OT: Fundraising for SickKids Hospital in Toronto

[MitchellUK]

Hi, all.

Some of the longer-term posters on the board should remember me, and some of you may even have noticed that I haven't been around too much recently. The reason for that is the little guy in the picture below - my son, Caleb.



Caleb passed away a couple of months ago aged 17 months. He was born with a multiple congenital heart defects, and underwent 6 heart surgeries at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in an attempt to fix them. One of those surgeries occurred last May, with the remaining 5 being performed between mid-November and December 23rd as the staff at SickKids battled to save him. Unfortunately, the toll of 5 surgeries in such a short space of time left Caleb's heart too week to function without mechanical assistance, leaving a transplant as the only remaining option. He passed away on January 29th from multiple complications related to his condition while waiting to be assessed for a transplant.

Though his story didn't have a happy ending, his life for the most part was full of joy and happiness, thanks in no small part to the amazing surgeons, doctors, nurses, RTs and other staff at the hospital. The work they did with him immediately after he was born, and during his first surgical admission last spring, was nothing short of miraculous and allowed him to live an otherwise healthy, normal life. Multiple surgeries were always on the cards for him give the extent of his heart problems, and when he was re-admitted in November, the team working with him shed blood, sweat and tears 24/7 for 10 weeks to try and force a positive outcome. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. We set up a fundraising page in Caleb's memory so that we might bring something positive from his death and help the people at SickKids treat more children like him. If you have a few dollars to spare and would like to help, please follow the link below:

https://www.sickkidsdonations.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=3217136

Credit cards are accepted, and money goes directly to SickKids. Thank you in advance for any donations people are able to give.

[RickB-Orlando]

Holy cow, I am just so sorry to hear about this! Mitchell, my sincere sympathy and prayers. I know from personal experience the pain and anguish my parents went through when they lost my sister, and I can only imagine how heartbreaking this must have been.

Hang in there, hopefully you'll find some escape hanging around here a bit. Rest In Peace, Caleb!

[penn24]

Words can't express.

A truly beautiful boy.

I've made a donation and shared the page with my family and friends.

[locomagicfan]

Mitchell,

As a fellow Torontonian, I will certainly support you and your cause.

I write this message from across the street at Mount Sinai Hospital where we just today had our first child, so my heart definitely goes out to you!

[MitchellUK]

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate the kind words and the donations are going to an amazing place.


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[Viper1500]

I am so sorry to hear that. I can't even imagine. It makes me appreciate life even more. My condolences go out to you and your family and I love what you're trying to do.


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[fendilim]

Condolences to you, Mitchell

[FFBlitzace]

Very sorry to hear this.

[npiper17]

I'll be making a donation from here in the UK.

Incredibly sad story and I hugely admire your positivity. What a little fighter he must have been.
Condolences.

[T-DOT KEEZY]

Though I do not remember you as a poster. As a Canadian and more so a Torontian I will support your page.

My younger brother was in the Sick Kids NICU for 6 months and went through a trying ordeal himself post-birth. The physicians, nurses, and Staff at SickKids are top notch. We know as he went through Kidney failure, collapsed lungs, and other things.

Sorry for your loss. Gods blessings and strength to you, your wife and extended family. There aren't enough words to say.