Awareness Days

In June, we acknowledge Shavuot, Eid al-Adha, Autistic Pride Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and International Pride Day. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

June 11: Shavuot

Shavuot, celebrated in Canada and worldwide, is a major Jewish holiday that marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Observed fifty days after Passover, Shavuot is both a historical and agricultural festival commemorating the wheat harvest in Israel. In Canada, Jewish communities come together to participate in synagogue services, where the Ten Commandments are read, and engage in study sessions known as Tikkun Leil Shavuot, which often last through the night. Traditional customs include decorating homes and synagogues with greenery and enjoying dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes. Shavuot fosters a sense of spiritual renewal and community among Canadian Jews, celebrating their rich heritage and religious traditions.

June 16: Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is celebrated on the 10^th day of the last Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah. It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to God, highlighting faith, sacrifice, and obedience.

This day is marked by special prayers, communal gatherings, and the sharing of meals. Families who can afford it perform the sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep or goat, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and those in need. Eid al-Adha underscores the values of charity, gratitude, and faith, promoting a sense of community and solidarity. As an organization, we recognize this important day to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural and religious practices among our members.

June 18: Autistic Pride Day

“Autistic Pride Day is a time to recognize that each autistic person has their own potential and that everyone, despite our challenges, struggles, or circumstances, must be there for each other.” — Bekki Semenova

This day is a time for autistic individuals to celebrate their neurodiversity. It is an event created by the autistic community to show the world that they are proud of being autistic and are not in need of a cure. It’s a day dedicated to inclusion and neurodiversity, embracing and acknowledging an individual’s values along with their differences.

June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Canadian Multiculturalism Day, celebrated annually on June 27, is a day to honour and recognize the rich diversity that defines Canada. It celebrates the cultural heritage and contributions of the various ethnic groups that make up the Canadian mosaic. This day promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation for the different cultures, languages, and traditions that coexist in Canada. Multiculturalism means we celebrate not only the heritage of our family and community but also the backgrounds and beliefs of our neighbours.

The Government of Canada has taken significant actions to promote multiculturalism, including the implementation of the Multiculturalism Act in 1988, which ensures the recognition and preservation of diverse cultural identities. Additionally, the government funds numerous programs and initiatives aimed at supporting cultural festivals, language training, and community integration projects. By celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a harmonious and vibrant society that respects and embraces diversity.

June 28: International Pride Day

Pride Month, celebrated every June in Canada, is a time of celebration, a time to honour love, acceptance, and above all, inclusivity. Pride Day is celebrated annually on June 28.

As an organization dedicated to enabling children and youth to live at their full potential, we recognize the profound importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

For more information about Pride Month, Pride celebrations in the Durham Region or how to be an ally, please visit Durham Region’s 2SLGBTQI+ resource page. To read more about Pride Month, visit our other blog post.

In June, we acknowledge National Indigenous History Month, National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, Stroke Awareness Month, National Cancer Survivor’s Awareness Day, World Brain Tumour Awareness Day, World Blood Donor Awareness Day, CDKL5 Awareness Day, Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day, and National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. Read more about each date of significance below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

National Indigenous History Month

In June, learn about the unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.

Here are a few ideas of how you can get involved and show your support:

Discover stories, traditions and cultures

The best way to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experiences is through their own voices. Enjoy Indigenous storytelling by picking up a book, attending a show, watching a movie, or listening to music by Indigenous artists.

You can also check out the GC Indigenous Instagram account to learn more about inspiring Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, environmentalists, artists, activists, scientists and researchers.

Explore the past and honour the truth

Learn more about present-day communities

Look at these maps of Indigenous Peoples and lands to see the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities around you and the traditional land you live on. Find out more about the significance of land acknowledgment and how you can integrate this practice into your life.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM) is observed in June. The month observes, recognizes, and honours the headache and migraine communities that are continuously working together to ensure that headache disorders are recognized as legitimate neurobiological diseases.

