffered a permanent brain injury from lack of oxygen. Colton lost his vision, and was unable to eat or walk. Ten days after his heart attack, he was moved to Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Children’s Hospital’s rehabilitation facility, for treatment, where he learned to walk and talk again. After just a month at Sunny Hill, Colton regained his autonomy and was able to return home with his family. Colton has been called “a miracle” by Dr. Garth Meckler, head of Emergency Medicine at BC Children’s Hospital, and continues to thrive in his recovery.
“Each year, we identify a remarkable child to be our ambassador in the community,” said Teri Nicholas, President and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Colton and his family this past year, and were inspired by his incredible journey. We are thrilled he agreed to serve as our Champion Child for 2018,”
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation also announced that the 46 Walmart stores in BC have raised over $10 million dollars in support of BC Children’s Hospital since 1994, and honoured their commitment to pediatric healthcare at the event.
“Colton’s strength, perseverance and positive outlook personifies the spirit of a true champion. We are extremely proud to support him as he embarks on a journey to raise awareness of the great work BC Children’s Hospital provides to the 1 million children living in BC and the Yukon.” — Erin Mackey, manager, community investment, Walmart Canada
About BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
As the province’s only full-service, pediatric acute care hospital BC Children’s Hospital serves the one million children living in BC and the Yukon. Last year, more than 86,600 children visited BC Children’s Hospital for specialized care including emergency treatment, intensive care, kidney, heart and bone marrow transplants, brain surgery, chemotherapy, mental health programs and more. Since 1982, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has partnered with kids, families, health professionals, and hundreds of thousands of people across the province to improve and advance care at BC Children’s Hospital, its research institute, and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. For more information please visit www.bcchf.ca and on social media at @bcchf.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the non-profit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 410 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, www.walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $300 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.