SickKids Foundation

He was born with a life-threatening diagnosis. But now he’s defying the odds.

Ezra’s newborn screening revealed he had SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) - a rare genetic disorder that compromises his immune system, making him highly vulnerable to serious infections.

After learning that he carried the even rarer RAG-2 variant, Ezra and his parents underwent a full genetic screening panel at SickKids, where they discovered that they too are carriers of the mutated gene.

Throughout his life, Ezra has endured multiple admissions, and a number of setbacks and delays in hitting his milestones like learning to speak, and building friendships with other kids beyond the Hospital walls.

Now at nearly three years old, he approaches life with a smile, continuing to overcome the odds that were stacked against him. 💪

“Even though his first few years were filled with pain, trauma and multiple hospitalizations – he is the sweetest, most polite little guy with a smile that can make your day,” says his mom, Michelle.

Since 2000, CBRE has raised more than $300K to support the highest priority needs at SickKids, so that kiddos like Ezra can get the specialized treatment they need. Thank you. 💙

A grandparent’s love is one that often sits quietly in the background, felt in the moments no one else sees.

For SickKids grandparents, it’s in the early-morning drives to appointments, hours spent in waiting rooms, the care given to siblings, the wisdom they share, and the laughter brought into hardest days. It’s being a steady hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and a quiet strength that holds a family together.

As you click through these photos, six SickKids families share, in their own powerful words, what that support has meant to them.

This , we celebrate and thank every SickKids grandparent who gives so much of themselves to carry their families through moments of joy, uncertainty and everything in between. 💙

"Having a proper place to rest when you're not feeling your best is really important.” 🥹

Hush gave Nori just that – a safe space to decompress, rest, and be her truest self amid her cancer treatment.

From the cozy enclosed bed that has become the entire family’s favourite power nap spot, to the pushpin boards where she can hang and enjoy her artwork, Nori’s dream room has become her sanctuary.

“This bedroom makeover means a lot to me, especially since I was in the Hospital and our house had just flooded when the opportunity came up. My new bedroom is more than I could have ever dreamed of and it means so much to me that so many people from Hush put in so much time and love into making this possible. This room means new and positive beginnings for me.”

Thank you, Hush, for your vision, thoughtfulness, and generosity. 💙

Grade 10 loading ⏳

With a year of high school already under his belt, Matthew is excited for everything this year’s got in store for him. He’s looking forward to playing on a few sports teams and jumping back into the subjects he loves the most: history, geography, and science. 📚

As he takes on a new school year, he’s also navigating challenges that may not always be visible to those around him.

Matthew has retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss. Supported by SickKids' Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences team, he continues to navigate life with the condition while pursuing the things he loves. His vision struggles the most when the sun goes down and the lights are out, because he can’t see in the dark.

“You can’t always tell that someone has retinitis pigmentosa unless they tell you. If they do, I’d just ask people to be patient and help them - especially when things feel dark or difficult.”

A reminder we can all use every once in a while.

We’re wishing Matthew and everyone heading back to school this week a year full of kindness, new memories, and big wins. You’ve got this! 🏫 🎒 📓

Shai may have the official title, but this room was full of MVPs 💙

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA Oklahoma City Thunder