The Children's healthcare professionals and volunteers pride themselves in going above and beyond for our patients and their families. In another emotionally-charged year, their efforts to offer sick children the care and support they need are even more special.

It is with pride and gratitude that The Children's Foundation presented its 23rd Awards of Excellence to Hospital staff and community leaders who contribute every day to the wellbeing of patients and their parents through their actions, team spirit and dedication.

Presented by National Bank, the virtual Awards ceremony on May 30 celebrated the honourees’ exceptional work in helping The Children’s  young patients back on their feet. The Award recipients were nominated and selected by their peers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued partners, ALRE Properties Inc., DGDM Family Foundation, Le Groupe Maurice, McCall MacBain Foundation, National Bank and Pfizer, for making these awards possible. Thanks to their generous support, sick children in Quebec can get back their fighting spirit.

Congratulations to all!

Read more in the Chez Nous Special Edition: Awards of Excellence 2022 Winners 

Winners

• Le SPOT Montréal team, recipient of the ALRE Properties Inc. Teamwork Award of Excellence
• Séanne, recipient of the DGDM Family Foundation Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence
• Angela Burns, recipient of Le Groupe Maurice Nursing Award of Excellence
• Nadia Eldaoud, recipient of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation Professional Staff Award of Excellence
• Lynn Hébert, recipient of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation Administrative and Clinical Support Staff Award of Excellence
• Dr. Robert D. Barnes, recipient of the National Bank Medical Award of Excellence
• Dr. Michael Shevell, recipient of the Pfizer Research Award of Excellence
• Mark Pathy, recipient of the Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence

Le SPOT Montréal team
Recipient of the ALRE Properties Inc. Teamwork Award of Excellence

It took only six months to bring the idea of Le SPOT Montréal, a specialized center for teens in suicidal crisis, to life. At the heart of this achievement: a team motivated and donors determined to see the Centre become a reality with $12 million in funding. Each year, 1,000 teens with mental health issues will be able to receive the help they need. This inspiring team, led by Dr. Martin Gignac, Head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The Children’s, is working together to ensure that teens get the care and tools they need to get better and realize their full potential.

"We all wanted the same thing: making this crucial centre to help teens dealing with mental health problems a reality." - Mélanie Bazin, clinical coordinator

*Absent in the photo: Maia Aziz, Mafalda Porporino, Dr Brian Greenfield, Stephanie Stabile, Marie-Ève Despa et Maria Golfinopoulos

Séanne
Recipient of the DGDM Family Foundation Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence

Séanne is a little girl with a lot of energy. At the age of 5, she became seriously ill with stage 4 liver cancer. After radiation therapy and chemotherapy, doctors had to remove 70% of her liver. Despite the ups and downs, Séanne agreed to be the spokeschild for the last Caring for Kids Radiothon. She was also featured in the promotional video of the Foundation’s new ambassador, André-Philippe Gagnon, as well as in the fundraising Little Brats Constellations campaign.

Séanne is now in remission. This little fighter has returned to her mischievous self, much to the delight of her family.

Angela Burns
Recipient of Le Groupe Maurice Nursing Award of Excellence

Angela Burns is a specialized nurse and kidney transplant coordinator. Every young patient at The Children’s who undertakes their complex and stressful kidney transplant journey will cross paths with Angela, who is the contact person for the family and the health care team. Caring and generous, she has always put people at the heart of everything she does. Angela has achieved an exceptional level of commitment to her young transplant patients, whom she also supports as they transition to adult care. A nurse and an "angel" at The Children’s...

"There are so many things that these children and their families go through. All I want to do is make things easier for them. They know they can reach me when they need me."- Angela Burns

Nadia Eldaoud
Recipient of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation Professional Staff Award of Excellence

Positive by nature, Nadia Eldaoud has always excelled in solving complex situations.  Her openess and impressive ability to adapt to change has made a great impact on people’s lives. Nadia is nurse-manager for pediatric day hospital and ambulatory services. While her colleagues recognize her leadership and creative solutions, she never loses sight of the fact that, at the end of the day, solutions must be centered around the well-being of patients and their families. Her exceptional skills help her rally teams at The Children's and find Unexpected Ways to Heal.

"Anything is possible!" - Nadia Eldaoud

Lynn Hébert
Recipient of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation Administrative and Clinical Support Staff Award of Excellence

Lynn Hébert is an administrative technician with sharp organizational skills and endless energy. She supports managers of many services such as Hospital leadership, the Council of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists, the Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Act Evaluation Committee as well as The Children’s Foundation. Her job is to ensure the optimal functioning of the Hospital and that The Children’s provides high quality services to patients.  By combining love and hard work, Lynn contributes magnificently to The Children’s reputation for excellence. 

"Working in a pediatric institution is my way of contributing to children's health. It is a cause that is important to me, and I am happy to contribute." - Lynn Hébert

Dr. Robert D. Barnes
Recipients of the National Bank Medical Award of Excellence

Associate Director of Professional Services at The Children’s since 2015, Dr. Robert D. Barnes has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and efforts to shore up morale. With his touch of humor, Dr. Barnes promoted camaraderie and teamwork to maintain quality care and services in this new reality. He continues to remind The Children's young patients and their parents that there is no crisis they cannot overcome together.

"I have had the honour of representing The Children's wonderful family through all the challenges of the pandemic. So I gratefully accept this award on behalf of us all." - Dr. Barnes 

Dr. Michael Shevell
Recipient of the Pfizer Research Award of Excellence

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Michael Shevell sees patients, teaches aspiring doctors, and conducts medical research. Internationally renowned with an impressive publication record, he has one purpose: to help sick children. Former Pediatrician-in-Chief at The Children’s and Chair of McGill University’s Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Shevell is now a professor in the departments of pediatrics and neurology-neurosurgery at McGill University. He uses his immense talent to help The Children's young patients and give hope to their families.

"No matter the medical problem they may have, kids just want to experience the joy of childhood and of growing up." - Dr. Shevell

Mark Pathy
Recipient of the Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence

CEO and Chairman of Mavrik Corp., Mark Pathy sits on several boards of directors, including The Children’s Foundation, and is a member of its Campaign Cabinet. A proud supporter of The Children's young patients, Mark raised nearly $6 million as president of the MCHF Golf Tournament’s organizing committee. Last April, this visionary philanthropist and astronaut undertook research in space in collaboration with The Children's. The results will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of thousands of children. From the earth to the stars, Mark Pathy remains humble and generous.

"Philanthropy’s ultimate objective is to use our resources as tools to create positive change and increase the impact of funding beyond its original goal." - Mark Pathy