It also encourages people with migraines or chronic headaches to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. It aims to enlighten individuals with headache disorders about the various treatments available. There are many different types of headaches that can be caused by tension, over-exertion, caffeine, illness, lack of sleep, post-traumatic injuries and more.

To learn more about headaches, migraines and resources, visit: https://migrainecanada.org/

Stroke Awareness Month

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recognizes June as Stroke Awareness Month. Their mission is to educate Canadians on the prevention of heart disease and stroke.

What is a stroke? A stroke happens when there is a sudden interruption of blood flow to any part of the brain, damaging cells. The effects depend on the area of the brain damaged, as well as the amount of damage done. There are three types of strokes to watch for:

Ischemic Stroke: the most common type of stroke caused by a blockage or clot in a blood vessel in the brain. The blockage can sometimes be caused by a build-up of plaque in an artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: happens when an artery in the brain ruptures and the resulting interruption to blood flow causes damage to the brain. High blood pressure is a common cause of this type of stroke.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): also known as a mini-stroke or a warning stroke, it is caused by a small clot that briefly blocks an artery. While symptoms are temporary, a TIA can be a warning sign of something more serious.

The symptoms of stroke come on suddenly, usually without any warning, and require immediate attention. If you think someone may be having a stroke, remembering the FAST test could make all the difference:

In addition to the FAST method, there are other less common signs of stroke, including:

Sudden severe headache
Blurred or double vision
Numbness usually on one side of the body
Loss of balance or dizziness

Did you know that almost 80% of strokes can be prevented by making healthy choices and managing risk factors? While some risk factors can’t be changed – such as family history, heritage, and age, there are many things you can do to decrease your chance of stroke, such as:

Reducing stress
Eating a healthy diet that includes more fruits and vegetables
Being physically active

June 2: National Cancer Survivor’s Day

This year, the 37th annual National Cancer Survivors Day falls on Sunday, June 2, 2024. It is a day of celebration for those who have survived cancer, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed/undergoing treatment, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to communities. If you are interested in supporting National Cancer Survivor’s Day, the NCSD website shares a few ways you can get involved

Host a celebration; visit https://ncsd.org/organize-an-event/ to learn more.
Learn about cancer survivorship issues. Cancer survivors often face ongoing, long-lasting hardships because of their disease.
Raise awareness
Join your community celebrations

June 8: World Brain Tumour Awareness Day

This day is observed on June 8 every year to raise awareness and educate people about brain tumours. It was first observed by the German Brain Tumour Association, a Leipzig-based non-profit organization, in 2000. A brain tumour occurs when the cells inside the brain start growing at an abnormal speed, forming a mass of abnormal cells. The enclosed space inside the skull is limited, and when these abnormal cells start closing in the space, symptoms are observed.

June 14: World Blood Donor Awareness Day

World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, is a significant event in Canada, highlighting the critical importance of voluntary blood donations to save lives and improve health. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day recognizes the selfless contributions of blood donors and encourages more Canadians to participate in this life-saving act. Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec play pivotal roles in organizing events and drives across the country to boost awareness and encourage new donors. The theme for World Blood Donor Day often emphasizes the need for universal access to safe blood and the role of blood donation in achieving global health goals.

June 17: CDKL5 Awareness Day

CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder is a rare genetic mutation that prevents the brain from creating the proteins needed for development. Those affected by this disorder develop seizures from a very young age and struggle to achieve basic motor, vision and developmental skills. Despite being rare, CDKL5 disorder is one of the most common forms of genetic epilepsy in Canada. This awareness day allows us to recognize CDKL5 disorder and promote awareness efforts, research, collaboration and fundraising. You can support those in the CDKL5 community by wearing lime green and sharing your knowledge about CDKL5 disorder both on and offline.

June 23: Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day

This is a rare and life-long condition that begins in infancy and is marked by frequent treatment-resistant seizures, significant developmental and motor impairments that persist into adulthood and an increased risk of sudden death. Dravet Syndrome is a genetic disorder of Chromosome 2, usually affecting a gene called SCN1A, causing epilepsy and other neurological and developmental problems. Dravet syndrome accounts for 1% of the epilepsy population. The condition gets its name from the doctor who first recognized and described it—Dr. Charlotte Dravet.

