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Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

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Acknowledging holidays and celebrations in April

Awareness Days

In April, we acknowledge Hanuman Jayanti, Passover/Pesach, Vaisakhi, Tamil New Year, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Hanuman Jayanti: April 11

Hanuman Jayanti marks the celebration of Lord Hanuman’s birthday. The term “Jayanti” means “victory” and “in the end,” and it is observed on the full moon day in April. Celebrations vary across India, with many people visiting Hanuman temples to offer prayers and religious offerings, which may include mustard oil, coconut, betel leaf garlands, sindoor, hibiscus, jasmine or dhatura flowers, dhoop, sweets and hymns. For those unable to visit temples, reading about Lord Hanuman, reflecting on his qualities and remembering him is also considered meaningful. Lord Hanuman is revered for his role in the battle between good and evil and is celebrated as the supreme monkey god, known for his courage, strength and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. Devotees seek blessings for power, wisdom and protection from evil forces.

Passover/Pesach: April 12

Passover, or Pesach, is a Jewish observance that commemorates the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt and their exodus to freedom. The celebration lasts for seven days and eight nights. A central part of the holiday is the Seder, a ritual meal held on the eve of Pesach, which serves as both a feast and an educational experience. During the Seder, the story of the Exodus is recounted, and ritual foods symbolic of the journey are shared, including:

  • Wine (four cups), symbolizing joy
  • Bitter herbs, representing the suffering of slavery
  • Green leafy vegetables, symbolizing the growth of spring and the continuity of the Jewish people
  • Matzah, unleavened bread that represents the poor bread of slaves

Throughout Passover, Jewish people are only permitted to eat unleavened bread, crackers and cookies.

Vaisakhi: April 14

Vaisakhi is a major festival celebrated by Sikhs worldwide, marking the birth of the Khalsa in 1699. This day holds deep religious significance, commemorating Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs. Vaisakhi also coincides with the start of the harvest season in Punjab, India, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the region.

On Vaisakhi, Sikhs gather for prayers, processions and community events at Gurdwaras. The day includes the singing of hymns, the reading of sacred scriptures and the sharing of langar, a community meal. Vaisakhi is a time for renewal of faith, celebrating unity and honouring the rich cultural traditions of the Sikh community.

Tamil New Year: April 14

Tamil New Year, is a vibrant celebration that marks the beginning of the Tamil solar calendar. Celebrated on April 14, it holds significant cultural and religious meaning for Tamils worldwide, symbolizing a fresh start and the renewal of life. The day is observed with prayers, family gatherings and special rituals, all aimed at welcoming the new year with positivity and hope for prosperity.

On Tamil New Year, families clean and decorate their homes, often with kolam (intricate rice powder designs) at the entrance. The day begins with a visit to the temple for prayers and offerings, seeking blessings for the year ahead. Traditional foods, including mango, neem and jaggery, are served to represent the bittersweetness of life, and festive feasts bring families together in celebration. It’s a time to reflect, embrace new beginnings and celebrate Tamil culture and heritage.

Good Friday: April 18

Good Friday is a Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day marked by reflection and mourning, as it honours the sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity. Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a key part of Holy Week celebrations. Christians around the world observe the day with prayer, church services and fasting, remembering the suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Easter Sunday: April 20

Easter is a significant and joyous Christian holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of the Christian faith. This holiday symbolizes hope and renewal. The roots of Easter can be traced to ancient pagan spring festivals, which celebrated the vernal equinox—a time when day and night are nearly equal in length. These festivals, filled with feasting, dancing and community gatherings welcomed the return of warmer weather.

Easter traditions vary widely across the Christian world. Common practices include sunrise services, where worshippers gather to witness the dawn, and late-night vigils of prayer and reflection. During these occasions, believers greet one another with the joyful Paschal greeting, “Christ has risen!” This tradition is observed by many Christian denominations, including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches.

