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Meet Anabelle Parenteau, Communications Specialist, Communications
One of CHEO’s newest members, Anabelle Parenteau, applied to come work for CHEO after seeing how well her young son was taken care of during a brief visit to CHEO’s Kids Come First Care clinic. Not new to the health care field, Anabelle wanted the opportunity to help staff and patients tell their stories.
In fact, Anabelle’s connection to CHEO dates back to 1974 – when CHEO first opened its doors. Her uncle, Stéphane Rochon, born with spina bifida in 1969, was an early patient at CHEO and went on to receive many years of specialized care. In the early days of his treatment, his mother, Claudette Rochon (Anabelle’s grandmother), would take the Voyageur bus, morning and night, to help Stéphane access care. Together, with Stéphane in his brace, they would commute more than two-hours roundtrip from Gracefield, Quebec to Ottawa, while Claudette’s five older children stayed home. Around the same time CHEO first began welcoming patients, the Rochon family moved to Gatineau for Stéphane’s medical needs. At that point, CHEO became much like a second home for Stéphane and his five siblings. He spent many weeks and months throughout his childhood receiving care and recovering from various surgeries.
Many years later, the Rochon family remembers the exceptional care and services they received throughout Stéphane’s childhood. Looking back, Anabelle reflects on how Stéphane’s story is one of love and commitment – both from his family and his doctors.
“Stéphane had a fulfilling life until his death at 34 years old – a rarity with his condition,” says Anabelle, “I know my family thanks CHEO for helping Stéphane live his best life, despite his challenges. Without CHEO, I wouldn’t have had a chance to get to know my uncle or his penchant for music, singing, cassettes, and his beloved Coke.”
Inspired by the care her son and uncle received, Anabelle knew that coming to work for CHEO would be a full circle moment. Walking the halls of the children’s hospital and hearing staff and patient stories, she’s grateful her family is just one of many who has been positively impacted by CHEO. As we celebrate CHEO’s 50th anniversary, and how it cared for its early patients, like Stéphane, Anabelle is comforted knowing that future generations, like her young son, will be well taken care of.
CHEO is filled with hundreds of stories like Anabelle’s. Join us.