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It's a giving day - I'm donating $1 for each comment!

When my oldest son was just under 12 weeks old, he got a kidney infection and had to be hospitalized. He was admitted to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario for almost two weeks. During those two weeks, I had to see my baby with an IV in his hands and feet - they had to keep switching it. If that wasn't hard enough, seeing my child get countless numbers of x-rays and catheters was heartbreaking. But the staff at CHEO was amazing - they made our stay tolerable.

At 6 months old, he got another kidney infection, due to a condition he had at birth called hydronephrosis (which he has since outgrown and is 100% okay!) and spent 5 more days in CHEO. He was a little older, but it was just as hard to see him in pain and in the hospital. I have blogged about this before, but for me, words can't describe the experience of seeing your child sick and in the hospital is like. It's a nightmare, to say the very least.

Last year, when my son was 3, his cold turned into a severe case of pneumonia and he spent 14 days in CHEO. During that time, things took a turn for the worse and he needed surgery in his lung to drain fluid. He spent 4 of those days with a chest tube in him. He was hooked up to an IV and an oxygen mask, too. I can honestly say those two weeks were the worst of my entire life, and that experience changed me forever. It was horrible, and something I'll never get over. I don't believe it has made me a stronger person. It has only made me wish even harder that NO child should ever be sick, and that no child should ever be so sick that they never get to go back home.

Every year my family and I donate to CHEO, because this hospital saved our child's life and because I love all children. I am so thankful for this hospital, for the wonderful nurses that took care of my child and helped me, too. I'm thankful for the late night conversations and even some laughter with our favourite nurses. (Hi, Marjorie!) I'm also eternally grateful for the amazing doctors and surgeons who took such good care of my little guy. (Imagine my surprise when I found out the surgeon who would be operating on my son was the father of his classmate at playgroup!)

I can think of no more worthy cause than supporting CHEO. It's the least I can do to show my gratitude and thanks for all they've done for me, and for so many other children. I can assure you if I won the lottery, the first thing I'd do would give a big chunk of money to this children's hospital!

Today, with each comment I receive, I will donate $1 to CHEO. I think it is a fitting time, since this weekend - June 5th and 6th - is the CHEO telethon!

So go ahead, and leave me a comment - your comments mean you're helping this amazing hospital, too!

(*I have a certain number in my head that I'm trying to reach - once I get there, I"ll stop comments on this post.*)

THANK YOU!

Update: It's just after midnight - so I'm going to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, to each and every one of you - 117 comments in one day - your comments meant the world to me; thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll be presenting CHEO with a cheque next week. xoxo

Comments

Jackie Higgins said…
Wow! I'm glad your little guy is ok. What a great way to give back!
Cora Brady said…
LouLou, what a heart felt post. you brought a tear to my eye. i have worked extensively with sick kids Hospital in Toronto from my days working with the Maple Leafs where i brought the players to visit very very sick kids. I have such a place in my heart for the wonderful people who work at children's hospitals and now as a mother those feels are on a whole new level. I also want to thank YOU for the thoughtful and caring tweets you sent to me while i was camped out in SKH this year. It was really encouraging! xo
LindseyJay said…
Posting for a cause... glad your little guy is okay. They sound like great kids!!
Heather said…
I don't live in Canada but I have heard excellent things about CHEO. It is so wonderful that you are able to do such a good thing for this awesome facility!

p.s. can't wait to meet you at BlogHer!!
Chantal said…
This is pretty awesome Loukia (and inspirational!) CHEO is an amazing institution. We are lucky to have it in our region!
Laura said…
Our family has experienced great medical care and support from CHEO. This is a wonderful initiative. Glad to hear your son is doing so well. :)
Anonymous said…
I do not live anywhere near you, but have had a few stays at a childrens hospital with my own kids and would love to help support another.
Joni said…
I spent some time in the Vancouver Children's Hospital as an infant myself, and the BCCHF is one of my favourite charities. I did a sales project in school and donated the proceeds for it last year. What a great cause!
Liisa Vexler said…
Thanks for doing this Loukia. I can only imagine what you what through.

