My name is Darien, and I am a patient of Osler’s paediatric sickle cell clinic at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

I know that many families, like mine, have a holiday tradition of donating to help others in need. Recently, my dad wrote to ask for your support of Osler Foundation.

My parents and I believe it’s important to give generously to our local hospitals. It has meant so much to my family to have good hospitals close to home while I battle Sickle Cell Disease and Bartter Syndrome.

It can be scary to deal with these illnesses—it isn’t something that I ever really get a break from. Sometimes I have what’s called a “sickle cell crisis”. It causes me a lot of pain and it can mean a trip to the emergency department at Brampton Civic Hospital or Etobicoke General Hospital.

Fortunately, the people that work and volunteer at Osler are like a second family to me. I’ve known some of them since I was a baby and they are always there when I need them.

They are heroes in my life, just like my mom, dad and little sister—and I’m grateful for all of them this holiday season.

So, today, I’m also asking you to help support the hospitals that help me and my family. And your family, too.

Steve Robinson, who is my dad’s friend and colleague on the Osler Foundation Board of Directors, will be matching donations until December 31^st*. That means by donating to Osler during this season of giving, your donation will be doubled and go twice as far to help more kids, like me, get the care that they need.

Thank you for being part of our Osler family this holiday season.

Darien Matthews

Grateful Patient of William Osler Health System

*Gifts made by December 31, 2023 will be matched, up to $1.25 million, by Steve Robinson, Senior Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities and Chair, William Osler Health System Foundation Board of Directors.