Champion Child delivers donations, earns big laughs

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This article was published 26/02/2024 (886 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“What do you call somebody with no body and no nose? Nobody knows,” joked 10-year-old Pacey Wall, getting laughs Monday morning at the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba on McDermot Avenue.

Pacey is accustomed to public speaking, having given more than 40 speeches in the past year to raise money for the foundation. Pacey, who lives with intestinal failure that has seen him in and out of hospital constantly since he was three, has spent multiple holidays and birthdays there.

Part of Wall’s treatment, in fact, is ongoing during his speech, as a tube runs up his sleeve from a suitcase. The fluid from the tube, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), keeps him nourished as he can’t swallow solid food.

His speech Monday was accompanied by the official donation of $34,000 he raised for the foundation in 2023 during his year as Manitoba’s Champion Child, which he spent promoting the foundation around the province.

According to a news release, half the money will go toward equipment for the Children’s Hospital’s surgical department, and the other half will fund research into acute care for children.

“I really wanted to own this Champion Child year,” said Pacey. “I wanted to work hard and let people know face-to-face why it’s so important to donate.”

In his address, Pacey reflected on the last year and explained that he also spent time meeting with local business owners and managers to ask for donations.

“I asked my mom to wait in the car for most of them, because it’s kind of embarrassing if she stands there while I make my pitch,” he said.

Pacey said his favourite memory from the year was his first-ever family vacation to Florida with his parents and sisters, who have helped Pacey write his speeches. To make the getaway possible, the family had to bring six suitcases of TPN for him.

Late last summer, Pacey became ill; he was in and out of hospital three times, underwent an operation, was unable to go to school until just before Halloween.

From there, he continued his mission. His school raised more than $5,000 in just four days, thanks to a competition in which the class raising the most money — which turned out to be Pacey’s own — won a pizza party with the Winkler Flyers, the local MJHL hockey team.

Wall, who noted his favourite food is pizza despite not being able to swallow it, has had his fundraising ambition from the beginning. He recalled his parents telling him the goal was to raise $10,000; in response, he told them he’d raise three times that.

“They told me to be realistic; it turns out I was being realistic,” he told Monday’s crowd, to more laughs and applause.

Stefano Grande, president and CEO the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, said he’s grateful for Pacey’s efforts.

“He’s been such an incredible ambassador for us. Coming out to every event prepared, very genuine and authentic about sharing his health journey,” he said.

Also in attendance was the previous year’s Champion Child, Keira Davlut. The foundation will announce its 2024 advocate in March.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca