At SickKids Foundation, storytelling plays a big part in the work we do. Whether it is the bravery and hopefulness of the families, the creativity and innovation of the researchers or the kindness and compassion of the staff, each play a role in contributing to the extraordinary place we call SickKids.

SickKids: Believing in Heroes takes a behind-the-scenes look at some of the stories from The Hospital for Sick Children. You will meet some of the brave children at SickKids, their families and caregivers.

Before you join the masses at the shopping malls this Boxing Day, find a comfy seat in front of the television to watch our two-hour special. Believing in Heroes begins at 8 a.m. on December 26 on CTV.

The show features seven inspirational stories in total. Here are three of the children you’ll meet:

Alexie:

Alexie and her family travelled 10 hours from their home in northern Ontario to get access to specialized care at SickKids in Toronto. Alexie needed emergency help for her aggressive cancer. After months of treatment, her cancer began to return with vengeance. Alexie fought for her life but unfortunately the medication and treatment could no longer help her. Alexie passed away in 2007.

Julian:

Julian underwent radiation therapy every day for six weeks to reduce the fast-growing tumour that had developed in his brain. After a year-long course of chemotherapy, Julian finally finished his treatments in 2004 and still visits SickKids for follow-up appointments.

Lilah:

Shortly after birth, doctors found a golf-ball-sized tumour on one of Lilah’s adrenal glands. Specialists at SickKids diagnosed Lilah with neuroblastoma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. She underwent surgery at just two weeks old and had chemotherapy treatments. Today, Lilah is cancer-free.