The Town of Cobourg is celebrating 150 years of groundbreaking research and pediatric care at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) with a special tribute at the Cobourg Community Centre.
SickKids, Canada’s largest paediatric research hospital, has been a lifeline for children facing serious illnesses. Cobourg is joining communities nationwide in marking this milestone while also honouring the memory of Grace Bowen, a young hockey player from Grafton whose battle with cancer inspired many.
Grace, a West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association (WNGHA) player, was just eight years old when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. She spent 11 months undergoing treatments at SickKids, where her strength and determination captured the hearts of Canadian icons like Hayley Wickenheiser and Ryan Reynolds.
In recognition of Grace’s courageous fight, the Cobourg Community Centre is hosting one of 150 SickKids Birthday Balloon Sculptures, symbolizing the power of community support. The display will be in the Grand Hall from April 3 to April 13.
To further honour Grace and support SickKids, WNGHA is sponsoring a free community skate on Saturday, April 5, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre.
Residents are encouraged to visit the balloon display and share photos using #SickKids150 to help raise awareness and support for the cause.
For more details, visit cobourg.ca.
To support The Grace Bowen Tribute fund for Osteosarcoma research, visit Grace Bowen Tribute Fund.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)