June is a season of graduation - of caps tossed into the air, proud families, and exciting new beginnings. At
Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, this year marked a
different kind of milestone, as patients and families gathered to celebrate the
Transitions in Care graduation event – honouring young patients moving from
paediatric to adult care.
It was a day of celebration and reflection for many – marking how far they’ve come and the journeys that shaped them.
For Keanna Shrubshall, that journey began early. Diagnosed at just six-years-old with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a serious kidney condition, she has spent much of her life receiving care at Children’s Hospital.
“It has affected me both negatively and positively,” Keanna shares.
“Without it, I wouldn’t have had a transplant, gone to transplant camp, or met some lifelong friends. Sometimes you wonder why you were diagnosed, but then you remember the opportunities to connect with people who understand your experience.”
Through long hospital stays and ongoing care, Keanna found more than treatment – she found purpose. Today, she is studying nursing at Fanshawe College, inspired to give back to the teams who supported her.
“Children’s Hospital and Children’s Health Foundation have meant a lot to me,” she says. “They’ve helped me grow as a person and kept me going through long nights. I hope to work here one day and be part of that care for others.”
Graduating from paediatric care is both exciting and emotional – a moment filled with reflection and anticipation.
“It feels like a huge step forward, wondering what comes next, but also looking back at everything Children’s has helped me through,” she says. “It’s an exciting day.”
That mix of emotion was shared by fellow graduate Ava Meadows, who has received cardiac care at Children’s Hospital since birth.
“It feels incredible to be graduating,” Ava says.
“I’m excited, but it’s also a little sad. I love my doctors and nurses so much – they’ve supported me my whole life. This is a moment I’ll always remember.”
As Ava prepares for the transition to adult care, she carries both gratitude and a sense of courage as she heads into the next chapter.
The Transitions in Care program plays a vital role in helping patients and families prepare for this moment, ensuring they feel confident and supported as they move forward. The team, which consists of, Transition Navigators, Educational Liaisons, Child Life Specialists and an Indigenous Wellness Consultant, works alongside the patient’s care team to assess readiness and develop an individualized plan to ensure a smooth transition.
Dr. Craig Campbell, Head of Paediatrics at Children’s Hospital, says the graduation is a powerful reflection of each patient’s journey.
“To see so many familiar faces here today moving from paediatric to adult care really speaks to the journey they’ve had,” says Dr. Campbell.
“Their resilience and strength are remarkable, and I’m confident they will take that independence into the adult world and thrive.”
As each graduate stepped forward to receive their diploma, the emotion in the room was unmistakable – a moment of joy, appreciation, and new beginnings.
“I want to congratulate each of our graduates on this incredible milestone,” says Scott Fortnum, President and CEO of Children’s Health Foundation. “Your resilience, strength, and determination are truly inspiring.”
"We are so proud to have been part of your journey and can’t wait to see all that you achieve in the future.”
As the graduates now step confidently into adult care, they do so with more than medical experience – they carry with them resilience, friendships, and the unwavering support of a community that has been with them every step of the way.
Because while their care may be transitioning, their story – and their strength – continues.
Celine Zadorsky
czadorsky@childhealth.ca
