Newsletter Articles:
• CHEO Launches $25 Million Research Campaign
• Former Patient Steps Up For Kids Who Need CHEO Now
• Taking Huge Steps Forwards In Lifesaving Research
• CHEO Employee Inspires Others by Giving Back
• The Best Care for Kids Requires The Best Equipment
Former Patient Steps Up For Kids Who Need CHEO Now
You would never know looking at him today that this imposing and self assured young man lives with a chronic illness and has spent the majority of his young life in and out of CHEO. Tall and handsome, charismatic and well spoken, the BIG STEPS Campaign could not have found a better representative for its leadership taskforce. Charles Ofori-Attah is a believer and proud of it. He believes in CHEO and everything it stands for. He believes that everyone, regardless of age and circumstance has the ability to contribute. He believes reaching a 25 million dollar goal is possible because he knows first-hand what the final result will provide. Research will save lives. Research will one day help a child. Research will help someone who is just like him.
Diagnosed as an infant with sickle cell disease and later on osteoporosis, Charles is no stranger to CHEO. His CHEO journey started early.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells characterized by abnormally shaped red cells. This abnormality can result in painful episodes, serious infections, chronic anemia, and damage to body organs. These effects vary from person to person depending on the type of sickle cell disease the person has.
Charles’ early years and a large part of his adolescent years were spent in and out of hospital, travelling from appointment to appointment. “I was spending more time at CHEO than at home,” recalls Charles.
When your life revolves around healthcare, you become more in tune with the plight of others. You recognize people in need and you want to help out. Driven by compassion and this desire to help others, Charles was not one to sit idle and watch life pass him by. “At CHEO I’ve seen how people give back to children,” says Charles. Giving back is important to him. It’s one of the main reasons he is so thrilled to be a part of the BIG STEPS Campaign. “I am very blessed,” he explains. “I’ve been so close, so many times to not having a life. Through CHEO I have been given a second chance. I look back at my life and say, relatively speaking, I’m doing alright…wow I have been given a great opportunity and I better not mess this up.”
At the age of 20 Charles has seen a lot. “I have been to more funerals than any twenty-year-old I know.” His experience living with a chronic illness and all that it entails have made him wise beyond his years. He recognizes and acknowledges that he is one of the lucky ones. It is that optimism and fortitude that makes Charles a natural leader and such a compassionate person.
Charles’ leadership abilities were apparent early on in his young life. In 2005 Charles was chosen to be the CHEO Champion Child. It was his responsibility to represent the thousands of children and youth that visit CHEO every year. Each year children are chosen from each province for the Forester's Champions Across Canada Program. This was the beginning of his passion for public speaking and advocating on behalf of hospitalized children. A role he takes pride in and carries on today.
As for the BIG STEPS Campaign, “I’m honoured to have been considered,” says Charles. The campaign is important to Charles. “By giving to the BIG STEPS Campaign you are investing in and strengthening your community.”
Charles can speak first hand of the benefits of research. Research saved his life. After hearing at a conference about a new innovative medical protocol being used on Sickle Cell patients, Charles’ own doctor approached him with the new treatment option. “It was research that put this on my doctor’s radar.”
Charles turned 20 on September 11th and this fall he began his third year of university in Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University. He plans on attending Law school after he is finished his degree. “I would like to make a positive difference in the world in a professional setting,” explains Charles.
Leigh Johnston, Child Life Specialist at CHEO has cared for Charles during his many CHEO stays and has gotten to know him well over the years. She summed up Charles in one sentence: “He’s going to go far in life in anything he’s going to pursue.”
BIG STEPS could not have asked for a more inspirational leader!