It’s the second day of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon, raising money for cardiac and respiratory care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) in Saskatoon, our province’s state-of-the-art centre for medical care for children to 17-year-olds.
The first Radiothon was held 22 years ago, and over $16.41 million has been raised for Saskatchewan children undergoing treatment to date – including a record-breaking $1,158,113 last year.
That tradition of hope, generosity and care is present in this year’s Radiothon, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy, with all donations being matched by Gord and Barb Broda up to $150,000.
The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon continues today, bringing our provincial community together to share inspirational stories from across Saskatchewan.
We shine a spotlight on the impact the support of the community, and the importance of having such a facility can have on the lives of those treated within by telling Jayda Player’s miracle story.
Three years ago, a healthy baby named Jayda was born to first-time parent Nicole Olson from Southey, Saskatchewan. Things quickly took a turn when young Jayda began to develop facial and subglottic hemangiomas that required immediate care at the JPCH.
“As first-time parents who struggle with infertility, finding out about Jayda’s facial hemangiomas was pretty heartbreaking.” recalled Olson.
“The facial hemangiomas cause a lot of pain and discomfort to her, which is awful to watch her go through, and the comments that she got from the strangers asking what happened to her were pretty upsetting at times.”
As the new parents sought treatment a particularly concerning discovery was made when Jayda began to develop breathing problems in early 2022 – a subglottic hemangioma that obstructed 90 per cent of her airway, requiring urgent intervention and treatment with steroids.
“We just prayed to God every day that she was going to be okay.”
Today, Jayda is 2-and-a-half-years-old, vibrant and resilient with a deep love for animals, her family remains hopeful that the remainder of her hemangiomas will continue to clear up as time passes.
Olson reflected on what having the JPCH with its dedicated maternal and children’s care close to home meant to her.
“Having the new Children's Hospital Saskatchewan, I think they saved Jayda’s life, 100 per cent. As a brand-new mom, and having a week-old baby, leaving her and not be able and being able to stay with her around the clock was something I can't thank them enough for,” said Olson.
“I know that if we didn't live in Saskatchewan or if we didn't have the (JPCH) I wouldn’t know where she would end up or where we would have been able to stay with her. “
She went on to say that Jayda’s medical journey has taught her to be patient and to love her daughter even more, thanking God for every day that Jayda is still in her life.
Olson recalled her experience with the staff at the JPCH, expressing her utmost gratitude for their care while Jayda underwent treatment, stating that the staff are “true angels” who ensured the young family was 100 per cent comfortable during their time in the hospital.
“I always knew there was a need for a Children's Hospital in Saskatchewan, as my brother spent a lot of time in the other hospitals when he was sick. But you never really know how vital that hospital is until you have your baby or your child in there.”
“By donating to JPCH, it gives families and children so much more than just a bed while they are there. I know when we stayed there, we used a variety of items, the baby swing, highchair and strollers just so we didn't have to haul ours from home. Every single dollar matters when you're donating to JCPH.”
The annual JPCH radiothon is a big part of making sure the hospital has the cutting-edge equipment it needs. In 2023, there were 1,081 NICU admissions and 225 NICU Transports to JPCH.
Today from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., donors can call 1-888-808-KIDS (5437) or go online to pattisonchildrens.ca to donate and to learn more about the equipment you’re helping to purchase.