A young boy with cystic fibrosis from Milton has donated 100 “comfort kits” for children who are entering the hospital unexpectedly to make them feel more comfortable while they are away from home.
It’s a bag of essentials for a stay in the hospital. With toothpaste, deodorant, gum, a colouring book and much more.
Nine-year-old Liam Wilson led the creation of the kits through his organization, Liam’s Mission.
“Because other kids are like very scared to go to hospitals…I was thinking of like the kids when they go to hospital with their parents, and the parents see what the kid is going through like IVs and needles.”
He dropped off 100 comfort kits at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Tuesday morning with the help of his mother Deana.
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She co-founded Liam’s Mission after her son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three weeks old.
“When we created it, we wanted to help other kids and raise awareness for cystic fibrosis and raise money for sick kids.” said Deana.
With several hospital stays under their belts, the duo say they understand exactly what kids and parents staying in hospital need.
“The kit is designed so it helps parents like me not have to worry about one more thing on top of everything else we’re going through.”
Staff from Oakville Trafalgar Hospital will distribute the kits to families as they begin their hospital stays.
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“Oftentimes many of these admissions are not planned, and families are often left with items that they need but don’t have…we are incredibly grateful to be able to receive something like this.” said Certified Child Life Specialist Jocelyn Leworthy.
Liam’s work has attracted support from other community partners, including local business WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care, that is matching Liam’s most recent donation.
“We are here at Oakville supporting him, we’re going to be at Burlington supporting him.” said WeeCare’s Megan Walker.
This isn’t his first or last round of donations. Liam has previously donated kits to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital and says he will continue donating to more hospitals in the future.