Dravet Syndrome affects males and females equally and is present in all nationalities, races and ethnic groups. Today marks a day to honour those in the Dravet community and raise awareness for fundraising and research efforts.

June 27: National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day

Although many of us associate PTSD with the impacts of war, terrorism and destruction, post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after other very scary or traumatic events, such as abuse, an accident, witnessing a horrific event or a natural disaster.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

Reliving – flashbacks, hallucinations, nightmares of the incident.
Avoiding – avoiding people, places, things, or memories that remind the trauma.
Excessive arousal – increased alertness, anger, fits of rage, irritability, or hatred, difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Intrusive negative, distressing thoughts or feelings such as guilt.
Flat affect (no expression of emotions)
Young children may show delays in toilet training, motor skills, or language.
Feeling unsafe even when there is no danger present.

The presence of symptoms can affect well-being and quality of life and may create a need for mental health support.

Based on Statistics Canada’s Survey on Mental Health and Stressful Events in 2021, they found that PTSD affected about 5% of people in Canada who reported their symptoms to their treating physician, but it is anticipated that many more Canadians have undiagnosed PTSD.

PTSD can be treated, so seeking help is important. If you or someone you love is facing challenges related to mental health and well-being, the following resources provide information about PTSD, mental health support and mental health services in Canada:

Shared on behalf of Grandview Kids’ Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee

Pride Month, celebrated every June in Canada, is a time of celebration, a time to honour love, acceptance, and above all, inclusivity. As an organization dedicated to enabling children and youth to live at their full potential, we recognize the profound importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

Last year, Grandview Kids CEO Tom McHugh shared a heartfelt message, capturing the spirit of Pride Month within our organization. Reflecting on his sentiments, we reiterate our commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. Pride Month serves as a serious reminder of the struggles faced by members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community while also recognizing the strides we have taken toward building a more equitable society.

By raising the Pride flag at our Main Site in Oshawa at the beginning of June, we acknowledge our unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. It’s a tangible expression of our belief that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. However, our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond symbolic gestures. In our daily interactions and practices, we strive to embody our renewed values of belonging, excellence, connection, discovery and celebration. Whether it’s through our programs and services, policies or organizational culture, we are dedicated to creating a safe and affirming space for all.

As we embark on another Pride Month celebration, we invite everyone in the Grandview Kids community to join us in this journey toward greater inclusivity.

Here are a few actions we can take together:

Educate ourselves: Take time to educate ourselves about the experiences and challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community. By understanding their perspectives, we can better support and advocate for inclusivity.
Listen and amplify 2SLGBTQI+ voices: Actively listen to the voices of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals within our community. Amplify their stories and experiences, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
Challenge discrimination: Speak out against discrimination and prejudice whenever and wherever we encounter it. Whether it’s in the workplace or in our personal lives, we must actively challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.
Promote allyship: Actively support the rights of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and advocate for equality. Allyship is about standing in solidarity with marginalized groups and using our privilege to effect positive change.
Create inclusive spaces: Work towards creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. This includes engaging in conversation with 2SLGBTQI+ clients, staff and members of our community to learn how best we can offer the support and resources they need to be successful.

For more information about Pride Month, Pride celebrations in the Durham Region or how to be an ally, please visit Durham Region’s 2SLGBTQI+ resource page.

On behalf of Grandview Kids’ IDEA Committee and all Team Grandview members, we wish our clients, caregivers and their families a happy Pride Month. Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity that makes our community so vibrant and special.

Happy Pride Month!

This month is observed in June each year to increase awareness and understanding of scoliosis, a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, forming “S” or “C” shapes instead of a straight line. This condition can range from mild to severe and can occur at different stages of life, with idiopathic scoliosis being the most common form.

