Tobin's graduation
This fall, Tobin will reach two big milestones in his life: attending university and graduating from SickKids. And for Tobin, these two milestones are intertwined: the experiences he’s had as a SickKids patient over the past 15 years have made an impact on the field of study he has chosen to pursue once he arrives at The University of Calgary.“I’ll be studying nursing for the next four years,” said Tobin. “I chose this field because of my past experiences at SickKids. I met so many kind nurses. Plus, I’d like to give back to the field that gave me so much. I am hoping that my nursing studies will lead to a career, hopefully in paediatrics, once I’m out of school.”
It was in June of 2002, when Tobin was two years old, that his SickKids journey began. After a CT scan at his local hospital revealed a mass on his brain, Tobin was transferred to SickKids. It was there that his parents received the news that Tobin had a brain tumour. After an MRI, he was rushed into surgery, where 60% - 80% of the tumour was removed. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation was used to reduce the risk of the remaining cancerous cells. Over the next seven years, the tumour would grow back two more times, resulting in two more surgeries, a year and a half of chemotherapy and more radiation.
“I am excited for what the future holds for me.”
“When I think about all of the people I have encountered throughout my time at SickKids, it is so hard to single out one person because they have all had such a big impact on my time here and on my journey,” said Tobin.
Over the years, Tobin has developed friendships with fellow patients undergoing treatment at SickKids, has become a member of the SickKids Children’s Council and acted as an ambassador for SickKids Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. All of these experiences have helped to shape Tobin into the person he is today.
“If I had to give advice to someone who was just starting out on their journey at SickKids, I would tell them to find the little things that make them happy and do as much of that as they can. Live in the moment and make the best of it. Make friends and meet people as they will help to take your mind off of the pain and fear you might experience. Always look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.”
As Tobin faces his next life chapter, he is filled with both excitement and nerves.
“I am looking forward to opening new doors and opportunities. I am excited to see where my experiences and interests will take me. But on the other hand, launching myself into a lot of new things all at once is a little bit nerve-wracking.”
Tobin and his family are grateful for the support SickKids has given them over the years. To them, SickKids has turned into a place that equals family and home. It is a place that has not only made an impact on his past, but is making an impact on his future. And for that, Tobin is thankful. “I am excited for what the future holds for me.”
