From before she was even born, Claire’s journey with McMaster Children’s Hospital (McMaster Children’s Hospital) began. Now, at 18 years old, she is preparing for adulthood—something that once seemed uncertain. Throughout her life, one thing has remained constant: the expert, compassionate care she has received at McMaster Children’s Hospital, particularly from the hospital’s cardiology team.

Leanne, Claire’s mom, first came to McMaster Children’s Hospital when she was pregnant. Her obstetrician in Guelph referred her to prenatal care at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire was growth-restricted, and they identified some abnormalities on ultrasound. It was a terrifying time, filled with uncertainty. But at McMaster Children’s Hospital, they found not only answers but also reassurance.

From the beginning, the hospital’s cardiology team was at the center of Claire’s care. “We saw Dr. Mondal before she was born,” Leanne shares. “He always jokes that he’s known Claire the longest because he saw her on a fetal echocardiogram.” That early connection set the stage for a lifelong relationship with the cardiology team at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Claire was born with mosaic trisomy 22, a rare genetic condition that affected multiple areas of her health, including her heart. She spent two months in the hospital after birth, undergoing countless tests and assessments. She was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary stenosis, conditions that would require multiple surgeries as well as lifelong monitoring and intervention.

“Every single step of the way has been amazing right from the very first appointment,” Leanne says. “They were so kind and took their time to answer all of our questions and reassure us as best as they could.”

“Ever since I was little I would get excited to go to McMaster,” says Claire. “I was really seen as a person. They took time to answer me. They prepared me and gave me the tools to understand so I could one day manage my health as an adult.”

Over the years, cardiology remained a constant thread in Claire’s life. Dr. Mondal performed two heart procedures, and all of her monitoring, follow-up care, and treatment planning happened at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Claire had annual or biannual visits to cardiology where she underwent ECGs, stress tests, pulmonary tests, and even sleep studies related to her heart.

For Claire, having access to such comprehensive care in one place made all the difference. Her condition affected multiple systems in her body. Her care was complex. She also received care from ENT specialists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and developmental teams. Because of her heart condition, even things like getting her wisdom teeth out had to happen at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where they could manage any complications.

“We’ve had countless appointments, countless encounters and hospital stays over the years,” says Leanne. “And I can't think of one negative thing in all of those times. Never once did we feel rushed or that we didn't get the attention she needed.”

Despite the challenges, Claire has thrived. “She was very much at risk for developmental delays, but because of the care she got early she's able to do all activities that other kids could do right through till now.”

Today, Claire is attending college to become a social services worker. “I love working with kids and youth who have disabilities,” she says. “I just hope to inspire kids that have health conditions that going through what you’re going through is just a small part of you, not your whole identity. It does get better and that you can make the world a better place.”

She’s also transitioning into the adult health care system, something that both she and her mom find daunting. “I don’t like it,” Leanne admits. “Neither of us do. We’ve known these people her whole life.” Fortunately, Leanne has also described the transition as “seamless” with Dr. Mondal is making sure nothing falls through the cracks.\

As Claire moves forward, one thing is clear: the care she received at McMaster Children’s Hospital has given her a future full of possibilities. From fetal diagnosis to adolescence and now adulthood, McMaster Children’s Hospital has been there every step of the way, ensuring Claire’s heart—and her future—remain strong.

“I've said many times that if we hadn't needed McMaster, we wouldn't have known how valuable they were. We could never pay it back in, a million years, and I think every donation to go towards the care for the kids like Claire is worth it. They all deserve that level of care and that support is so important.”

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