The severity can vary and affect different parts of the spine. Idiopathic Scoliosis, which has an unknown cause, impacts about 3% of children and is usually noticed between ages 4-17. It can be associated with other conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders or waist, a prominent shoulder blade, or uneven alignment of the hips. X-rays measure the curve and rotation of the spine, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Various interventions are available to manage scoliosis, prevent the curvature from worsening, or alleviate associated pain. Customized braces can help halt the progression of the curve and reduce pain. Targeted physical exercises like the Schroth method provide significant support and relief. In cases where non-surgical methods are ineffective or if the curvature is severe, surgery may be considered.

Scoliosis Awareness Month plays a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals affected by scoliosis by increasing awareness, providing support, advocating for improved care, and fostering a sense of community. It aims to promote early detection, early treatments, and overall well-being for those living with this condition.

Read Fadia and her son’s story:

Our journey with my son’s scoliosis has been a challenging and emotional experience, filled with highs and lows that have tested his resilience and determination. It all began with a slight curve in his spine that seemed inconsequential at the time. The doctors couldn’t pinpoint a specific cause, but I have always believed that his leg length discrepancy played a crucial role in its development. As his leg discrepancy increased, so did the severity of his spinal curve.

I first noticed the curvature when it was just a few degrees, something that didn’t initially alarm me. However, as years passed, the situation worsened dramatically. It wasn’t until his hip femur head began to degenerate rapidly in the shorter leg that the gravity of his condition became painfully clear. The doctors measured his spinal curve at 40 degrees, a startling revelation that made us realize how serious things had become. Given that my son doesn’t have arms, traditional mobility aids like crutches were not an option. Instead, he was provided with an electronic wheelchair to help him navigate school and other places where he needed to cover longer distances. This contributed to making his trunk muscles weaker and his spine bending more. Despite the severity of his condition, the doctors noted that his spine was still quite flexible and told us that we could wait some more before surgery. A brace was not suggested because the curve had already progressed beyond the point where it could have been effective in halting further bending.

He was placed on a waitlist for spinal fusion surgery, a wait that stretched painfully to 1.5 years. During this time, his condition deteriorated, the curves increased, and so did his pain, which by this time was constant and only relieved by lying down. By the time he finally underwent surgery, his spinal curve had increased to a staggering 87 degrees. The surgery was extensive, lasting 11.5 hours, and involved fusing his spine from T4 to L4. It was a major operation that required significant blood loss management and post-operative care, including iron supplements to aid his recovery.

Following the surgery, my son was transferred to Holland Bloorview for a month-long rehabilitation program. The team there, along with the invaluable support from Grandview’s occupational and physical therapists, became our lifeline. They meticulously assessed his daily living needs and made numerous accommodations at home, at school, and in his wheelchair to ensure he could navigate his world more comfortably. With a straighter spine, my son gained 2.5 inches in height. This positive change brings a smile to his face every day.

Today, the constant pain that once plagued my son is a thing of the past. Although his spinal flexibility has been greatly reduced, the quality of his life has improved immensely. He is a much happier boy now, freed from the constant pain that once dominated his days. Thanks to the marvels of modern medicine, his scoliosis has been significantly reduced, and our family is incredibly grateful for the life-changing impact of this surgery. Our journey has been arduous, but seeing my son smile again makes every moment of struggle worthwhile.

This Scoliosis Awareness Month, I hope our story can offer hope and encouragement to other families facing similar challenges.

Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each June in Canada, provides an important opportunity to bring attention to the prevention of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to promote strategies to improve the quality of life for persons living with TBI and their families.

Claudia N., a Grandview parent and member of our Family Advisory Council (FAC), tells her son Reid’s story:

Brain injury is invisible and often misunderstood. The scars may not be obvious, but they are there. They show up in the way you move, talk, and process information. My son acquired a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a rare complication of brain inflammation during influenza.

Claudia taking a selfie of herself with her two children. — Claudia N., with her children.

Claudia's son and daughter in a portrait like photo. — Claudia N., with her children.

