Natasha Baechler

My CHEO Story

I was recently discharged from CHEO at the age of 18, after almost 4 years of care. I have made countless trips to the ER, and have spent many long months on 5 East and 6 North, where I was being treated for GI issues and an Eating Disorder. Once I was discharged from inpatient services, I continued to see my doctors in the C3 and C5 clinics, as well as completing CHEO’s Day Treatment Program for Eating Disorders. Throughout my time at the hospital, I participated in research studies and joined Youth Forum, which I am still a part of today. I am very grateful to the many doctors, nurses, CYCs, Child Life Specialists and other healthcare professionals who worked with and supported me in my recovery. My experience with the extremely knowledgeable and compassionate staff at CHEO has inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric nursing.

Gold Badge

Why I'm involved

Research plays an extremely important role in healthcare, and I believe that patient and family involvement adds great value to studies. Because of my personal health struggles, my experience with CHEO, and my interest in the medical field, I feel confident in volunteering as a Family Leader and am excited to contribute to important medical research that can be used to help so many others going through what I did.

Areas of Interest

Asthma Cancer Inflammatory Bowel Disease Rare Disease Arthritis and Rheumatology Pain Eating Disorders

My Role

  • Patient Family Leader Advisory Committee 2021-present
  • Reviewer – Mental Health RGA – 2021
  • Reviewer – Respirology RGA – 2021
  • Research Project Reviewer: (HEalthy Lifestyles Project) for Youth with Mental Distress
  • Provided Letter of support: (HEalthy Lifestyles Project) for Youth with Mental Distress
  • Project Advisor: (HEalthy Lifestyles Project) for Youth with Mental Distress
  • Research Project Reviewer: Movement and Play Behaviours Survey of the Early Years: Impact of the 2020 COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Research Project Reviewer: A Study to Determine Families’ Experience of the Informed Consent Discussion for Pediatric Patients Approached to Participate in Interventional Trials at Canadian Pediatric Centers
  • Research Project Reviewer: HELP (HEalthy Lifestyles Project) for Youth with Mental Distress and Letter of Support application
  • Grand Rounds Presenter 2021
  • Advisor: REDCap Revisions
  • Advisor: Dr. Longmuir HELP Project
  • Spring RGA 2022 Reviewer
  • RI Family Leader Program Podcast