While Easter began as a religious observance of Christ’s resurrection, its meaning has expanded over time. Today, it is celebrated by both Christians and some non-Christians. Modern festivities often feature Easter parades, the Easter Bunny, chocolates and egg hunts, bringing families and communities together in joyful celebration.

Easter Monday: April 21

Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, offers an opportunity for continued celebration. Historically, before the 19th century, the week following Easter Sunday was known as Easter Week, marked by multiple days of observance. Today, Easter Monday is mainly celebrated as a single day, but it remains an important part of many Christian traditions.

Acknowledging the significance of Easter Monday can deepen one’s appreciation of the Easter season. It provides a time for reflection on how the resurrection of Jesus impacts individual lives and those around them. While Easter Sunday focuses on the miraculous resurrection, Easter Monday encourages believers to extend their celebrations and engage meaningfully with their faith.

Across the globe, cultures have developed unique ways to observe Easter Monday. Some use the day for rest and reflection, while others participate in community events or church activities. Many also take advantage of the spring weather, enjoying outdoor activities following the solemnity of Lent and the joy of Easter Sunday.

By celebrating Easter Monday, Christians can carry the spirit of Easter Week into their daily lives, fostering joy, community and reflection that enrich their faith journey.

In April, we acknowledge World Autism Day, International Asexuality Day, World Health Day, Green Shirt Day and the International Day of Pink. Read more about each date of significance below, written by members of Grandview Kids’ Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

World Autism Day: April 2

Each year, April 2 marks World Autism Day, also known as Autism Awareness Day. The observance encourages United Nations member states to recognize and celebrate the achievements of autistic individuals, both large and small, and raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

It is often said that if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism. No two individuals on the spectrum are exactly alike, and our understanding of autism continues to evolve as we learn more about the disorder. Dr. Leo Kanner and Dr. Hans Asperger are often credited with discovering autism, though the condition was first described by Dr. Grunya Sukhareva several years earlier. Her reports, dismissed at the time because she was a woman, would later influence Kanner’s research. The term “autism” comes from the Greek word “autos,” meaning “someone in their own world,” a description used in the early days of the disorder’s discovery when autism was misidentified as childhood schizophrenia.

Today, our understanding of autism has improved significantly. Autistic individuals are capable of remarkable achievements. World Autism Day provides an opportunity to celebrate these individuals and highlight the many positives of being on the autism spectrum.

International Asexuality Day: April 6

International Asexuality Day recognizes and celebrates the different identities under the asexual umbrella. Someone who is asexual does not experience sexual attraction or experiences it less often. Asexuality, like other identities, is on a spectrum and can look different depending on the person. For example, someone who is graysexual might experience some sexual attraction but does not generally, while someone who is demisexual might only experience sexual attraction to someone if they have an emotional bond first.

It is important to celebrate and recognize the diversity in human sexuality as we live in a world where we often equate sexual attraction with value. The spectrum of asexuality is as unique as each person. Individuals in the asexual community are often marginalized and assumed not to have an interest in forming relationships, whether physical or romantic.

World Health Day: April 7

World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, is a global health awareness day sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The day commemorates the founding of the WHO on April 7, 1948, and serves as a platform to raise awareness about urgent global health issues. Each year, the WHO selects a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern. In 2025, the theme is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,” focusing on maternal and newborn health and survival. This approach allows for focused attention and efforts to address health challenges worldwide.

The history of World Health Day dates back to the First World Health Assembly in 1948, where the decision to establish the observance was made. The first official World Health Day was celebrated in 1950, and it has since become a key event on the global health calendar. Over the years, the themes of World Health Day have reflected changing global health priorities, from mental health and maternal and child health to the impact of climate change on health and the pursuit of universal health coverage. World Health Day aims to motivate governments, organizations and individuals to take action to improve health outcomes for all.

