Winnipeg, MB (January 21, 2022) – The Children’s Hospital Foundation Champion Child is giving back. Brady Bobrowich has spent the last two years serving as an ambassador for kids like himself, who need HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital, and now he’s giving the hospital a special gift.
At five months old, Brady Bobrowich’s parents noticed unusual spots on his body. Brady was diagnosed with Type 1 neurofibromatosis – a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on nerve tissue anywhere in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Brady has more than 100 tumours in his body and one of them connected to his spine that cannot be removed. This particular tumour, or plexiform neurofibroma, is so large that it caused Brady’s spine to bend, much like a tree with branches too heavy on one side. Brady has had three spinal surgeries to implant and lengthen rods in his back to keep his spine straight as he grows and a fourth surgery to fuse his entire thoracic spine.
“I’ve had surgeons helping me through it all and because of these surgeries, I am able to continue to play hockey and do other activities I love to do,” says Brady.
Now 14-year-old Brady has spent the last year two years as 2020-21 Champion Child for Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, speaking on behalf of 130,000 other children who need HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital each year. His role has been especially challenging in the midst of COVID-19; due to the pandemic, the Champion Children from across Canada and the U.S. were unable to participate in their annual Children’s Miracle Network gathering in Orlando, Florida and many local events were cancelled. Also, amid the pandemic restrictions, Brady had two more surgeries to further support his condition.
Despite these challenges, Brady showed resilience and attended more than 40 events virtually, and some in-person when possible, to share his story and showcase what an amazing hospital and research institute we have in Manitoba. He and his family also coordinated several of their own virtual fundraisers to help raise funds for surgical equipment needed by HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital.
“I’ve had two major surgeries during these years as Champion Child, and I once again learned the importance of the HSC Children’s Hospital. I want to make sure surgeons have the best tools available to help other kids like they helped me.”
Today Brady gives back, presenting a cheque for $37 thousand, the money he has raised over the past two years, to the surgical department at HSC Children’s to help purchase a much-needed tool – the Midas Rex MR7 pneumatic surgical drill. This drill is a newer version of a similar drill used in Brady’s surgeries and will help the HSC Children’s surgical team to have even more precision to protect sensitive structures during surgery, and make clean, thin cuts that can promote faster healing time with less pain, as well as help kids spend less time under anaesthetic.
“We are so impressed with Brady’s work over the past two years as Manitoba’s Champion Child and his efforts to raise funds for new surgical tools to help other kids like him. HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital thanks you Brady,” Said Dr. Richard Keijzer, Pediatric Surgeon-Scientist with HSC Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.
“Brady has exhibited true champion spirit and the resiliency of children after they receive the healthcare they need when they need it,” says Stefano Grande, President & CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “We’re so proud of what Brady accomplished over two full years as Champion Child – our longest running Champion Child – and we thank Brady and his whole family for being excellent ambassadors for HSC Children’s Hospital.”
Stay tuned to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba social media channels @CHFManitoba on February 2nd for the announcement of the 2022 Champion Child!
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About the Champions Program
Every year in Canada, local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) member hospitals identify a “Champion” in each of their local communities to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These brave and spirited ambassadors spend their year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals by sharing their unique stories with Canadians, their communities, and partners. Their goal is to encourage everyone to join the fight for children’s health through local support, events and CMN Canada programs.
Children’s hospitals rely on donations to provide care for kids — no matter their illnesses or injuries.
About Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Inc.
Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital has the best care and experience possible. Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Foundation has raised more than $150 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. Funds support: important programs that bring comfort to sick children, life-saving equipment, and health research to improve the lives of children everywhere. Let’s make anything possible. Learn about your impact at goodbear.ca.
