Celebrating 20 Years of Care | Learn More
On April 21, 2026, Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice (RNCH)’s halls were abuzz as a small and mighty community gathered to mark 20 years since opening its doors. We honoured the past, celebrated the present, and looked towards a future where every child with a life-limiting illness has access to the pediatric hospice palliative care they deserve.
Heartfelt remarks and speeches were shared, highlighting the journey, impact and community that has made our work possible.
Reflecting on this special day, Chad Schella, friend of Roger Neilson and an early supporter of RNCH, highlighted the power a community can have when rallying together: “It’s incredibly humbling to think that 20 years ago, this was just a small piece of grass,” he says. “Now, look at what we’re standing in — and everything Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice has been able to do.”
“When I look at what so many have done, Roger would have never imagined his name on a building like this,” he says. “I can’t tell you how proud this building has made me — and all those who knew Roger.”
“Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice is symbolic of what a community can do when they put their hearts and minds into one great project. The last 20 years is a testament to this. RNCH has become a pillar of our community — that is appreciated by so many,” says Olivia Melnyk.
“In my role at CHEO Foundation, I have the privilege of seeing the beauty of this place from many different angles. Donations are transformed into comfort, moments of joy, and memories that truly matter. Over the last 20 years, RNCH has become something truly special; a place where medical expertise meets humanity; where families are supported as a whole; where parents can breathe; where siblings are supported; and where children are honoured,” says Steve Read, President & CEO, CHEO Foundation.
“For those of us who are supported by RNCH, there is no greater privilege,” says Andrea Gumpert. “If we had to sum up what RNCH means to us and the impact that it’s had to be a part of this community, we’d use three words: gratitude, kindness, and memories,” says David Bell.
Expressions of gratitude were extended to leaders and community members who shaped RNCH. These included former members of RNCH’s leadership team: Marion Rattray, Lloyd Cowin, and Dr. Bill Splinter — as well as original builders from the Morley and Hein families, the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, the Senators Community Foundation, and many others whose generosity and hands‑on support were instrumental in helping the seed of an idea take root in our community.
April 21 will continue to be a special day not only in our hearts, but across the greater Ottawa community. Thank you to Ottawa Deputy Mayor, Jeff Leiper, for recognizing the compassionate care being provided across Eastern Ontario and beyond with a City of Ottawa Proclamation, marking the start of Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice Day.
Since opening our doors in 2006, RNCH has supported thousands of children and families with care tailored to their unique needs across Eastern Ontario, Western Québec, and Nunavut. Our multidisciplinary team creates moments of comfort, connection, and joy for every child and family they support.
Current Medical Director Dr. Chris Vadeboncoeur, and longstanding colleagues Monica Sevigny, Joann Zimmerling, and Carinne Moreau were recognized for their 20-years of service at RNCH. The service awards were presented by parents Andrea Gumpert and David Bell as a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the entire RNCH community.
Thank you to our wonderful community for making Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice a place of comfort and expert care over the past 20 years. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to everyone who joined us on April 21, including representatives from the Ottawa Senators and the Senators Community Foundation; CHEO President and CEO Dr. Vera Etches; CHEO Foundation President and CEO Steve Read; our original builders and early supporters; RNCH family representatives; and our community champions from Maddy’s Gala and the Butterfly Run.
We also want to thank Thyme & Again catering, 23 & co.’s cookies, Baldwin Studio’s audio & visual support, and Avant-Garde Designs’ florals for adding the finishing touches.
As RNCH’s 20th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the year, we are excited to honour the incredible legacy of Roger Neilson with our 20th Anniversary Tie Ambassador campaign, and we look forward to coming together with families, staff and supporters at our community appreciation event in September.