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Denise Melo’s journey with CHEO started as an infant when she suffered from a seizure. Due to reoccurring seizures, she was admitted to CHEO for observation as a one-year-old. A neurologist began following her care and told her mother that by the age of seven, Denise’s seizures should stop – luckily, she hasn’t had one since she was six. “I was well taken care of; he was a kind and good doctor,” reflects Denise.
Throughout her childhood, Denise received care at CHEO for various other ailments. It was her time here as a patient that eventually inspired her to want to work at CHEO. “When my mother and I would walk through the doors at CHEO, I would cling onto her, afraid,” says Denise, “Yet, I remember how the staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. I remember the stickers and the happy face band aids. And, eventually, as I got older, the fear began to dissipate.”
When Denise first started working at CHEO 23 years ago, she ran into the neurologist that cared for her as a child. "He looked the same as he did when I was a child,” shares Denise, “I approached him, mentioned how he followed me for years and thanked him for the care he gave me. He has since retired but I will never forget the care he provided for me and the kindness he showed.”
This profound kindness is what CHEO is known for and what Denise believes is unique about this hospital. “At CHEO, we deeply care for the kids. And not only the kids, but the parents as well. We have always gone above and beyond for our patients and will continue to do so,” says Denise.
Since she started working at CHEO, there has not been a day that she hasn’t wanted to go to work, “As soon as I started working here, I knew I was meant to be working with children.”
CHEO is filled with kind and dedicated people like Denise. Join us.