July 23, 2018
Shawn Hillhouse, Executive Director of Operative & Surgical Programs and Site Lead at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, is a proud supporter of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation..
Story by Amelia Schofield; Photo by Sharon Miske
EDMONTON — Shawn Hillhouse sees firsthand the impact the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation has on the care patients receive — and it motivates him to give back.
As the Executive Director of Operative & Surgical Programs and Site Lead at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, “I’ve been able to see how all facets of the patient journey are impacted, and have seen the wonderful support the Foundation brings to patients and families. It’s not just what I hear about, it’s what I see.”
Last year, Hillhouse and his team contributed their time to the foundation’s annual Snowflake Gala where they set up stations to highlight different departments throughout the hospital.
“It’s a great way to interact with public, share what Stollery does best, all while demonstrating how the foundation makes a difference,” he says.
In addition to his volunteer contributions, Hillhouse donates to the foundation and supports its Mighty Millions Lottery. In addition to helping patients, he says he believes that supporting the foundation also makes a difference for healthcare professionals.
“It’s not only the families who benefit from the gifts from the foundation, but I also see how the staff and caring community of professionals are positively impacted by the gifts which increase their commitment and their motivation to work harder for the families even more.”
Hillhouse also shares how much he appreciates the scope of the foundation’s work.
“For me, the foundation allows for technological and organizational leaps in care that make a huge innovative difference,” he says.
“However, I also see the foundation pays attention to the small things that make a difference to the lived experience of the patients and families. Those little things that provide comfort and make those families feel that we care as a community.”
For anyone looking to support the Stollery, Hillhouse encourages them to think beyond the here and now — and consider the lasting impact that donations can have on children receiving care.
“A gift to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation isn’t just about enhancing a child’s hospital visit,” he adds. “It’s about building health capacity and possibilities for children for a lasting positive impact on their future. The gift pays forward.”