Green Shirt Day: April 7

Green Shirt Day, observed annually on April 7, is a national movement in Canada that raises awareness about organ donation and encourages donor registration. The day was inspired by Logan Boulet, a Humboldt Broncos player who tragically lost his life in the 2018 bus crash. Logan had registered as an organ donor, a decision that saved six lives. His choice, influenced by his late coach Ric Suggitt, sparked a surge in organ donor registrations across Canada, known as the “Logan Boulet Effect.”

Green Shirt Day honours the lives lost in the tragedy and serves as a reminder of the impact one donor can have. The Canadian Transplant Association (CTA) collaborates with the Boulet family and other organizations in the organ donation community to raise awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donation. This day encourages people to explore local and virtual opportunities to participate, show support and spread the life-saving message of organ donation.

International Day of Pink: April 9

The International Day of Pink is a global anti-bullying and anti-homophobia event held annually during the second week of April. While similar to February’s Pink Shirt Day, which aims to end all bullying, the International Day of Pink specifically focuses on combating 2SLGBTQIA+ bullying.

Studies show that Canadian youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ face discrimination and bullying nearly twice as often as their heterosexual cisgender peers. This increased bullying is linked to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiencing suicidal ideation at a rate twice that of heterosexual cisgender youth who also report being bullied.

On the International Day of Pink, people are encouraged to wear pink shirts, participate in anti-bullying activities and show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on social media using the hashtag #DayOfPink.

Written by Ambassador Advisor and Grandview Kids parent, Abby V.

During her pregnancy, Tabitha received the hardest news a parent could hear after completing Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). Her unborn child was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, or Edwards Syndrome, a severe genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18. She was told the condition was “incompatible with life” and had to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or carry it to term, with the likelihood of stillbirth. Even if the child survived delivery, critical developmental and growth issues would make survival past the first year highly unlikely.

As a parent, Tabitha felt “scared to death” upon receiving the diagnosis. She mourned her entire pregnancy, as there was little assurance her child would survive after birth. Tabitha made the difficult decision to continue the pregnancy, allowing her child to “call the shots.” Jamilah was born at 34 weeks gestation and spent several months in hospital for stabilization and growth. Many children with Trisomy 18 have heart conditions, physical deformities and feeding issues. Jamilah has two holes in her heart that closed on their own, thick heart muscles that have remained the same size since birth and has miraculously not required surgery. She also has an index finger that leans over her middle finger, uses a G-Tube, has hearing loss and is non-verbal. At two-and-a-half years old, Jamilah’s growth and development are delayed compared to her peers.

Trisomy 18 affects every aspect of Jamilah’s life. “Everything is different,” says Tabitha. She must always prepare equipment, formula and medication for Jamilah whenever they leave home. Tabitha’s ability to work is also impacted, as Jamilah requires constant supervision. Due to her condition, Jamilah cannot be left to cry for even a few minutes, as she may vomit, aspirate or experience respiratory desaturation (low blood oxygen levels). “It gets frustrating at times, but her smile is worth it,” Tabitha says proudly. “If I had listened to the expert opinions, Jamilah wouldn’t be here. There’s a lot of work involved, but she brings so much joy, smiles and fun.” When introducing Jamilah to her obstetrician, Tabitha was told, “I see your purpose, and I get it.”

Grandview Kids has been a big part of Jamilah’s life. She is seen regularly through the Durham Region Complex Care Program and receives services for Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. They are working on things that she can thrive at, and Tabitha knows that Jamilah will let her mom know when she is interested and ready to reach new goals, such as oral feeding. Tabitha had to learn Jamilah’s needs to determine what and when she would benefit most from therapy and appointments. 

Tabitha uses her experiences to advocate for Jamilah and to help other parents in similar situations. She advises parents to “go with your gut feelings. You are in control. This has to be your decision because at the end of the day you are living with the decisions you make.” Although she recognizes that everyone’s diagnosis is different and not everyone’s story is like hers, regret is hard to overcome when decisions are made ultimately because of external influence. For now, Tabitha maintains a positive attitude through it all and knows that they will make it work. She is living day-by-day and taking cues from Jamilah. 