We're lucky to have this facility in our community.
Rebecca said…
Go CHEO! Go Loukia!! ;)
Kerry said…
Loukia this is such a great idea - and a beautiful post! Children's Hospitals do such great work... my brothers spent many months as a baby at Sick Kids, and I've heard my Mom talk about how hard it is to see your child sick! I can only imagine! I'm glad your little guy has pulled through and that CHEO made his time there easier on all of you!
Happy to leave a comment for what sounds like an amazing hospital with caring and talented staff.

Glad you're little guy is doing well.

Melissa :)
Unknown said…
Wow Loukia didn't know you went through something like this, when are children get a fever and colds its hard enough to deal with!Im glad to hear your kids are well keep up the good work!
What a great thing you're doing. I have had a few experiences with Sick Kids in Toronto - and I too have a great respect for children's hospitals. I'm glad you're little guy is ok! Good luck with your fundraising! I may have to do this too, what a great idea! Thanks so much for caring.xoxo
What a fun way to get a donation.
Glad to hear your little guy is okay. Best of luck getting a healthy donation for CHEO!
Unknown said…
What a great idea - all the best!
DebC said…
Loukia, this is such a great post and a wonderful idea. I'm so glad you and your son had such great care at CHEO and that he is now well. It is truly heartwrenching to see our little people in pain and suffering. Other people's little people too.
The folks at CHEO are amazing. I am so glad they're there for our kids!
Wonderful, generous iniative!

I too think the CHEO staff (especially the NICU nurses) are amazing people.
Lindsay said…
Yay you for supporting such a great cause :) I'm so sorry for all that your little guy has been through, but I'm happy he is okay now!
Shelly said…
Posting a comment for the cause! Plus I've been to CHEO with my son a couple of times. I support them whenever I can!
Sarah Carter said…
What a wonderful thing to do! I have spent too much time in children's hospitals and realize how valuable they are. Like you, I wish no child ever needed one, though.
Jen Butson said…
What a touching post Loukia...glad your boys are ok and that an amazing hospital like CHEO was available to you. Also love the comment idea!
Unknown said…
What an awesome thing you're doing!
Jill said…
What a fantastic idea ... and clearly a GREAT place to donate your money. Rock on!
smilenwaven said…
My guy was in & out of the Guelph hospital for the 1st few years of his life with asthma. Was always grateful for the great care.
Christiane said…
I'm glad your boys are OK. I too have had a few visits to CHEO w/ Mr.O and have always been made to feel so comfortable even when the situation is sometimes unbearable for us MOM's. I also donate from everyone of my home sales since Children are our future :)
Commenting for a cause. Good luck!
Louise said…
Your post made me happy the CHEO is so close to where I live. We've been twice for something much smaller than what you went through and they, indeed, are very good.

I suspect they are somewhere we will be donating to in the future - but for now, I am happy to leave a comment and help you reach your CHEO giving goal.

All the best - Louise @ http://mommycrat.blogspot.com/
Lindsay said…
You are awesome Loukia!
Crystal D said…
What a great idea!!
What a great way to help an institution that helps others!
Kathy said…
Wow Loukia this post gave me chills. No child should ever have to go through anything like that, the base of all my prayers is that to keep my children safe, happy and healthy... as a parent that is my only wish. Good luck with your goal !
MamaJoss said…
Aww - great idea Mama...what a wonderful way to give back to them and bring some awareness to their fundraising through your blog :)
Strugglecity said…
What a great idea!
I was in and out of the Alberta Children's Hospital as a kid, so I know how much that time spent there really affects you throughout the rest of your life.
Hope you reach your goal!
Shell said…
Thank goodness your guy is okay!
suzilynne said…
Great cause! If everyone did this, imagine how much support the children's hospitals would receive?
Unknown said…
Loukia, this is AMAZING what you are doing!

And I am forever grateful for everything they have done for you and your family. My heart ached just reading this...{{hugs}}
Anonymous said…
I'm always so pleased to hear of all the happy outcomes of the children that go to CHEO! It is the greatest hospital and has definitely come through for my two children time and time again. What a great way to give back to the community - way to go!!