He was a rep-athlete in hockey, basketball, soccer and baseball. The more contact he had in sports, the better. Now he can no longer have contact. This was his identity. He had to re-learn everything, from riding a bike, walking, and running to tying his shoelaces.

It is heartbreaking to have to answer the question, “Why doesn’t my brain or body work like it used to?” daily. Grandview Kids showed me there is hope after a TBI, but it begins when it is taken seriously by others. Instead of hockey, they introduced him to golf. Instead of tackle football, they are teaching how to swim. He was resistant at first but is now secretly loving it. They showed him that there are different directions that can just be as fulfilling. When he wanted to give up, they simply wouldn’t let him.

Claudia's son, Reid, sitting in the hospital bed for rehabilitation. — Reid in the hospital for rehabilitation.

Claudia's son, Reid, playing wheelchair basketball with his friends. — Reid in the hospital for rehabilitation.

As his mom, seeing him feeling so lost every day is excruciating, and I wish I could trade places with him. Disabilities come in all shapes, sizes, and visibilities. Yes, this injury is invisible, but the impact and effects are as lifelong as visible ones.

The good news is that with the right support and accommodations, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Next time you meet someone with a TBI, just know how much more there is behind those sweet eyes looking back at you.

Spina Bifida Awareness Month is nationally observed in June. Spina Bifida is the most common congenital birth defect that causes disability. It is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. Many babies born with Spina Bifida will also have or develop hydrocephalus, requiring a shunt to remove excess fluid from the brain. Although there is no cure, there are surgeries to help living and growing with Spina Bifida, and in-utero surgery designed to treat it if detected early enough.

Families like Weston’s share their stories to continue to raise awareness of living with Spina Bifida:

Weston is 13 years old and enjoys playing with Lego, reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and being a comedic teen. He loves to affectionately surprise his mom, Krystal, with a kiss on her cheek or hand, have pillow battles with his dad, Ganon, and play with his brother, Jase.

Weston was also born with Spina Bifida, having a hole in his lower back with his spinal cord sticking out. This was corrected through surgery shortly after birth. After further genetic testing prompted by having multiple anomalies, including a heart defect and eye issues, and not meeting many developmental milestones, he was officially diagnosed with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome 2 (RTS2) in 2020. RTS2 is a rare genetic disorder, and in Weston’s case, caused by a partial gene deletion. He was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) this past year.

Since Weston looks like a typical kid, it can be challenging for people to fully understand, respect his boundaries or forgive his lack of a filter due to his diagnosis. Grandview Kids has been a part of Weston and his family’s lives since he was a baby.

“Grandview will always hold a special place in our hearts. Weston feels right at home when he walks through the main site doors. He feels safe and comfortable there. The staff are always the sweetest with him too. Our family also feels the love of all the staff. Grandview has been one of our biggest support systems for the last 12 years,” says Krystal.

Weston has received services for physiotherapy (PT), recreational and occupational (OT) therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, hearing, eye and medical clinics, and a bike clinic. He also attended Grandview School for junior and senior kindergarten. Weston does not require the use of any assistive devices. In more recent years, his family has benefited from the Family Engagement Team’s inclusive events where whole-family care is at the forefront.

As a child with Spina Bifida, Weston also visits Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital a few times a year to visit the Spina Bifida Clinic. In a single day, he may see multiple specialists, including a pediatrician, OT, PT, Urologist, ultrasound, social worker, and orthopedist.

As a parent of a child with physical, communication and developmental needs, it is sometimes difficult to track progress, especially when measured against peers. When Krystal thinks back on how far Weston has truly come, it is a marvel to wonder at. “He went from zero words to talking sentences while attending Grandview School and receiving weekly therapy and continued support from special education teachers,” says Krystal. “He still walks robotically, and his reflexes will always be an issue, but he is getting better. Weston has some physical barriers that he may never overcome just because of his body makeup. But, continuing to receive blocks of therapy and support from Grandview helps.”