Next Saturday is my birthday. As I get older, I realize I don’t really need anything. Not personally. I have many, many blessings. I owe a lot to the people who got me here; my parents, my family and the caring professionals at CHEO.

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario is the backdrop to my childhood. Isolation rooms, surgeries, experimental treatments and multiple drug therapies. Those things were made better by in room activities, crafts, art and other forms of entertainment.

Isolation, ‘90s Style.

In quarantine three weeks thanks to the chicken pox. This is what having an autoimmune disease does to you.

Every April when my birthday rolls around, I ask that you give to CHEO’s Child Life fund. 100% of the proceeds go towards putting smiles on children’s faces. The money buys movies, games, books, craft sets, toys and more for children in treatment.

Last year, people gave physical donations of new toys with special, personalized messages of hope and love while others donated online. Unfortunately, we cannot do that this year. Due to COVID-19, I’m asking for direct financial donations only, if possible. I haven’t been able to promote it on my radio show because, frankly, it’s a strange time right now. We’re all being pulled in different ways emotionally, physically, financially.

If you can give, please do. Not only will this be the best birthday gift EVER for ME, you’re giving kids like me a gift, too. And THAT is priceless.