Impact Report 2010/2011
Your Impact
Thanks to your commitment and support through our partnership with Children’s Miracle Network, The Hospital for Sick Children can continue to meet the complex needs of our patients who rely on life-saving research and care provided everyday.
By supporting the highest priority needs at SickKids through the sale of miracle balloons and other fundraising initiatives, you are having an impact on a number of activities at the Hospital. You are supporting hospital programs, equipment, education, research and care, all critical issues in children’s health which help lead to higher survival rates, less pain for children and less time spent in hospital.
The reality is support for highest priority needs is what makes SickKids a world-leader and an institution that this country can’t live without.
Research highlights from the past year
SickKids Research is making a difference in the lives of children. Here are some of the most important advances from the past year:
- SickKids scientists discovered that medulloblastoma, the most common form of childhood brain cancer, is actually four different cancers. It’s a discovery that will lead to significant improvements in how the disease is treated around the world.
- Researchers uncovered key changes in the DNA of people with autism. Knowing that these genes are linked will speed up autism testing and help develop new treatments, say SickKids researchers.
- A study involving SickKids scientists show that changing the diets of babies at high risk for type 1 diabetes may prevent the disease from developing. The researchers found it was better to wean infants to a formula that was hydrolyzed and casein-based than to cow's milk.
- Using an anti-vomiting drug for children with the stomach flu could save millions of dollars, showed SickKids research. Its routine administration would prevent dehydration and hospitalizations due to vomiting.
- SickKids researchers were part of a major North American study that identified the best surgical procedure to treat infants with a severe form of congenital heart disease. The procedure resulted in higher survival rates in the baby’s first year.
- SickKids scientists identified a genetic mutation that can predict the prognosis for patients with bone cancer. If the mutation is present, it means the patient should receive more aggressive treatment. If it is not present, it means we can avoid over-treating the patient.
Building from the ground up – the new Research & Learning Tower
While the Research Institute is at the forefront of health research and innovation globally, its facilities are not. Currently, more than 2,300 research staff are scattered across six buildings in downtown Toronto. As any scientist will affirm half of the scientific endeavour is hard work, and half is inspiration. Keeping scientists in less than optimal labs adds to their hard work, and keeping them apart starves them of inspiration.
The official ground breaking of the new 21-storey Research Tower was May 4, 2010. The structure is designed to bring research scientists into one building, right alongside the Hospital, in such a way that the exchange of ideas leading to new, exciting collaborations will be a daily event. It is a magic combination and will position SickKids to be an even greater powerhouse in the advancement of children’s health.
Thank You!
SickKids is able to deploy the best people, the best technology, and to achieve the best understanding of complex diseases, because we can draw on reserves generously supplied by our great community of donors. Because of your care we can sustain our care, knowing that your support is there when we need it. Thank you for your unfailing commitment.