Melanie M.
Stephanie said…
What an amazing idea and a lovely heartfelt post. Hugs to you and your great big heart!
Annabel said…
I'll happily support a cause that is so close to your heart. Here's to your initiative and to the health of your family. :)
Burgh Baby said…
Commenty commentitity comment. Comment. ;-)
Kellidaisy said…
I too have unfortunately had to have a stay at CHEO. When my youngest was born he suffered from basically underdeveloped lungs and we almost lost him. He spent the first 2 weeks of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit hooked up to more wires than I could have ever thought would fit in his tiny body. But during that entire time the staff was incredible and what they do is incredible. They saved my son's life. Awesome of you to do this Lou!
@idream1 said…
The neonatal team at CHEO saved my son who was born 27 weeks early. Without their knowledge and technology my little guy wouldn't have survived. He's now 2 and still thanks to the neonatal team he's happy & thriving as any 2 yr old should be!

Your doing an incredible thing Lou :-) xo
Leah said…
Good for you! Giving back is such an important thing for kids (and adults!) to learn. You are a great role model. :)
Nummies said…
you are such an amazing Mom! I have been very lucky never to have had any of our children in the hospital over night, but i can imagine how hard it would have been for you. What a wonderful thing to live somewhere were we can have great places and people to care for our kids when they are sick.
Alexandria said…
I'm so happy your little guy is ok now - it's heartwrenching to see our little people in the hospital. Great staff makes all the difference in the world and I'm glad you had a good experience. This is such a wonderful idea, you're a great person. :-)
pigletmommy said…
It is awful to see a child sick. Bless you and your family.
Carrie said…
I couldn't imagine having to deal with my child in the hospital! What a great cause and good luck with the donation goal
skichik79 said…
I agree with you Lou, It's the worst feeling int he world to see your child sick ... When Livia was born i didn't even get to see her they took her out of me and right away they knew soemthing was wrong .. she had Meconeum in her lungs and could not breath ... they took her to NICU but that was not enough as I was at the gatineau hosptital ... she needed to be transfered to CHEO .. my heart stopped for a moment ... I thought she was going to die :( but CHEO saved my baby and I am forever greatful of them ! She made a full recovery and after 7 days i could take her home ! ...
AgeOliver said…
Great post! You are absolutely right that CHEO and the staff are amazing! My little guy had surgery there when he was 18 months old & the staff made the experience so calming....I hope you get to your goal!
What a great thing you are doing..and several very scary turns of events in your boys' lives.
BeachMama said…
So glad that CHEO was there for you when you needed it. Here's hoping that less people need CHEO!
Christy said…
I agree, what a fabulous way to give back! My eyes well up with tears at the mere mention of a baby at a hospital, I can't even imagine what parents go through seeing their little ones in beds, with tubes and needles. I'm so glad to hear your boy is better and hopefully CHEO is a thing of the past for you, but it's because of people like you and your generous nature, that we have sucha fantastic hospital here in Ottawa!
Amanda said…
What a great way to give back! CHEO is a great hospital that I hope parents and children never have to set foot in. Keep up the great work CHEO!
Gina said…
Great post for a great cause!
Unknown said…
This is a wonderful post. You have a big heart, Loukia!

Love,
The @Mabelhood team
sherrecipes said…
Good for you and glad your little one is okay. I was not blessed with children but my nephew was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3. It was a scary time and my sister lived at Cheo with him. I am happy to say that he is a healthy 25 year old now thanks to Cheo and he usually goes back to help at the telethon.
Lynn said…
I love CHEO too -- we've been there several times (unfortunately). The doctors and nurses are amazing, and although it is so stressful to see your baby being sick, the staff is so comforting that you feel like they are going to make everything alright.

