My CHEO Story
In 2015 I was admitted to CHEO and diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I spent the majority of the next two years of my life in hospital as the extraordinary team of Health Care Professionals helped to restore my health. I underwent 8 operations, lived with a colostomy for two years, and spent several months in hospital. I am currently healthy and would consider myself to be completely disease free. Not only did the care providers at CHEO save my life but their compassion sparked my passion for health care; I am currently studying Medicine at the University College Dublin.
Why I'm involved
The value of medical research became clear to me during my time at CHEO. After all pharmacological treatment options had failed to control my disease I had to resort to surgery. It became apparent that the many IBD studies I had been enrolled in were going to expand treatment options to help others who were going through a similar experience. It is only with research, and the incredible patients who enroll in studies, that we are able to further improve treatment options. Research is the foundation of modern medicine and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to use my experience as a patient to help others.
My Role
- Patient and Family Advisory Committee Member 2018-2020
- Research project Reviewer – Identifying Obstacles Faced by Children & Youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at School
- RI Training Working Group