Families of kids with cancer are receiving quicker and more convenient access to essential bloodwork closer to home thanks to a partnership between CHEO and the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA).
For 13‑year‑old Liam and their mom, Shayla, the change has been life‑altering.
Since Liam’s diagnosis, routine bloodwork meant making the long drive from their home near Cornwall to CHEO, often turning a quick appointment into a full-day commitment. Now, Liam can visit the Cornwall Community Hospital, one of the participating EORLA sites, for the same safe and specialized bloodwork, much closer to home.
For a family rebuilding normalcy after Liam’s year away from school, this change means everything.
« Liam wants to go to school. This allows them to get to school immediately after their appointment, and it means so much to us, » said Shayla.
Leaders from both organizations say this is exactly the kind of impact the partnership was designed to create.
« This is what inspires our teams – the ability to remove barriers and give families back precious time, » said Manon Chennette, Regional Operations Director of EORLA. « Families deserve care that fits their lives. »
With nine children and youth in the region currently using this service, bringing care closer to home has already made a meaningful difference for families, reducing long travel days and the indirect costs that come with them. This partnership has also opened additional appointment space at CHEO, allowing other oncology patients to be seen sooner and improving access to the specialized care they need.
For their family, it means Liam gets to start the day with friends and teachers, right where Liam wants to be.
About CHEO:
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.
About EORLA:
The Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA) is a member-based, non-profit organization operating 18 licensed, acute-care, hospital-based laboratories that service clinical programs across the Champlain Region of Eastern Ontario. The EORLA team delivers over 14 million diagnostic tests in our laboratories annually – using the latest technology, offering exemplary service and turnaround times, and providing ongoing innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. Their laboratories are accredited by Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics and licensed through the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care. Laboratory staff include over 817 Medical Laboratory Professionals, 62 Administration Staff and 22 Residents, supported by 81 Laboratory Physicians and Scientists.