Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation

I was a typical 15-year-old teenager going to school, playing soccer and hanging out with friends when my life took a turn approximately ten months ago. On December 8th, 2020, I started experiencing acute symptoms resulting in my first visit to the emergency room. The next few weeks, those symptoms became chronic and led to many more appointments and nights in the ER. On February 4th, while I was at the Montreal Children’s Day Center for a checkup, thinking I was okay to go home afterwards, I fainted for the first time. At that point, my doctors decided that admitting me to the medical ward was the best option. I got overwhelmed with emotions when I heard the news, understanding I would not be back in my bed that night. Instead, it would be the beginning of a journey with many obstacles awaiting. The following 15 days, my symptoms peaked, and I went through multiple tests under various specialities to reach a diagnosis. Due to COVID-19, I was also unable to see many of my loved ones, including my mom and my grand-mother. Once I was discharged, trips to the hospital and appointments were not over. On May 24th, I was admitted to the Montreal Children's once again. It frightened me when I understood I would have to go through a hospitalization all over again.

These past ten months have hindered my day-to-day routine considerably. I could not do things that I previously had taken for granted, such as spending time with the people I love, going to school, playing sports, etc. Even now, I may not be in the hospital, but I still experience symptoms on a day-to-day basis that prevent me from doing the activities I enjoy. My perspective of life also changed as I realized millions of children with chronic illnesses go through similar issues every day. Not only are they unable to live a normal childhood, but some also can not experience the joy of holidays with family and friends because they spend them in a hospital. Understanding what I have been through, I have decided to give back to the hospital that helped me get back on my feet and to provide opportunities to others facing similar issues as me.

I pledge to invest myself in the mission to raise funds for the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation. In December, I will be walking 17km to the Montreal Children's hospital to raise awareness for the kids who will be spending this holiday season in the hospital. Today, I am reaching out to you and inviting you to join me in this journey by donating what you deem appropriate to help children fight through their respective battles. Remember that together we can change lives for the better.

Sophia Ferrante

Walk for Hope

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