SickKids balloon display will be at CCC
Balloons by Sagar Patil-Free Use Domain-Upsplash
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg
The balloon display celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Hospital for Sick Children will be at the CCC April 2 to 13 in honour of Grafton hockey player Grace Bowen
Don't miss your chance to see the Hospital for Sick Children's 150th-anniversary balloon display, which will be set up in the Grand Hall at the Cobourg Community Centre April 3 to 13.
This is a result of efforts by the Town of Cobourg, along with the West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association and the family of Grace Bowen in celebration of the Toronto hospital's 150th anniversary. A second tribute to Grace and SickKids will happen Saturday, April 5, when the association will host a free public skate from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
SickKids is Canada's most research-intensive hospital in the country, and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health. The Town of Cobourg is proud to join communities across the country to celebrate their life-changing work, and also to honour an incredible girl whose courage and determination in her fight against cancer won the hearts of so many.
Grace was an eight-year-old outgoing, determined and passionate Grafton girl, whose love for hockey was beyond measure. She poured every ounce of her energy into the game, embracing the practices, tournaments, tough losses and the unbreakable bond with her WNGHA teammates. She grew up at the CCC and at rinks throughout the community.
Sidelined by a sore knee, Grace later found it was something more serious – a broken femur caused by osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
Thus began 11 long months at SickKids undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy and relentless treatments and pokes. During this time, she made two new friends – Canadian ice hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, whose hearts were touched by her bravery, resilience and spirit.
The 150th Birthday Balloon Sculptures at the CCC represent the power of community and the work done every day at SickKids. Members of the community are invited to share their photos and selfies with it with hashtag #SickKids150 to help raise awareness and support for the campaign.
