From snuggles to science: How playtime funds pediatric research at McMaster

Snuggling stuffed animals at a lively waterfront event might seem like child’s play but at McMaster University it’s the spark that ignites cutting-edge research and groundbreaking medical advancements.

On June 1st, hundreds of children and their families gathered at Bayfront Park in Hamilton, raising over $300,000 at the annual MacKids Walk and Wheel in support of the McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation. The fundraiser, featuring bouncy castles and a Teddy Bear Hospital, finances novel research and clinical programs often led by experts in the Department of Pediatrics.

The following highlights projects supported in recent years.

Tackling childhood obesity 

With childhood obesity rates rising, McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) endocrinologist Katherine Morrison sought to address this epidemic. In 2012, with a $150,000 contribution from the Foundation, Morrison and co-director Gregory Steinburg established a dedicated program to develop new ways to prevent and treat obesity-related diseases. By 2018, the program evolved into the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research (MODR). Today, MODR’s many scientists translate cutting-edge research into clinical practices that enhance the treatment of metabolic diseases. The Foundation’s early support helped MODR attract larger investments from funding agencies and enabled studies published in prestigious journals including Nature and The Lancet.

Addressing social determinants of child health 

In 2022, associate professor of pediatrics Gita Wahi received $25,000 from the Foundation to help develop a ‘social prescription’ to support families at MCH. Her study introduced a screening tool to identify unmet social needs affecting health and well-being, leading to new strategies like a food pantry and grocery program at the hospital to assist children and families facing food insecurity. This work was published in the journal of Paediatrics & Child Health and continues today.

Combating rising blood pressure in children 

In 2024, associate professor of pediatrics and MCH nephrologist Rahul Chanchlani received $25,000 from the Foundation to support his ALERT-BP study.  This research aims to develop a tool to predict and detect high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in children. Chanchlani’s research highlights the long-term impacts of hypertension on heart and kidney health and emphasizes growing awareness and the need for increased blood pressure screening in children.

Reasons to give 

Faculty and staff from the Department of Pediatrics often participate in the MacKids Walk and Wheel and were among the top team fundraisers at the 2024 event. Vanessa Descamps, a long-standing staff member and parent of a child receiving care at MCH, was especially motivated to participate this year. She understands firsthand the importance of Foundation funding, both professionally and personally.

“This event is particularly close to our family because our youngest son spends a significant amount of time receiving care at McMaster Children’s Hospital, so we love to give back where we can,” she said.

Additional project highlights 

From recovering in the pediatric critical care unit to the benefits of fecal transplants in children, additional project highlights include:

• In 2018, MCH critical care physician and researcher, Karen Choong was granted $25,000 to develop her award-winning project PICU Liber8: Eight steps towards better pediatric rehabilitation.
   
• In 2019, Constantine Samaan received $25,000 to study why survivors of childhood brain tumors are at an increased risk of developing chronic conditions and the interventions that can prevent and treat them – Canada’s largest and most comprehensive study of its kind.
   
• In 2021, award-winning researcher Mark Tarnopolsky received $65,000 for his study investigating the impact of exercise on various neuromuscular disorders (of which there are more than 150).
   
•  In 2022, MCH received a major gift donation to establish one of the world’s first Pediatric Fecal Microbiota Transplant pilot programs, aimed at providing life-saving treatment for children with C. difficile infection.
   
• In 2024, pediatric gastroenterologist Jenna Dowhaniuk received $25,000 for her research study supporting children with pediatric celiac disease.

To support the McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit their website.