Pablo

Pablo came to CHEO through the Emergency Department as a youth experiencing suicidal ideation and struggling with intrusive thoughts. Pablo had noticed his symptoms as early as seven-years-old, but his family knew he needed help when his symptoms started to prevent him from enjoying life. Pablo has relied on every avenue of mental health services provided at CHEO, from hospital admissions to assessments and counselling. His family encourages anyone struggling with their mental health not to be afraid to contact 1Call1Click.ca, as the first step in reaching the people who can help.


Listen to Sam Laprade’s An Hour to Give show on City News. Guests share info about RBC Race for the Kids and the difference support makes for the children and youth who need mental health care at CHEO.


Jacob

Jacob was born with a mental illness directly linked to his brain’s chemistry and function. His nervous system is extra sensitive, and his brain experiences the world differently. Despite these challenges, he faces every single day with incredible resiliency and determination. While the road was not always smooth, Jacob worked very hard with CHEO’s Psychiatry Department to build the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the outside world. Jacob’s family is a constant support and worked in tandem with staff at CHEO to help him learn to process his symptoms, thoughts, and behaviours. Today, Jacob is close to graduating high school and is equipped to flourish on his path to success. 

Read more about Jacob’s journey.


Chris

At just 12 years of age, Chris Vallée was admitted to CHEO for treatment of anorexia nervosa. Up until Chris was diagnosed, he didn’t know that he had an eating disorder, believing that he didn’t qualify as skinny enough. Over the course of six years, Chris was admitted to CHEO several times for treatment. While his journey was not always smooth, Chris worked very hard with the help of teams at CHEO to find a way out of the maze of disordered eating and negative self-image.

Today, Chris is an advocate for mental health and wants others to know that with the right treatment there’s always hope. Chris speaks to kids at CHEO in the same treatment program he sat in years ago, hoping that as a former patient he can provide hope and encouragement. His commitment to giving back comes from a deep understanding of how powerful words are and how much good they can do.

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