13-year-old cancer survivor energizes Ottawa Bluesfest crowd for CHEO fundraising night
Kayden Dussault, a former CHEO patient turned hospital ambassador, rallied the festival crowd Sunday to support the hospital's $220-million capital campaign.
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A 13-year-old cancer survivor and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario ambassador energized the Bluesfest crowd Sunday to help raise awareness for the hospital's largest fundraising campaign in its history.
Kayden Dussault, CHEO's 2026 Champion, rallied festival-goers between sets to spotlight a partnership returning for a second year. He chanted to the crowd: "The Lumineers like to say 'Hey, Ho,' but here in Ottawa we like to say CHE-O."
The "Kids These Days" campaign aims to raise $220 million for a 10-year campus overhaul on Smyth Road. The new six-storey, 220,000-square-foot integrated treatment centre will include a gym, school, indoor and outdoor therapy space, and dozens of outpatient clinics and services. It is set to open in January 2028.
The provincial government has invested $371.37 million to date toward the $818-million project, with the remainder funded through a cost-sharing model. Last year, CHEO Night raised a little more than $50,000. This year, organizers added beverage station donations and expanded QR codes throughout the venue to boost fundraising.
