FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summerside, PEI (February 9, 2026) – This past weekend, ten-year-old Ellis Ferrish of Prince Edward Island was officially announced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network® Champion for the IWK. A special event to celebrate Ellis as this year's Champion was held at Marriott’s Delta Prince Edward Hotel in Charlottetown.
The Children’s Miracle Network® Champion program brings together patients representing children’s hospital foundations across Canada and the United States.
Throughout 2026, as Champion, Ellis will represent children and youth who receive specialized treatment and care at the IWK. She will share her story to support and inspire fundraising campaigns and events in the Maritimes.
“We are incredibly proud to introduce Ellis as this year’s Children’s Miracle Network Champion for the IWK,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “From the moment you meet her, you feel it – the joy, the courage and the determination that defines her story. We are very thankful to her and her family for sharing their journey and helping inspire others.”
Ellis was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy known as RYR-1 Myopathy, which can present a wide range of symptoms, such as muscle weakness, muscle cramping, and pain. Ellis has been receiving specialized care at the IWK since she was a newborn, including body casts, surgeries, and complex spinal procedures.
While there is no cure, RYR-1 Myopathy is not life-threatening.
“Her care team told us she was going to do big things, and this is it,” said Lori Ferrish, in heartfelt remarks provided during Saturday’s celebration.
Thanks to the world-class care provided by the IWK, Ellis is a positive and outgoing ten-year-old excited to take on her new role as Champion.
Ellis and her family will attend Elevate (formerly Children’s Hospitals Week) this Spring with other champions and their families from across North America who know first-hand the importance of having access to critical and specialized pediatric care.
To learn more about Ellis, please watch the following video: Ellis | IWK Foundation
About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women and children’s healthcare and research, and mental health and addictions for children and youth. The IWK Foundation is the primary fundraising organization for IWK Health, working in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth, and families in our community. The IWK is a national co-owner and partner of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations and a member of the national Women’s Health Collective Canada. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and research. Its various fundraising partners and programs support our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Children’s Miracle Network Canada is managed and operated by Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations®. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.
Media Contact –
Angie McAuley
IWK Foundation
P: 902-417-1881
E: angie.mcauley@iwkfoundation.org