Justine’s Story

Written by Ambassador Advisor and Grandview Kids parent, Abby V.

Justine is a dedicated, second-year honour roll student at Durham College studying social service work. If she is not doing schoolwork, which is seldom the case, she is either honing her craft as a talented artist in digital and traditional art or doing some form of creative work. Her drive goes beyond her personal goals as she also excels in advocating for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users.

Justine was born prematurely and began her journey with Grandview Kids when she was only six months old. Through a multiteam assessment, it was determined that she would likely have some form of disability. Once the signs and symptoms presented themselves through missed milestones, she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy (CP). Over the years as a Grandview Kids client, she went on to attend Grandview School and receive Medical Services and therapies, including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation. At a young age, she would also become a Grandview Kids Ambassador, campaigning for the construction of The Jerry Coughlan Building (Grandview Kids’ new Ajax-based headquarters), marking the start of her advocacy work.

 “Without [Grandview Kids’] services, I would be in a vastly different spot right now,” Justine thoughtfully assesses when recounting her years at Grandview Kids. “Part of the interpersonal work with Grandview, besides the physical aspects, was self-advocacy.” As she aged, more responsibility was placed on her to be able to take over her care and have her mom less involved. Justine uses a power wheelchair but manages to efficiently direct her care, oversee her pain management and plan her use of public transit. She distinctly remembers a time when sitting up for long durations was a challenge as she would slowly lean over and be unable to hold a conversation for long. Through hours of painstaking therapy, stretches, enduring Botox injections and adapting to equipment changes, she has learned the importance of self-reliance, independence and self-advocacy, which she now carries over into her work.

A significant barrier that Justine continues to face is explaining what she endures to her peers, teachers, support staff and even those closest to her. Constantly educating people and advocating for herself as she explains her needs and paints her perspective is emotionally taxing. Another hurdle is the lack of social, physical and structural accessibility in the community. “Grandview Kids is built to be accessible, but most places, especially older buildings, are not,” Justine says. She is always reevaluating the accessibility of spaces she is in for herself and others.

Justine’s exceptionality, talent and inspiration continue to reach many people. She won the 2024 current client “Spirit of Grandview Kids” award. Nominated by her rehabilitation team, they testify how they have learned so much from her. “She can tell her therapy team how various tasks impact her and how they make her feel. She participates in her clinic appointments, and she lets the team know how our services affect her day: both good and bad!” Justine has years of practice and is very well-versed in her care, and “will use her voice to speak up for the clients that cannot tell us verbally how Botox injections feel or that AFO’s [ankle foot orthotics] can make your feet cold,” her therapists attest. “Justine is Grandview Kids’ vision, mission and values personified. She is living life to her fullest potential and ‘crushing it!’”

Justine reflects on her own experiences and asks herself, “How can I be the solution for other kids?” She recognizes that kids and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs face unique challenges that can leave them having negative, although valid, emotions of hurt, worry and anger. “Keep your head up because it’s tough, and there are days you want to give in. As long as you feel best in your skin and happy with where you’re at, that’s all that matters. Your quality of life and your joy are all that matters. Everything else is a second thought.”

During the month of March, we celebrate National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month to recognize and support the many individuals who live with Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP is a permanent physical disability impacting a person’s mobility and muscle strength. Early intervention, therapies, use of Botox and even surgeries can help a person’s ability to deal with pain management and functionality in daily life. CanChild states that approximately 1 out of every 400 individuals in Canada are diagnosed with CP, and it is the most common physical disability in children.

In celebration of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, family members of clients shared their experiences of living with a loved one with CP through the creative expressions of poems and quotes.

A poem written by Grandview Kids sibling, Cyria-Amin

It’s not a disease but a disability. 

It’s not always fun, but it is accepted by some.  

They think she’s contagious 

Staring strangely sadly, thinking poor child. 

