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Meet Our Heroes

IWK Heroes

Meet some of our IWK heroes— courageous patients, exceptional caregivers and generous supporters— who know the value of the IWK to the Maritime community. They inspire us to ensure the IWK can continue providing the specialized care it's known for every day.

Use the filter below to view stories by hero type, location, or area of funding.
 

Find a Hero

Viyan and Zeen Ali, IWK Patients

Viyan and Zeen Ali

When the Ali family fled war-torn Syria, they had two very sick little girls. Not only did the family find refuge in Halifax, but the IWK gave sisters Viyan and Zeen a new chance at life.

Van Bernard, IWK Patient

Van Bernard

When Van Bernard of Halifax, Nova Scotia was eight months old, his family noticed he was not growing like he should and his gross motor skills were not developing.

Joe Robichaud, CycleAbility Founder

CycleAbility Challenge

Do you remember the fun you had as a child riding your bike, and the sense of freedom it gave you? I sure do, because at the age of 12 I lost the ability to ride when I had to have my leg removed.

Breagh MacKinnon, Classified, and David Myles with Dorado, accredited Facility dog

Classified, David Myles, and Breagh MacKinnon

In his recently released single, “Powerless”, Juno award-winning Canadian rapper, Classified, says “I wish I could do more than just write a song.” And, his actions are speaking louder than words.

AJ Gillis, IWK patient

AJ Gillis

AJ was only hours old when his heart started to fail.

Born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), AJ’s stomach and bowels were pushed up into his lungs and his heart was displaced.