The Montreal Children's Hospital Newsletter

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We know that children and adults handle bad news in different ways, but can you imagine learning that your little one has cancer? Unfortunately, the disease affects a number of children every year. This edition, we'd like to honour these patients' courage and determination by sharing some video footage to mark Cancer Awareness Month. We've also included some useful articles on dealing with the emotional challenges that come with a new diagnosis.

April is also a time to honour our hard-working volunteers. Each year 460 people volunteer at The Montreal Children's Hospital donating a total of nearly 24,000 hours. We've included an article about some of the many volunteers who assist us and make The Montreal Children's Hospital the best it can be.

In other news, April 17^th to 24^th is known as National Organ Donor Week in Canada. As a tertiary and quaternary care pediatric hospital, the importance of organ donation cannot be overlooked. We've included some information in this issue to distinguish fact from fiction on the issue of organ and tissue donation in the hopes that more individuals might consider it.

Until next month, happy reading!
The editorial team at Where Kids Come First


			Stefano Ruvo is only 15 months old, but until this past December, he had never spent time outside of a hospital. Born December 1^st, 2009, at 38 weeks, he was first transferred to The Children's at just three days old when doctors detected a breathing problem that required him to remain intubated at all times. [+]

My child has cancer: How can I help him deal with his emotions

The dangers or tanning salons for teens

Organ and Tissue Donation: The Gift of Life

Care for the Family: Preparing for a Hospital Visit


			Cancer is a devastating disease for anyone, but it is especially difficult when it affects children. The month of April marks Cancer Awareness Month, and we thought it would be fitting to honour to the children, teenagers and families who have faced the great challenge of dealing with the disease. The photos included in this video were taken by Leucan, whose mission is to help cancer-stricken children and their families believe in a brighter future, and the accompanying song features the voice of MCH music therapist Christelle Jacquet. [+]

MCH EMPLOYEE MARIKA ANTHONY-SHAW WINS BIG AT GRAMMYS AND BRIT AWARDS

Although many dream about it, only a handful of prominent artists and groups have the chance to savor a moment in the spotlight at the annual Grammy awards ceremony each year, while even fewer can say they've received an accolade from the same event. On February 13^th, 2011, the MCH's own Marika Anthony-Shaw had the opportunity to cross both feats off her bucket list when her band, Arcade Fire won the award for Album of the Year. [+]

MCH VOLUNTEERS PAY IT FORWARD

Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of the children, families and staff at The Montreal Children's Hospital. In honour of National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 10^th to 16^th, 2011, we spoke to a small sampling of volunteers to find out more about their work and why they decided to donate their time to The Children's. [+]

PUT YOUR RADIATION WORRIES TO REST, SAYS MUHC RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER

The nuclear crisis in Japan following the massive earthquake and tsunami, coupled with the pervasive media attention surrounding the situation at the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant is worrisome, however, Christian Janicki, Radiation Safety Officer at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) says the nuclear meltdown poses no risk to Quebecers. [+]

DR. MARTIN BITZAN ON A MISSION: MCH NEPHROLOGIST SPENDS SIX WEEKS WORKING IN INDIA

The little boy was in acute kidney failure. By Canadian standards, he would be treated with dialysis and supportive medication, and if needed, he would receive a kidney transplant. But the child was not seeking care at The Montreal Children's Hospital; he was at St. John's Medical College Hospital in Bangalore, India. [+]


	Do you have a question of a general nature that you'd like to ask our specialist? If your question is selected, the answer will be published in the next edition of the newsletter. Ask a question [+]

	Hello, Our 3 year old daughter (turning 4 in June) has trouble pronouncing the letter "s" (her tongue is in the way). Is there a specific age at which we should start being concerned? Is there a specific number we could call for advice? Thank you greatly in advance, Concerned Mom R : Dear Mom, Difficulty with correct tongue placement during production of /s/ or /z/ is usually referred to as a "lisp". If the tongue is placed between one's front teeth and the air is directed over this area, then /s/ sounds more like /th/ and this is referred to as a "frontal" or "interdental" lisp (like Sylvester the Cat's speech). If the air is directed over both sides of the tongue near the cheeks, then this is referred to as a "lateral" lisp (like Daffy Duck's speech). Finally, if the air is directed over the hard palate or roof of the mouth, then this is referred to as a "palatal "lisp. [+]


	The Caring for Kids Radiothon is around the corner! On Thursday, May 5^th the talented and dedicated broadcasters from Astral Media Radio's CHOM 97.7, CJAD 800 and Virgin Radio 96 will host our annual Caring for Kids Radiothon to raise funds for our Hospital. Dozens of young patients and their families will share remarkable stories of how their lives have been touched by The Children's. [+]


	I am too old to donate organs or tissues. False: If you want to donate your organs and tissues after death, you should consider yourself a potential donor regardless of your age or medical history. There are no absolute guidelines when it comes to age, and your medical condition at the time of your death is more important than your past history. [+]

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