Cole Smith of Shellbrook is sharing his experience as a patient in Jim Pattison Children's Hospital as part of the annual radiothon fundraiser. (Submitted photo/JPCHF)

By paNOW Staff

Little Hearts, Little Lungs

Happening now: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon

Nov 5, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Sudden numbness in his nose and unexplained hand spasms didn’t initially raise concerns for Cole Smith. He was an active 15-year-old from Shellbrook living a typical teenage life and enjoying time on the football field.

Months later, an MRI confirmed he had a brain tumour.

“You ask yourself why. Why him? Why a tumour? Why a tumour in the brain?,” said Cole’s mom Teri.

Cole had seen a neurologist, had an electroencephalogram (EEG) – a test measuring electrical activity in the brain, and had an MRI prior to his diagnosis. It was a stressful time, but his family said they were well-informed every step of the way by the medical team at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) – which gave them confidence when Cole’s tumour was removed in December of 2022.

“I felt comfortable knowing that I had one of the best surgeons here operating on me. That was definitely reassuring, but I was really just scared about it and the end results,” Cole said reflecting on the time before the surgery.

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Cole Smith at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, where he had a brain tumour removed in Dec. 2022. (Submitted photo/JPCHF)

Fortunately, Cole’s surgery was a success. He’s been in stable condition ever since he was discharged and goes for follow-up MRIs at JPCH every six months. He’s about to celebrate his 17^th birthday and is now back in football for his Grade 12 season.

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon is raising funds for kids just like Cole. This year, contributions will help enhance clinical capabilities for cardiac care. Innovative equipment like the Transesophogeal Probe plays a vital role in diagnosing heart defects and evaluating cardiac function in patients from newborns to 17 years old.

Funds raised this year will also go toward cutting-edge tools for the diagnosis and management of various breathing disorders including asthma, cystic fibrosis, premature lung disorders, and congenital airway anomalies.

More than 30 radio stations across the province, including Pattison Media stations in Prince Albert, Melfort, North Battleford and Meadow Lake are participating in the two-day radiothon Nov. 5 and 6 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The broadcasts will provide a glimpse into life within the walls of JPCH, featuring stories from Saskatchewan children, families and medical staff.

All donations are being matched by Prince Albert residents Gord and Barb Broda, up to $150,000.

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation said the public’s support helps over 83,000 babies, children and moms-to-be each year at the hospital, which is 227 patient visits a day. Since the first radiothon 22 years ago, over $16.41 million has been raised.

Over the course of the two day event, various businesses and organizations will be matching donations each hour or providing donors a chance to win a prize.

You can donate online or call 1-888-808-KIDS (5437).

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panews@pattisonmedia.com