At the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) about 75 children are diagnosed with cancer annually and the oncology team at CHEO treats nearly 200 cancer patients each year with individualized treatment programs. An important part of CHEO’s fundraising is the annual CN Cycle for CHEO, a fun, non-competitive event that offers a wide range of cycling (15K, 35K, 70K) and walking (2K, 5K) routes for people of all ages and abilities. This year’s event on May 3 in Ottawa has even greater meaning for Valley resident and retired nurse, Joan Hildebrandt. In order to draw attention to the importance of the work that CHEO does, Hildebrandt shared the story of her 15-year-old granddaughter, Emma Flynn-Mantyla. Hildebrandt explained that every year three of CHEO’s oncology patients are chosen to be the McDonald’s Dream Team faces of the CN Cycle for CHEO event. Above from left are Aidan Warren, Emma Flynn-Mantyla, Izel Lopez Daly (Photo CN Cycle for CHEO/Facebook)
They represent all children and teens facing cancer in the region and this year Emma is part of the Dream Team. She has been having chemotherapy and other treatments at CHEO for leukemia for the past two years. Throughout this time, Emma’s energy and positivity have been key. Her grandmother says, “She volunteers with Molly the Clown — a wonderful lady who entertains the children.” She goes on, “Emily has lost friends whom she knew at CHEO; however, she is courageous.” Hildebrandt says Emma’s “treatment goes on until June at which time they will assess her and hopefully give her an all clear and/or prognosis. We remain positive.”
The CHEO Dream Team backgrounder explains that these “young ambassadors and their families know first-hand what the patients at CHEO are going through. Their commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm inspires us all to support the crucial work devoted to ending pediatric cancer.”
Click HERE to learn more about CN Cycle for CHEO, participate or sponsor someone. LINK: https://cheofoundation.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=640