FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fredericton, N.B. (Jan. 22, 2025) – Today, nine-year-old IWK patient Norah Matchett of New Brunswick was officially announced as the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network® Champion for the IWK. A special event to announce Norah as Champion was held at the Fredericton North Walmart.
The Children’s Miracle Network Champion program brings together children representing children’s hospital foundations across Canada and the United States. Throughout 2025, as Champion, Norah will represent children and youth who receive specialized treatment and care at IWK Health. She will share her story to support fundraising campaigns and events in the Maritimes.
“We are thrilled to announce Norah as this year’s Children’s Miracle Network Champion for the IWK,” said Melanie Matheson, Director of Development at the IWK Foundation. “Norah and her family are passionate about sharing their story to raise awareness and encourage others to support the IWK. They will be fantastic local and national representatives for patients across the Maritimes who rely on the IWK.”
Norah was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, which occurs when a baby’s lip or mouth doesn’t form properly. She has had multiple surgeries at the IWK and continues to experience some challenges with her hearing and speech. Thanks to the care of the IWK, Norah is a positive and resilient nine-year-old eager to take on her role as Champion.
As Champion, Norah and her family will travel to Orlando, Florida, to participate in events at Children’s Hospitals Week with other patients 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 Norah, please watch the video below, or visit: www.iwkfoundation.org/norah
- 30 –
About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. 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
Sarah Greening
IWK Foundation
P: 902.266.3306
E: sarah.greening@iwkfoundation.org