Keira becomes Champion Child

Vibrant girl overcomes health challenges to represent other children as Manitoba’s 2022 Champion Child

Winnipeg, MB (February 2, 2022) – A young Manitoba girl is overcoming her health challenges to give back and support kids like her. Keira Davlut is taking on the role of Manitoba’s Champion Child for 2022.  At two weeks old, Keira was diagnosed with craniosynostosis – a condition in which one or more of the fibrous joints between the bones of a baby’s skull close prematurely, before the brain can fully form. In Keira’s case, it was bicoronal synostosis meaning both sides of her skull were fusing too early. The condition can cause eye and ear problems, spine problems, breathing problems, and without early intervention there may be development delays.  Thankfully, Keira received treatment early at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital.

“When I was just nine months old, I had a craniotomy which means that surgeons at Children’s Hospital cut my skull open from one ear to the other so that there was room for my brain to grow,” says now 11-year-old Keira.

Keira has had a total of 12 specialists at HSC Children’s supporting her care over the years. She’s had three additional surgeries to help with hearing and breathing when she was three and five years old, and a bone graft to her skull when she was eight years old.  She is thankful for all the support she receives at HSC Children’s Hospital, which has allowed her to continue being an active child enjoying dance, gymnastics, and piano.

“The doctors, nurses, and staff always make me feel safe and supported.  They are always smiling and friendly, and they help me understand what is happening,” says Keira.

Over the years, Keira and her family have participated in a variety of fundraising and donor thank you events through Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, as part of Keira’s desire to give back to the hospital. Now Keira will take on the role of 2022 Champion Child for Children’s Hospital Foundation, to be an ambassador for the 130,000 kids who need HSC Children’s Hospital each year.

On top of this, Keira has set a goal to raise money for specialized equipment to support areas of greatest need as the hospital continues to support kids through the pandemic.  Watch Keira’s video at goodbear.ca/Keira.

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.

Celebrate the launch for Keira’s year as Champion Child!

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.

About Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Inc.

Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital has the best care and experience possible.

Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Foundation has raised more than $150 million to help sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. Funds support important programs that bring comfort to sick children, life-saving equipment, and health research to improve the lives of children everywhere. Let’s make anything possible. Learn about your impact at goodbear.ca.

For more information, contact:

Kathryn McBurney
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Children’s Hospital Foundation
C: 204-803-8518
E: kmcburney@goodbear.ca