 
They don’t know the struggles, the fun, the learning. 

Sometimes I do wish she could do what we can. 

But I know she’s with us for a reason.  

The reason for this is clear to us, though unknown to others. 

It’s as profound as love and unwavering care. 

 
She can’t get around herself, leaning on others for assistance.  

Sometimes she can express her feelings; other times it’s a guessing game. 

 
Walking, talking, running all the things she can’t do, 

Walking, talking, running all the things I can do. 

 
Her comprehension surpasses that of most, and it stands as her greatest strength.  

No matter how hard I try, my understanding will never quite measure up to hers. 

Pity they give, not what she needs. 

Understanding they don’t give, that’s what she needs. 

Each day spent with her is nothing short of extraordinary.  

For her, every day is an exhilarating adventure, 

Brimming with endless possibilities. 

A brother, a sister, a mother, a father,  

All who care and all who understand.  

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins all by her side 

Even through the toughest of times. 

Invitations come and go, yet only a few can truly be accepted. 

 We are always left finding a way to ensure she is included, for she is never left behind. 

Inclusion seems as if is a difficult thing  

Yet it’s a mere adjustment none want to commit to. 

 
But for her 

It’s her right for quality of life 

Yet no one seems to understand the battles fought every day to be accepted. 

 
Any meal of the day, breakfast, lunch, dinner when she can’t eat, 

We say we can’t eat either, so she’s not left out.  

Sometimes there are ups and downs, frights and delights. 

Could be a milestone or an emergency; no one knows.  

When plagued by illness or enduring discomfort, 
Every moment feels like an unbearable struggle. 
 

Restless. Risky. Painful. Spasms 

This is how these nights sometimes feel. 

You can not understand the financial struggles. 

The ones which come when meeting every factor contributing to a better quality of life. 

Sure, equipment ain’t cheap 

But the love, the smiles, and pain-free days she receives is worth every penny invested. 

The government fails to grasp the complexities of cerebral palsy. 

Funding is given, but it’s far from being diverse and inclusive  

Even though they believe it to be. 

This Is Life Living with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy Is. 

– Cyria-Amin H.

My Brain 

My brain, my brain, so much pain. It can feel me when I am mad, sad, happy, exited and joyful. When I am tired my brain will tell me with a yawn. When I am hungry my brain will tell me by my tummy growling. When I am sick my brain will tell me by making me hot. My brain, my brain. We learn through education and talk with communication. 

We all know that brains work similar but in this case my sister’s brain works differently. When she was born her brain and body did not get enough oxygen. Now she has cerebral palsy also known as CP.  

– Cyria-Amin H.

A message from Grandview Kids parent, Abby

“Wesley was born a micro-preemie and spent his first six months of life in-hospital after experiencing a brain bleed that caused extensive brain damage. We were told to expect that he would never be able to talk, feed orally or walk. He was diagnosed with level 3/4 Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (CP) near his second birthday. He missed many milestones as an infant, but we learned that with hard work and the right support system, he would reach many of his goals on his own time.  

Having a CP diagnosis meant many hours spent in physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions, both privately and through Children’s Treatment Centres, and then continuing the exercises at home throughout the week. We relocated and started our Grandview Kids journey in 2019 where we met some fantastic therapists who supported our goals. He was able to gain enough strength to qualify for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at SickKids Hospital in 2021, followed by extensive rehab at both Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Grandview Kids. 

Today, Wesley’s CP level is considered a 2/3, and he can use a variety of walking aids, including a wheelchair, walker, and sometimes even canes. He gets Botox shots every few months at Grandview Kids to alleviate extra muscle tightness and continues to face challenges with determination and grit. He is in a portable classroom this year and has become great at advocating for his needs to be as independent as possible. We know that there will always be barriers to accessibility, but Wes continues to learn that he must use his voice to pave the path for himself and others.” – Abby 

A message from Grandview Kids parent, Kathy

“Our son, Ethan, started with Grandview when he was 10 months old. He was born prematurely and had missed every milestone. At his first birthday, he couldn’t sit unsupported. Ethan was never expected to be able to walk. However, at six years old, after years of physiotherapy and a whole lot of personal grit, he’s not only walking but also running and jumping. 

