“My daughter looks forward to going to SHN for her weekly chemotherapy appointments,” says Shabana, mother to three-year-old Adriana, who has NF1, a rare genetic disorder causing tumours to grow on her nervous system. “Most parents never hope to say those words, but after everything we’ve been through, I can’t help but feel overjoyed that I finally can.”
While pregnant, Shabana contracted a severe case of COVID-19 and was placed in a coma for two and a half weeks. During this time, she tragically lost her fiancé to the virus. Shortly after, Adriana’s twin brother passed away. Born prematurely, Adriana spent months in the NICU fighting for her life. Diagnosed with developmental delays, hearing loss in one ear, and NF1, Adriana’s early life was marked by relentless hospital visits and heartbreak.
“For most of her life, every hospital visit left Adriana trembling and in tears,” says Shabana. But that changed when Adriana began treatment at SHN’s Centenary Hospital. Transitioning from a downtown hospital to SHN brought care closer to home and transformed Adriana’s experience. “After just a few visits, Adriana was smiling and laughing. She even started greeting her nurses with hugs. SHN’s compassionate teams have made all the difference.”
For 18 months, Shabana and Adriana visited SHN weekly for chemotherapy. “The incredible doctors and staff became part of our family,” says Shabana. “Nurse Lynn and Nurse Practitioner Kirsty didn’t just treat Adriana’s medical needs—they comforted and encouraged us. Her tumour shrank, and hospital visits became something she looked forward to.”
Shabana expresses hope for the future: “Adriana’s journey is far from over, but the care at SHN has given us renewed faith. My holiday wish is simple: I want every family in Scarborough to have access to the exceptional care that has made such a difference in Adriana’s life.”
In Ontario, hospitals are responsible for covering 10% of capital costs and 100% of new equipment expenses. Donations ensure life-saving equipment and care are accessible to families.
“Losing my fiancé and my baby boy shattered me. Waking from my coma to face this reality was unimaginable. But today, I’m grateful to see Adriana playing with her older brother and beginning to thrive after enduring so much in her first few years. I’ll always remember my brave little girl, her lollipop in one hand and Nurse Lynn’s hand in the other, smiling and hugging her nurses instead of crying. At SHN, every visit, every kind gesture, and every moment of care has brought us back from the brink. Together, we can give more families the same hope.”
Due to the recent postal strike, life-saving donations are being delayed. Please consider donating online or by calling 416-431-8130 to ensure your support reaches us without delay.