Newsletter Articles:
• Our Committment Continues
• Fit today for a better tomorrow
• Baby Jade's Journey of Hope
• A Celebration of Research
OUR COMMITTMENT CONTINUES
Campaign chair Charles Ofori-Attah reflects on the on-going need for mental health research for youth.
The world is a busy place. Whenever I run into a friend of mine on campus we exchange greetings and the conversation almost always includes, "I've been really busy…what about you?" Between school, work, families and recreational activities we are all busy. That said, every once in a while we are reminded that we need to slow down and take a minute to appreciate how beautiful life is.
A few weeks ago a young teenage girl in Ottawa took her own life. She was rushed to CHEO, but doctors could not save her. Her family chose to donate her organs. This tragic story was profiled in the media and many Ottawans, including myself, were very saddened by this tragedy.
At the time, I couldn't help but think that so much more needs to be done to prevent teen suicide and help those suffering from mental illness. I wish we didn't need to address issues such as mental health and teen suicide, but the reality is that we do. And we need to do it now. I found comfort in knowing that a lot more will be done, because CHEO is making mental health research a priority with the funds raised by the BIG STEPS campaign.
On a more cheerful note, in October I witnessed the great work that is being done at the CHEO Research Institute at the annual Research Day presentations and awards ceremony. What an outstanding group of researchers we have! I was thrilled to take part in this very insightful day which not only celebrated the work of dedicated and innovative CHEO researchers, but also served as a means of showcasing the work they do for all to see and understand. I invite you to read more about this special day in this edition.
Speaking of outstanding, I'm thrilled to introduce you to two people who have stepped up to make a BIG difference with the campaign. Trevor Doyle, owner of Doyle Homes and Charles-Antoine Rozon, an employee of KPMG Ottawa are two CHEO supporters who have used their talents, generosity and passion to raise funds for the BIG STEPS campaign. These two companies helped us recently surpass the $20 million mark on the way to our goal of raising $25 million for life-saving equipment and ground-breaking research.
In closing, I would like to dedicate this fall edition of the BIG STEPS newsletter to all the young people who have lost their lives through suicide. Raising funds for mental health research is a priority of the BIG STEPS campaign. We are committed and dedicated to research to find the solutions to help prevent the loss of young lives.
As always, I encourage you to forward this fourth edition of the BIG STEPS e-newsletter to your family, friends and colleagues who would be interested in learning about the BIG STEPS happening at CHEO.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Charles Offori-Attah
Campaign Chair