Gemma is turned 10 years old on, July 17, 2025. Happy Birthday Gemma!

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To celebrate her 10-year journey and to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH), we are proud to support a fundraising initiative for the MCH Foundation. This effort is undertaken in partnership with Gemma, an ambassador for the Foundation, and in collaboration with my colleague, Glenda Caplan, at The Agency Montreal, Real Estate Agency.

How can you help?   

• On September 21st, 2025 at Park Davies, come to our Montreal-West pop-up under THE AGENCY MONTREAL’s white tent where you will celebrate Gemma's 10-year journey and to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at the MCH this fundraising effort is being undertaken in partnership with Gemma Nitti, Ambassador for the Foundation, Vanessa Iannucci (Gemma’s Mom) and Glenda Caplan (both at The Agency Montréal, Real Estate Agency)

• Fundraising goal is $10,000

Way to donate:

• Online donations via QR code and url link http://secure.fondationduchildren.com/goto/gemma_nitti
• Donation box on site
•  Lemonade stand hosted by our feisty Gemma

In appreciation:  

Toys and books will be available to our generous donors.  Based on your donation level you will have the opportunity to choose your special gift generously donated by Boutique Natty K  and Guernica Editions.

Donation Tiers:  (while quantities last)

• $25+ Choose either a Gabby Girl or a Star Wars character
• $15+ Choose a book
• $10+ Choose a deluxe fidget toy or a Magic Ring
• $5+ Choose either a Pop Fidget or Squishy




Rain or Shine come join us under The Agency Montreal’s white tent

Tax receipts available – conditions apply

http://secure.fondationduchildren.com/goto/gemma_nitti



 Gemma’s incredible story:

23 weeks into my pregnancy, Gemma was diagnosed with Bilateral Hydronephrosis, as both her kidneys appeared dilated during an ultrasound. The doctors reassured us that everything would be okay and were scheduled for bi-weekly monitoring. However, at 28 weeks, I lost all amniotic fluid, and doctors prepared us for the worst, fearing for Gemma's survival. We were heartbroken.

We were transferred from the Jewish General Hospital to the The Glen to be close to the NICU-MCH.  Doctors needed to drain fluid directly from Gemma's kidneys as her condition worsened. A C-section was planned for 34 weeks.

Gemma, however, had other plans and arrived prematurely at 31 weeks on July 17, 2015. Immediately after birth, doctors inserted nephrostomy tubes in both kidneys to drain urine, as she was unable to urinate on her own. She also suffered from respiratory distress, which led to chronic lung disease. Gemma was heavily medicated and intubated, but she fought very bravely. After three weeks, she transitioned to CPAP and then to oxygen.

After four weeks in the NICU, Gemma graduated to the wards, where she underwent surgery. Her right kidney's UPJ obstruction was corrected, and her left kidney, full of cysts and only 8% functional, was removed. Fast forward to today, Gemma now thrives with one kidney that is 75% functional.

After another four and a half weeks in the wards, Gemma finally came home on October 1, 2015.

Everyone in the NICU and on the wards described Gemma as a feisty little girl, and she truly was! She fought for her life and has blossomed into a healthy little girl. All her doctors are amazed by her progress, and she is indeed a miracle baby. Gemma is still being monitored by her nephrologist, Dr. Paul Goodyer. 

We are so grateful for the incredible support we still receive from everyone at MCH.  Their hard work, dedication and compassion were and are invaluable. They not only took exceptional care of Gemma but also supported us through an incredibly challenging time. We wholeheartedly applaud all the dedicated staff at the Montreal Children's Hospital and are forever grateful.  

Sincerely, 

The Nitti Family and The Agency Family