Making a difference for kids with epilepsy

On May 9th, 2017, Michael and his wife Lilibeth Schlater announced to the world a $2 million donation to help set up a Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at the Children’s Hospital-HSC Winnipeg. Fast forward exactly seven months and today the unit was revealed for the first time.

“Thrilled and excited are two of the words Lilibeth and I would use to describe this moment,” states Michael Schlater, Chief Executive Officer, Domino’s Pizza of Canada Ltd. “After thirty-five years with Domino’s Pizza Canada, it gives us great pride to be able to pay back our success in the city where everything started. Knowing we had a special part in helping Manitoban children and their families remain here for care is heartwarming.”

The Pediatric EMU currently encompasses two in-patient beds, a central monitoring unit at the nurse’s station, a telemetry room where EEG recordings are reviewed, and two portable EEG machines that may be used in the operating room or Intensive Care Unit (for more urgent cases). A significant upgrade in the Children’s Hospital electronic servers and workstations was also necessary to support the program.

“Donors like Michael and Lilibeth Schlater truly make the difference in the lives of sick and injured children here in Manitoba”, states Karen Cornejo, Chair, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Board of Directors. “We thank them for their leadership in making this life-changing project possible.”

Since the launch of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program in the past few months, 12 children have already been treated in Manitoba. Previous to this program, having to travel out-of-province for care posed significant challenges on pediatric epilepsy patients and their families. With the arrival of the EMU in Winnipeg, it is anticipated that upwards of 100 patients or more will be seen this year, meaning that the EMU will not only reduce costs, but will also significantly shorten wait times for Manitoban children with epilepsy.

“As Manitoba’s Hospital, it is vital that we have the expertise and equipment we need to provide the best possible hospital experience to children and their families from across the province,” said Ronan Segrave, Interim Chief Operating Officer, HSC Winnipeg. “On behalf of our staff, volunteers and the people we serve, we thank Mr. and Mrs. Schlater for so generously supporting the pediatric epilepsy program.”

Click here to see the new Michael & Lilibeth Schlater and Family Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.