The Montreal Children’s Hospital Awards of Excellence celebrate people in The Children’s extended family who, through their dedication and compassion, transform the daily lives of children and families. Behind each reassuring gesture, each advancement and each smile are men and women who choose to go above and beyond their roles.

The 2026 edition pays tribute to outstanding recipients, nominated by their peers for their leadership, compassion and commitment. All of them work toward a common goal: to offer people-centred care and to make a real difference in the lives of families. Congratulations to our laureates, whose extraordinary dedication allows The Children’s to help young patients regain their boundless energy. Long live little brats!

American Iron & Metal Teamwork Award of Excellence

Hemodialysis Team

In hemodialysis, children and adolescents spend long hours connected to a machine, several times a week. At The Children’s, each treatment becomes a more humane experience thanks to a close-knit, self-reliant team that prioritizes patience, active listening, and creativity. The nursing staff transforms this demanding daily routine into moments of care and tailored activities. Personalized care plans, family support, and constant presence are part of their daily reality. For their dedication, collaboration, and passion, these six nurses are receiving the American Iron & Metal Teamwork Award of Excellence.

BMO Financial Group Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence

Catherine “Kat” Demes Family

After the loss of Catherine “Kat” Demes at the age of 5, her family chose to channel their grief into a deeply hopeful cause. With the support of the Kat D Foundation and a broad community effort, the family raised $3 million for research into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and for the operations of the Kat Demes Pavilion. More than just a place to stay, the Pavilion offers comfort, support, and compassion to families facing their child’s illness and living outside of Montreal. Supported by a true “village,” this vibrant and compassionate commitment is honored by the BMO Financial Group Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence.

Broccolini Medical Award of Excellence 

Dr. Karl Muchantef

Guided by the belief that the patient must always be at the center of care, Dr. Karl Muchantef uses his expertise to enable quicker, more accurate diagnoses, contributing to better treatments for the kids at The Children’s. As Director of the Division of Pediatric Medical Imaging, he stands out for his leadership, compassion, and ability to guide complex clinical decisions. Passionate about his work, he also plays a key role in training the next generation by creating a stimulating learning environment for radiology residents. His remarkable impact has earned him the Broccolini Medical Award of Excellence.

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

Grégoire Laroche

Despite being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia at just 8 years old, Grégoire Laroche faced the disease with extraordinary resilience and determination. He loved school so much that he turned a school project created as part of the School in the Hospital Program into a book titled Les Mystérieux Toutous, published with the help of 14 Quebec illustrators to benefit The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Leucan. Although he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 10, his courage and creativity left a deep impression on everyone who crossed his path. Posthumously, he is receiving the DGDM Family Foundation Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence. Thanks to the collective effort that brought his book to life, Grégoire’s memory continues to shine.

Fednav and Mavrik Corp. Nursing Award of Excellence

Soo-Lin Ng

For 27 years, Soo-Lin Ng has dedicated her energy and determination to serving children with complex medical needs. As an assistant head nurse, she ensures that every patient receives the care and resources they need, even if it means breaking new ground when solutions are hard to come by. She has also helped build a complex pediatric home care program that has become a model in Montreal. A true pillar of support for her team and an attentive mentor, Soo-Lin is present, committed, and deeply compassionate. She is receiving the Fednav – Mavrik Corp. Nursing Award of Excellence.

GardaWorld Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff of Excellence

Isilda Nascimento

For nearly 20 years, Isilda Nascimento has been the reassuring voice supporting families receiving nephrology care at The Children’s. As a medical secretary essential to the coordination of care, she meticulously ensures that every appointment, every follow-up, and every stage of treatment is well organized. Her calm demeanor and compassion bring comfort during often difficult times. Discreet yet indispensable, she is a true pillar of support for her team and the families. She is receiving the GardaWorld Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff Award of Excellence.

Pfizer Research Award of Excellence

Dr. Pia Wintermark

Driven by a desire to restore hope to the families of critically ill newborns, Dr. Pia Wintermark has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of neonatal brain health. An internationally renowned neonatologist and clinician-researcher, she is expanding our understanding of neonatal brain injury. Her innovative work is paving the way for treatments that have the potential to transform care worldwide. Her scientific rigor, creativity, and compassion make her a leading figure in her field. For her exceptional commitment to improving the future of the most vulnerable babies, she is receiving the Pfizer Research Award of Excellence.

Professional Staff Award of Excellence 

Alessia Persechino

From a young age, Alessia Persechino developed a deep sense of dedication that now guides her work as a human relations officer at the SPOT, a clinic near the Hospital that specializes in adolescent mental health. Thanks to her empathy and creativity, she quickly builds trusting relationships with young people and helps them develop independence as they navigate the challenges they face. Committed to providing practical and tailored tools, she has enhanced several therapeutic approaches and reorganized the emergency plan to better support teens and their families during times of crisis. Her exceptional commitment, innovative spirit, and compassion make her a source of inspiration and a well-deserved recipient of the Professional Staff Award of Excellence.