Meet Manitoba’s 2023 Champion Child

Winkler, MB (February 17, 2023) – Since age three, Pacey Wall has relied on HSC Children’s Hospital due to intestinal failure. Even after more than 30 surgeries and countless days in hospital, Pacey is a resilient child with a great attitude who greets everyone he meets with a smile and a wave – making him perfect for his new role as 2023 Champion Child for Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“I know if I believe in myself, great things can happen,” says Pacey, now nine years old.

Due to his condition, Pacey has been in and out of the hospital since complications first arose, even spending Christmases and birthdays there. Pacey has had a wide variety of procedures to help his digestion, including having his colon removed and a colostomy placed.

No matter how challenging things get, Pacey remains optimistic, and he looks forward to seeing his surgeons and other health care team members – including spending time in the playroom with the Child Life team, who help him enjoy just being a kid.  Even as recently as this Valentine’s Day Pacey was in hospital for complications that arise from his rare disease.

“Even though it sounds like it’s hopeless, it’s not. We have an amazing team here. We trust them and we have a really great relationship with them,” says Kim Wall, Pacey’s mom. 

Pacey and his family have participated in and created various fundraising events over the years as part of their desire to give back to the HSC Children’s Hospital. In his new role, Pacey will be an ambassador for the 130,000 children who need the Children’s Hospital each year.

“Pacey is a hero in every version of the word,” says Stefano Grande, president & CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “I can’t wait to see all that he is going to accomplish as a wonderful representative for all the kids who need our children’s hospital.”

Click to watch Pacey’s video.

Follow Pacey’s year and support Pacey’s fundraiser at goodbear.ca/Pacey

The Champions program is part of the Children’s Miracle Network® and is affiliated with Children’s Hospitals Week, supported by Walmart Canada, the Brick and Air Canada Foundation.

About the Champions Program

Every year in Canada, local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) member hospitals identify a “Champion” in each of their local communities to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These brave and spirited ambassadors spend their year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals by sharing their unique stories with Canadians, their communities and partners.  Their goal is to encourage everyone to join the fight for children’s health through local support, events and CMN Canada programs.

The Champion Child program is supported by Walmart and additional sponsors The Brick and Air Canada Foundation. Champion children, member hospital foundation ambassadors, and corporate partners all work together to promote the hospitals’ need for funds.

Children’s hospitals rely on donations to provide care for kids — no matter their illnesses or injuries.

#GiveBetterFutures with Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

You can change a sick child’s life through the current $75 million Better Futures campaign. History-making changes in child health will ensure sick kids get the care they need in places of comfort and healing, in environments that physically and technologically match the excellence provided by healthcare professionals today. They’ll benefit from leading-edge research focused specifically on the unique needs of kids in our communities. Manitoba’s largest-ever fundraising campaign for child health NEEDS YOU to help #GiveBetterFutures to sick and injured kids. Because your present can change their future.

Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has raised more than $165 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Children’s Hospital has the best care experience possible and benefits from the leading-edge research at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. Learn about your impact at goodbear.ca.