Leading the way to Better Futures

Why campaign co-chairs Nancy Cipryk and Kirsten McConnell decided to #GiveBetterFutures

Two mothers, five kids and one dream to transform child healthcare and research. Nancy Cipryk and Kirsten McConnell are leading the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba’s Better Futures campaign as committee co-chairs and have very personal reasons for joining the initiative.

“It’s just purely out of gratitude. It’s an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families in need,” says Kirsten. “We’re very grateful for the care given to our three kids. I had an opportunity to finally give back and I jumped at that.”

Kirsten and her husband, Dan, have triplets – Brynn, Matthew and Liam – and both Brynn and Matthew were born with cleft lip and palette. Brynn and Matthew have needed support from HSC Children’s Hospital their whole lives, including for over a dozen major surgeries between them both.

“Basically, my kids have grown up at the hospital,” says Kirsten.

Brynn, Matthew and Liam are now 17 years old, graduating high school together, and planning for bright futures. One of Brynn’s special talents is singing, which is incredible given what she’s gone through.

“We love giving back based on our very positive experience,” says Kirsten.

“Seeing how incredibly generous Manitobans are and how involved people are in the community – it’s been very humbling. I just feel very proud.”

Nancy was also inspired by her family’s experiences at the hospital. She and her husband, Greg, have two girls and they both have needed HSC Children’s including for emergency care, surgery, a broken arm, asthma, allergies and more. They are now aged 14 and 17 and thriving.

“Our job is to give these children a voice and to take that and show potential donors the urgent needs these children have,” says Nancy.

“Little children don’t have a voice, so Kirsten and I have become the voices for them. It’s important to give without self-interest as it feeds your soul. It’s like a breath of fresh air to your soul when you know you are making a difference in these children’s lives and outcomes.”

The Better Futures campaign has a goal of reaching $75 million, making it the largest donor-driven campaign in support of child health in Manitoba’s history. Thanks to Nancy and Kirsten’s leadership, and donors’ generosity, as of June 2023, the Better Futures campaign is over 80% complete.

Both Nancy and Kirsten say they are honoured to be part of the campaign cabinet helping #GiveBetterFutures and grateful for donors.

“It’s such a great group of people, with everybody just jumping in and it’s really special to be part of something like this,” says Kirsten. “It is a chance to work with passionate and dedicated individuals who share a common goal of improving the health and well-being of children. It is not only a fulfilling role, but also a responsibility to help create a better world for the next generation.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to work with this team,” says Nancy. “Children need the very best care possible, so we say thank you to all our current donors.”