A Century of Hope, Healing and Innovation: Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Celebrates 100 Years of Transforming Lives

Overcoming the Odds to Honor a Milestone

Despite Montreal’s largest snowfall in a decade, nothing could dampen the spirit of celebration at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. Over 150 honored guests braved the winter conditions to gather at the hospital, marking a century of groundbreaking care, resilience and hope. 

Among the first guests to take part in the event were Patient Ambassadors Luca, Aurélie and Nia. They opened the celebration by sharing their personal journeys with an audience of current patients. Guided by CBC’s Debra Arbec, the heartfelt discussion was a powerful exchange of stories, resilience and hope.  

Luca, a world-renowned breakdancer who recently performed at the Paris Paralympics, captivated the audience with his story. Treated for arthrogryposis at Shriners Children’s Canada, he shared, "For any parent with a child at the hospital, rest assured – they are in good hands. For me, the care I received was more than just medical treatment. It shaped who I am today."

Building on Luca’s message of perseverance, Nia, who has been paralyzed on the right side of her body since birth, reflected on her own journey. “It was important to me to figure out how to adapt my body to do what I wanted to do. The care I received here helped me realize my dreams – including, in 2021, when I became the Royal International Miss Canada Montreal Junior Teen,” she said.

A Day of Special Moments

The event brought together families, hospital staff, city representatives, members of the Shriners fraternity, the Daughters of the Nile and other distinguished guests. The day was filled with reflection, gratitude and excitement for the future.

The celebration began at the hospital’s entrance, where Shriners welcomed families with commemorative pins marking the milestone. Patients and employees enjoyed hot chocolate and coffee, along with their own centennial keepsakes.

A live ice sculptor captivated attendees, crafting a stunning tribute to the hospital’s history while patients and families joined in, carving their own pieces of the sculpture.

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

The sounds of the Karnak Shriners bagpipes filled the air, setting the stage for an emotional ceremony. Guests listened attentively as Gary McKeown, Chairman of the Board of Governors, reflected on the hospital’s incredible journey over the past century. He then introduced the event’s co-hosts, former patients Natalie and Khadidja, who guided the audience through a series of inspiring tributes.

Renowned physicians and researchers – including Richard Cruess, CC, OQ, FRSC, M.D., François Fassier, M.D., MSc, Thierry Benaroch, M.S., M.D., FRCS(C), Francis Glorieux, OC, M.D., Ph.D., René St-Arnaud, Ph.D., and Kelly Thorstad – shared stories of groundbreaking advancements in pediatric orthopedics and medical research, underscoring the hospital’s leadership in innovation and patient care.

The event also showcased the talents of former patients, with an inspiring dance performance by Luca and a heartfelt musical presentation by Shahara.

A Future of Possibilities

Jacques Boissonneault, Administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s supporters.

"Shriners Children’s Canada is more than a hospital – it is a place of healing, discovery and hope. For 100 years, we have been changing lives, thanks to the dedication of our medical teams, the generosity of our donors, and the unwavering commitment of the Shriners community," said Boissonneault. "Today, we honor this legacy and look forward to a future filled with even more possibilities for the children we serve." 

Jani and Aurélie, both former Patient Ambassadors, were onsite to share their own messages of resilience and ambition.

• Jani, a former patient with osteogenesis imperfecta, credited the hospital – where she completed her primary and secondary education – for giving her the strength to achieve anything she set her mind to. In 2024, she set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed in a non-racing wheelchair.
• Aurélie, who underwent limb-lengthening treatment, found that her experience instilled in her a deep compassion for others. Today, she is on her way to becoming a doctor, aspiring to specialize in pediatric orthopedics.

As the celebration came to a close, guests shared a collective sense of pride and renewed commitment to the hospital’s mission. The 100th anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada was not just a tribute to the past – it was a promise to continue changing lives for generations to come.

Join us in shaping the future – whether by supporting our programs, sharing your story or simply spreading the message of hope.