"Don't get me started kid!" That's the kind of look I got from a doctor at CHEO when I asked if there was something they needed or really wanted at the hospital. I was left with the distinct impression that if we started making a list, it would be a long one.

Hello, my name is Ryan Williams and I have a soft spot for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). I was born with a rare blood vessel disorder and when I was younger, that meant frequent trips to CHEO (Read more by clicking on "My Story" above).

So, from the age of six, through to my early teens, CHEO almost felt like a second home and it was not just because I was there so often.

Hospitals can be scary places for little kids, but the doctors and nurses at CHEO went out of their way ....above and beyond the call of duty, to put me at ease and even make me feel welcome. Over the years, I developed really great friendships with a number of them and formed close ties with several truly wonderful people.

Norma Lamont, Vice President of Community Development
for the CHEO Foundation
Drive for CHEO 2006

Max Keeping, Anchor and Vice President-News and Public Affairs
CTV Ottawa

Photo courtesy
Winchester Press
Cub Carson, Morning Show host
The BEAR-FM Ottawa

Cub Carson
and
Max Keeping

I was so impressed with the dedication of everyone I met, that by the age of 13, I found myself wanting to give something back.

In 2002, I started fund raising to buy operating room equipment for CHEO. With the help of a great many wonderful people, I've organized a number of events where folks can have fun and help buy that equipment.

Click on "Events" to see current efforts.