Madeleine’s arrival into the world was anything but easy.

Born early after a high-risk pregnancy and delivered via C-section at SHN’s Centenary Hospital, she was rushed to the NICU with dangerously low blood oxygen levels. Doctors discovered an air pocket in her chest cavity that was causing the problem. Though her first week was spent in intensive care, with expert care, Madeleine gradually grew stronger.

“The NICU team’s compassion and kindness was incredible,” says dad, Stephen. “The nurses let us visit Madeleine at any hour of the day.”

And it wasn’t just Madeleine. Throughout her pregnancy, her mom Aimee required close monitoring too, including multiple weekly appointments and ultrasounds. Thanks to coordination between SHN and Sinai Health, however, Aimee was able to attend appointments close to home, making a stressful time more manageable.

In honour of the exceptional care both Madeleine and Aimee received at SHN, Aimee and Stephen chose to celebrate Madeleine’s first birthday by asking for donations to the SHN Foundation.

“Giving back felt like the least we could do,” Stephen shared. “After going through this, I realized that donating to SHN was important to me,” says Aimee, “It would have been a very different story for Maddie without the hospital and the donors who support critical departments like the NICU.”

Together, the three celebrated Madeleine’s birthday surrounded by family and friends in their yard, proudly displaying pictures marking every monthly milestone.

Inspired by Aimee and Stephen’s story? You can Show Your Love too. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, walk-a-thon, or personal challenge, you can start your own fundraiser in support of SHN through our easy-to-use online platform. Every event makes a difference—and every dollar helps transform care for our community.