Even now, Ethan continues to surpass our expectations. This past November, he participated in his first inclusive athletic event, the Durham Regional Police Children’s Games. Not only did he love it, but he also won Male Athlete of the Year. We are looking forward to this spring, when Ethan will try adaptive soccer and baseball. 

Ethan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of those who believe in him. As he takes on new adventures in sports and beyond, we know he will continue to defy expectations and inspire everyone around him. For Ethan, the possibilities are endless.” – Kath 

Written by Ambassador Advisor and Grandview Kids parent, Abby V.

March is national epilepsy awareness month in Canada, and Grandview Kids hopes to encourage people to acknowledge and understand the disorder and support dismantling the misconceptions, discrimination and isolation facing those who live with epilepsy.

At eight months of age, Grandview Kid Kiara was diagnosed with infantile spasms, which later developed into epilepsy. The seizures occurred when she awoke from sleep, manifesting as uncontrollable body “twitching” and irregular eye movement that could last up to five minutes, with more than 200 spasm clusters. The severity of the seizures required strong medication to stop them. Initially, Kiara was prescribed Vigabatrin, but when it proved ineffective, Levetiracetam was introduced, and Vigabatrin was gradually reduced. Her parents, uncertain about her future, feared seizures would become a daily struggle. Remarkably, Kiara remained seizure-free for nearly five years.

Kiara posing in a photoshoot at Grandview Kids
Kiara posing with her family

However, one day Kiara experienced a “breakthrough seizure” that lasted an hour. It was summer, and the family had just finished dinner and was relaxing at home when Kiara suddenly began to scream in pain and became inconsolable. Her parents, initially thinking it was due to fatigue, put her to bed. But when her father, Mahendra, checked on her, he noticed she had wet the bed and was twitching and unresponsive. An ambulance was called, and paramedics administered rescue medication, but the seizures continued until they reached the hospital.

Just four months later, Kiara had another seizure. This time, although conscious, she was unable to speak, and half of her body was paralyzed, with her right side completely shut down. During the 20-minute wait for an ambulance, Kiara experienced a seizure lasting two and a half hours, with twitching and foaming at the mouth. Despite several doses of rescue medication, her seizures persisted. It was then decided that Kiara would need an additional daily medication, Clobazam, to help control the seizures.

It has been more than two years since Kiara’s last seizure. Since her first major seizure occurred while she slept, Kiara now co-sleeps with her mother, Nerissa, to ensure her safety. Though she is seizure-free, the family remains vigilant. Unfamiliar body movements, headaches, or even extreme weather (heat or cold) require extra caution. Kiara’s spasms and seizures presented differently, making it difficult to identify triggers and further complicating prevention.

Watching a child in pain and feeling helpless is a trauma no parent should endure. The experience of being a “medical parent” without clear guidelines or treatment plans is equally frightening. Nerissa credits her husband for being a voice of reason, offering advice that helps ground her when the demands of medical parenting become overwhelming.

“You can’t stop life. You can’t prevent these things. You have to go with the flow. Live life and enjoy [Kiara] being healthy now. You can’t stop her growth and her life because of [our] worries and overprotectiveness. Just breathe, and everything will be okay. The seizures have always stopped, and we have resources (the right support, doctors, medications). Don’t project your fears and concerns onto your child.”

While the worry never fully disappears, Kiara’s family has learned to regain some control. Every November 15, they celebrate Kiara’s anniversary of being seizure-free, complete with cupcakes and candles. They sing “Happy Seizure-Free to You,” turning the milestone into a positive celebration. Each year, Kiara proudly declares, “I did it again!”

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