Meet Van

Van was 10 months old when he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), type 2, a degenerative neuromuscular condition that causes profound muscle weakness. There is no cure for SMA, and the condition affects every muscle in Van’s body and prevents him from being able to walk.  

Over the years, Van has had to overcome many challenges and complications due to SMA. He has experienced frequent bouts of pneumonia, faced many accessibility challenges, and undergone several surgeries. 

But despite the numerous challenges and obstacles that he’s had to face in his life, Van has shown time and time again that the true strength of a person comes from within.  

Van, now 18 years old, was the valedictorian of his 2025 graduating class at Charles P. Allen High School.   

In April 2025, he was awarded the Youth & Family Partner Leadership Award from Children’s Healthcare Canada for his exceptional leadership and dedication and tireless work to improve the patient and family experience in pediatric healthcare in Canada. 

In June 2025, Van was a recipient of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, given to an individual who has a passion for helping those in need or demonstrating perseverance in the face of adversity. 

In September 2025, Van will attend Saint Mary’s University to start the Bachelor of Commerce program with a major in Sports Business. His goal is to be a professional endorsement agent for para-athletes. 

Congratulations, Van, on all your remarkable achievements! We’re so thankful and grateful for everything you’ve done to support the IWK over the years, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.