Go CHEO!
Lady Mama said…
What a wonderful idea Loukia! And a truly great cause. Good for you! x
Carolyn said…
I used to live in Ontario, thanks for doing your part.
Michelle said…
Having healthy children is a blessing that doesn't go over looked in my home. CHEO is an amazing place for Ottawa Families. Thank you for raising awareness of the telethon!
Caitlin Jean said…
LouLou, How wonderful that I saw this post as I was answering the phones for the Mac Kids Miracle Weekend Fundraiser! Thank you for sharing your story & crossing my fingers for you that you reach your goal!!
Unknown said…
I went to CHEO a couple of times as a kid. Once I had a textbook case of strep throat that student doctors got to look at. Another time I had a broken wrist. CHEO is a place where sick kids get better.
Marinka said…
I'm so glad that your baby is okay. It's awesome that you're doing this. xox
Yabut said…
I'm glad your experience with CHEO was a possitive one. I'm commenting and then retweeting the tweet that sent me here.
You are a good mom and a kind soul. I'm so glad to hear that he's okay now!
Unknown said…
I'm so glad your son is okay Loukia. And I know what you mean about having good surgeons and nurses. You're doing a great thing here...
Suzanne said…
Great post, Lou! These hospitals for children (including Sick Kids here in Toronto) are incredible and ALWAYS a wonderful place to donate money to. I hope you reach your goal! xoxo
Anonymous said…
Great idea to post for a cause! I may have to try this!
Lara said…
I <3 CHEO. I hope you make it to your goal, it's such a worthy cause!!
Anonymous said…
As a six year old recovering from a bike accident I was at CHEO for a week and a half. I couldn't walk for a few days, and I was going mad with boredom (this was in 1983 and I didn't have WiFi). The nurses at CHEO wheeled the biggest (cabinet-wise, not screen-wise) damned tv I ever saw into my room and I watched Flash Gordon from bed. The nurses made that stay a lot less lonely for me.

It's a memory I'll always have
Mom2Miles said…
Oh, your poor baby! What an ordeal. I have visited friends' kids in the hospital & every time I think there's no way I could go through that. What a great idea to give back.
We love CHEO too. I'm thankful we've only been there 3 times and never even had to stay overnight, but it makes me feel so much more secure knowing there is such a great children's hospital in Ottawa.

My only complaint is the amount of time it took to get an appointment once for something that was not life threatening, but still critical for us. I love to see people donating to CHEO (I do too) because it helps them to increase resources to decrease wait times.
Anonymous said…
It is wonderful to find a place that takes care of those you love and wonderful to give back to them as well!! Bless you!
Anonymous said…
How generous of you! What an amazing cause.
OHmommy said…
Yay for a good cause.

XO
P
Anonymous said…
CHEO is a world class facility and we are so lucky to have it in our community. We too have spent "some time" there and while no one every wants to be there it's nice to know it's there when you need it.
Awesome donation idea.
Hope all the commenters will watch the telethon raising funds for CHEO on Saturday night.

charlene
Finola said…
Wonderful. What a lovely thing to do!
Anonymous said…
Awesome, CHEO needs any help it can get!
Anonymous said…
Love the idea, may do that myself next time I have a a charity to run for - thanks for the idea.
Quirkymom
Sharon said…
Watching your child when they are sick is heartbreaking. And to be one of the amazing people who takes care of sick children...there are no words. I hope you reach your number
Unknown said…
You are a very generous person. CHEO is amazing and has taken great care of my kids as well. This is a wonderful way to give back. (@annbac9)
CaraBee said…
What a great thing you're doing! I knew your son had been sick, but I hadn't realized the extent of his illnesses. I can't imagine going through that. Glad he's 100% now!
ContantFamily said…
What a wonderful idea! We are very lucky to have this amazing hospital in our community. My daughter has helped by the Speech Therapists at CHEO!
Toni said…
My husband had some sort of kidney issue when he was younger as well. It was a scary time for his parents!
What a sweet thing you are doing ! I retweeted for you. Looking forward to meeting you at blogher
Lara Ivey said…
What a great way to give back! Glad to hear that your son is okay.
Nikosmommy said…
What a great idea for a great cause!! A sick child is always a scary thing...
Jen @abusymommy said…
What a great way help raise money for such a great cause. Here in NS we have the IWK Childrens Hospital and they saved my Brothers life and my son goes there for his legs...(Twisted Tibia (sp?) Many local business' collect continuousely for them and I always add that extra dollar to my total. I always send what I can for the telethon...Childrens hospitals need all the help they can get. Kudo's to you and I'm so glad that all your experiences had happy endings.
Unknown said…
I am so happy to hear your son is better and thrilled he had such excellent care. What a lovely way to give back to the team at CHEO.
Diane said…
Hi almost at 100!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great idea!!!!!!!!!!
Unknown said…
Great cause and happy to support
Cinny said…
Hi,
I think you're doing a great thing and I'm glad your son is okay!
CocktailDeeva said…
YAY for you... this is FABULOUS...such a great cause..such a simple idea...makes for great results!!! Cheers to you!
A. Smith said…
Givin some comment love :)
Pamela said…
What a great idea & very generous of you! I'm also glad to hear your little guy is doing well:)
Unknown said…
Wonderful idea! This is the kind of comment I love leave, one with a purpose. Thanks for the opportunity to comment!
Anonymous said…
Thank goodness for places like CHEO!

Editdebs
What an AWESOME thing you're doing here!! Hope my comment is #100!
So generous of you! We never forget those that take care of our babies - this is a wonderful way for you to give back. Thanks for letting me be a part of your effort, just by commenting!
Chris said…
If I ever have a child, and they have a problem, I hope CHEO will be there to help. A great bunch of people down there. :)
Karl said…
Worthy cause, indeed. :)
Lou you're awesome- Thanks for doing this.
Nicki McIlree said…
CHEO is wonderful . . . my 17 month old son, Liam was hospitalized at CHEO twice during his first few weeks . . . 3 days for jaundice then home for 4 days and then back to CHEO for 5 days for a urinary tract infection . . . I know what you mean about seeing your baby with an IV . . . my guy had his in his head for a few days! Liam still goes to CHEO regularly to see Dr. Jarvis in orthopedics as he has been receiving treatment for a club foot since he was 6 days old . . .
Christy said…
I think this is a wonderful thing you are doing! I'm glad your son is well. You are a great person for wanting to give back. God bless!
Amethystmoon said…
What a great cause!
anymommy said…
Awesome. I just saw your link on twitter, thanks for letting us night owls come over and comment!
Anonymous said…
What a nice idea! We've had our fair share of hospital stays with 3 of my 4 kids at our local hospital and we donate periodically. We haven't done so in a while so I think we will soon. Thanks for the reminder!
Denise H said…
How could I not leave a comment! Giving back feels so good! So happy your little guy is healthy :)All the best with your quest to raise funds for CHEO.
Managed Chaos said…
what a great cause to give back to Loukia!
Krista said…
This is such a great idea!! I spent several years working as a fundraiser for a Children's Hospital - it truly is amazing what they do! I'm so glad your experiences turned out so well and I'm glad your son is ok!
You are very thoughtful and generous!

When my son was 2, he came down with a fever we couldn't explain. I had gone into labour with my daughter at the same time, so I was in the hospital -- my husband had to go through the heartbreak of watching our son go through numerous examinations and ordeals alone.
In between tests, Lam got a chance to play with toys at the Children's Hospital, which was a great distraction.

Now, Lam insists all the toys he and his sister outgrow gets donated to the Children's Hospital for other kids going through what he went through.

xo
Erica Ehm said…
Thanks for making my words have valuable. This is such an awesome idea.
Erica
JLA said…
Great idea & great post, Loukia! I'm sure CHEO appreciates not only the extra donation but the extra awareness you're providing. I love hearing about the organizations that make a positive impact in people's lives bc so often media (& social media) focus on those that don't.
Anonymous said…
C'mon 100! What a wonderful idea, I've posted this on my Facebook and Twitter, for you.
Jennifer said…
Good for you! I'm glad your son is okay and so thankful for all the wonderful doctors and nurses out there!
Patti said…
I'm happy to support this great idea and am happy your little guys are doing great!
Anonymous said…
I can't believe I just saw this!! I hope my one more comment helps!

(We were hosting our friends who were in from TORONTO!)
Anonymous said…
Oops, sorry I missed this! I will donate myself to make up for it...
This is a great idea. We just had a hospital stay and want to find a way to give back to the amazing staff at Boston Children's. You've inspired me.
I hope you reach your goal and certainly glad you had such a greta care for your little one.
Jean Nicol said…
I have been gone from Ottawa for 20years but was a teacher there for 15 years prior to returning to Nova Scotia. As an elementary teacher, much in Special Education I was keenly aware of what a tremendous support CHEO provided for kids and families.
This is such a wonderful initiative Lou!

So glad the boys are ok - I remember when Sarah had an operation at 9 months, I was scared ****less even though it was a routine procedure! It's so good to have access to proper medical care, think we sometimes underestimate it, so thanks for reminding us!
Anonymous said…
We are so lucky to have CHEO in our community, they do wonderful work. So happy your guy is ok!