The strongest people I know are children.

Hello! My name is Ana, and I am a Pediatric ICU nurse at the Montreal Children's Hospital! 

From routine surgeries to traumatic accidents, being a part of the PICU has given me the honour of bearing witness to some of life's most fragile moments alongside some of its strongest people.

The children and families I care for teach me something every day; from seeing the ripple effect that a circle of friends can have on a child, to the toothless smiles a visit from the Hospital Tooth Fairy can bring, to the victorious grin that comes with earning an "I pooped!" sticker, and to the quiet power of a hug when words are not nearly enough. Each family I've crossed paths with has stayed with me in one way or another.

This August, I will be running a half marathon in their honour.

During this run, every kilometre represents a child, a story, and a reminder that strength is not the absence of fear or uncertainty; it is the remarkable ability to keep finding hope in spite of it.

I invite you to support this run and help fund the care, research, and resources that allow the Montreal Children's Hospital to continue providing exceptional care to children and families when they need it most!