Celebrating 20 Years of Care | Learn More
Described as being a bubbly child with such a “big smile on his face,” Cindylynn Lacelle reflects on what her beloved son, Emil, brought to those around him: “One of my favourite memories of Emil is how he interacted with his siblings. He would gently grab their faces and always be giggling,” she says, “He just loved our presence.”
Emery (left) with brother Emil (middle) and sister Sophia (right)
One day in 2021, Cindylynn was getting her family ready. Her son Emery was starting online kindergarten, while her daughter Sophia played with her nine-month-old brother, Emil. It was then that Cindylynn noticed something was wrong. “I thought Emil was having a seizure,” she says.
Seeking answers and relief for their son, the Lacelles made their way to CHEO, a pediatric hospital in Ottawa. After numerous tests and scans, Emil was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease called Alpers.
Upon receiving this heartbreaking news, and faced with pandemic visitor limitations, the Lacelles felt torn: “Only my husband and I could visit Emil,” says Cindylynn, “We all wanted to be with him at the same time.”
As weeks passed, the Lacelles remained focused on finding answers and spending as much time together as possible, while Emil received care. It was at this time that Cindylynn and her family were introduced to the team at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice (RNCH) to work alongside CHEO.
“Everyone’s story is different who walks through these doors,” says Cindylynn, “Mine particularly was my son was going to pass away.”
From that moment on, they found a renewed sense of hope, belonging, and comfort. “The love and support we received at RNCH made a difference,” says Cindylynn.
Coming together once again meant finding a new rhythm of joy and the beginning of what would become family traditions.
From watching movies together at RNCH, to a camping trip, Cindylynn shares how the team ensured her family was supported throughout their journey, while giving them moments they could cherish forever: “They would always keep a door open for communication,” she says.
After Emil’s death, the family continues to carry his legacy forward in many ways. “A lot of things have inspired us through Emil,” says Cindylynn.
“We have become huge Ottawa Senators fans,” Cindylynn shares. Their connection to the team began during their time at RNCH, and the family feels close to Emil on game days. “We always think about him when we’re at games because this [at RNCH] is where it started.”
For the Lacelles, the Christmas season also offers time to remember and reflect through meaningful traditions. Each year, the family crafts messages on paper lanterns. “We send it off in the sky to Emil,” says Sophia. They also return to RNCH’s annual memorial gathering. “We make Christmas ornaments, drink hot chocolates, reconnect with the team here, and think about Emil,” says Cindylynn.
Among their favourite holiday memories is an August morning when the family was surprised to find Christmas taking place right in their room. “I remember thinking, ‘Why is there a Christmas tree with presents under it? Why are the elves making messes?’” says Emery and Sophia.
“They were like ‘We’re having one more Christmas because Emil won’t make it. So, we opened presents, and we had a fun day with him.”
His siblings have also taken up music after discovering how much he loved being sung to.
Through community fundraisers, ranging from hockey tournaments held in Emil’s name to a bursary for students with learning disabilities at St. Lawrence College, the Lacelles are dedicated to creating a lasting legacy.
In June 2025, Emery and Sophia also found community and comfort at RNCH’s first-ever weekend camp for young grievers. “The camp was really special,” says Emery. “I made new friends and learned that it’s okay to feel sad and happy at the same time,” adds Sophia.
The experience had a lasting impact. Emery shares that the care and guidance he received inspired him to one day become a counsellor at a grief camp for kids, or doctor. “I really like what they did, and I want to do that also,” he says.
Emery and Sophia at RNCH’s Young Grievers camp in 2025
When they returned home, that sense of connection and support sparked a desire to give back. Motivated to help other children and families, they launched Cans for Cause, turning to their community to raise funds in support of RNCH with a goal of $1,000.
Over the summer months, Emery and Sophia steadily surpassed their initial goal and eventually raised it to $3,000. By the end of their fundraiser, they had collected enough cans and bottles that totalled to an incredible $6,035 for children and families in our care.
With the community beside them once again, they have set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 this summer.
“To have a facility like this makes a tough situation that much better,” says Cindylynn, “I think for other families not to feel alone, and to know that they have the support as well during the hardest moments, is super important.”
Learn more about Emery and Sophia’s fundraiser, Cans for Cause, and how you can show your support: