Spreading Holiday Cheer with SickKids Hospital
During this time of year, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Although it’s an enchanting, joyful, and celebratory period for many, the holidays can be difficult for some. Those who spend their days in the hospital, whether facing challenging health conditions themselves or caring for loved ones who are ill, can often feel isolated and overwhelmed.
Over the years, Skinprovement has supported multiple foundations, companies, and organizations, along with several small charities and local initiatives. Recently, SickKids Hospital became another organization we are privileged to partner with, and we knew that we wanted to give back to their incredible NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) team who continue to make a difference in the lives of families every day.
This past week, Skinprovement at St. Clair West gifted forty of the resilient NICU families of SickKids Hospital a bit of comfort and care, providing them with a signature Skinprovement treatment to unwind and a thoughtful treat to brighten their day. Our goal was to remind them that they are seen, loved, and supported. We wanted to create an opportunity for these guardians to take a moment for themselves, helping them to recharge and be the strongest, most supportive version of who they truly are.
We recognize the difficulty that comes with this time of year for those caring for infants battling unpredictable medical conditions but for one member of our Skinprovement family, that appreciation hits a lot closer to home.
One of our franchise owners and medical aestheticians, Anna, is a NICU mother herself. When her eldest daughter Sofia was born, Anna experienced a terrifying scare that required the care and expertise of the incredible team at SickKids hospital.
Only two days after Sofia was born, she began to have seizures. It was when the nurses were preparing Anna and her daughter for their discharge from Southlake Regional Health Centre, that they noticed Sofia’s shoulder twitching. Before anyone could respond, a NICU nurse appeared, urgently stating that Sofia needed to be taken away immediately. By the time Anna was able to see her daughter again, she was informed that her daughter had her first seizure, which had lasted a grueling five minutes. As a result, Sofia was admitted to SickKids Hospital.
Two weeks followed with tests and uncertainty, and it was during this time that Sofia experienced another seizure. Despite numerous medical exams, including four spinal taps, the cause of the seizures remained unclear. The doctors explained that Sofia likely experienced reduced blood flow or oxygen in the womb, causing a spot to form at the front of her brain, possibly due to the umbilical cord having been wrapped around her neck.
As a mother, witnessing your newborn experience something this terrifying is heartbreaking. But in those moments of fear, Anna knew she couldn’t break down.
Anna discloses: “I couldn’t let myself hit rock bottom. I had to be strong for Sofia. If I wasn’t okay, how could I expect her to be? As soon as I walked into that hospital, I put on my superhero cape and didn’t look back. I was there to support my daughter, no matter what. But it wasn’t easy. I was angry. I was sad. And I felt helpless. I kept asking myself repeatedly: What did I, as a mother, do wrong?”
While reflecting on her time at SickKids Hospital, Anna shares: “The nurses were amazing. They were there for me during the moments where all I could do was cry. Watching the nurses care for other babies, gently touching their little faces and speaking to them with so much love, brought me comfort. Even when I couldn’t be there, I knew Sofia was being loved.”
After the harrowing events during Sofia’s initial moments in this world, she eventually grew into a strong young girl. But unfortunately, this wouldn’t be Anna’s only experience with SickKids Hospital.
Years later, her second daughter, Remi, developed ARFID, an avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. This condition caused her brain to trick her into believing that if she ate, she would choke. At just seven years old, she stopped eating entirely for two weeks. It came to a point where Remi would potentially require a feeding tube inserted through her nose and into her stomach to properly fuel her body, which was in desperate need of nourishment. Although Remi had choked in the past, it hadn’t ever been a severe incident. But this fear alone was enough to trigger her, causing her to wake up one morning and refuse to eat. Luckily, with Anna and loved ones by her side, Remi was eventually able to overcome this challenging time during early childhood.
During both of these times of despair and prayer, Anna realized something that she would continue to carry with her for years to come: You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice.
Fast forward to 2024, and Anna is now the proud mother of three healthy, beautiful children.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that every day is a gift and should be cherished. We are honored to have her as part of our team and to have had her contribute to this special initiative.
Here’s to spreading warmth, joy, and hope this holiday season.
With infinite love, Skinprovement at St. Clair West
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