Karen Sansom

I work full time in addition to being a full-time mum of two boys. I love sports, being outdoors, being with family and volunteering. I volunteer as my oldest son’s hockey team trainer for the last 5 years and formerly as a parent advocate volunteering with the Family Advisory Network at Sick Kids.

My youngest son Owen and I are frequent visitors to many departments at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in Toronto where we are grateful for receiving continued care from staff, nurses and doctors. Over the years, Owen has been diagnosed with multiple medical conditions, some he has managed to overcome and others he continues to battle. His current conditions include glaucoma, blindness, hearing impairment, growth hormone deficiency, severe obstructive sleep apnea, and secondary hypertension as a result of renal stenosis and Midaortic Syndrome. At 9 months of age, Owen’s eyes began to “wander” so dramatically that Neurology requested an urgent MRI. It was during this sedated MRI that his severe hypertension was identified prompting further scans ultimately identifying Midaortic Syndrome.

Owen is a tough kid with a big heart who’s smile lights up the room! Thankfully for now, his conditions are being well managed by medications. I am a strong believer in advocating for children and helping to give a voice for those who are in need. I would love to help others in similar situations not only to receive the medical services they need but also in a timely manner.