Islander

The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island has as strong a commitment as ever to young people with disabilities or health issues. In April, foundation officials announced the largest annual investment in its 90-year history — $3.

I remember the first time that I held Jonah in my arms. I looked down at this small and beautiful boy and thought about what a precious gift I’d been given.

The golf tournament that has brought professionals like Adam Hadwin, Steve Stricker and Mike Weir to Victoria over the years once again has the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island as its charity of choice.

One of the most recognized facilities under the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island umbrella is Jeneece Place, a “home away from home” for families that travel to Victoria with a child requiring hospital care.

The youngest patients can have some of the most serious neurological and behavioural issues.

It all started with the Women’s Institutes of British Columbia, which decided in 1922 that something needed to be done for the health of our children. More specifically, using the terminology of the day, crippled children.

When I first got into occupational therapy, people told me to keep my options open, but I knew regardless of what my job title was I would spend my career working with kids.

Zoë Newson hopes that talking about her experiences can make a difference for other young people facing mental illness. “I know my story is not unique,” she said. “There are tons of kids and youth out there suffering with mental-health issues.

When I was a pre-med student in Alberta, I worked two summers at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton.

Almost three decades have passed since Annie Huus lost her 20-year-old daughter Lisa, but Lisa continues to have a positive influence on the world.