A teenager from Niagara Falls is inspiring others as the Patient Ambassador for McMaster Children's Hospital Foundation.
13 year old Ethan Zahn was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at seven years old, and now makes regular visits to the children's hospital every eight weeks, consulting with a specialist every four months to manage the disease.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract; without treatment, Ethan could suffer from malnutrition, unhealthy weight loss, and severe abdominal pain.
12 other children like Ethan will also represent hospital foundations as 'Champions' as part of the Children’s Miracle Network Champions presented by Walmart Canada program.
The program is meant to educate the community about the work of the Children's Miracle Network, including the McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the financial needs those hospitals face. The program honours remarkable children who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges, and offers them an opportunity to represent the millions of children treated annually at children’s hospitals across North America.
Children chosen for the program will travel to Ottawa for a once in a lifetime experience before heading to Orlando for the Children's Hospitals Week conference in March.