Giving Our Children a Voice

Dana and Cameron Nagel (Patient Partner)

Dana Nagel’s journey with the health-care system began the moment her son Cameron entered the world. Born prematurely and facing complex medical challenges, Cameron spent weeks in intensive care — the first of many hospital stays that would follow. Over the years, he has undergone over 70 procedures and surgeries, with long stretches of time spent in the Stollery Children's Hospital.

For Dana, those early experiences were defined by fear, uncertainty and a deep sense of helplessness. At the time, care often meant doing whatever was necessary to get through a procedure — even if that meant holding her child down. It was something no parent expects to face, and something that stayed with her.

But over time, she began to see change.

Through her involvement as a patient partner with WCHRI-supported researchers like Samina Ali, Dana has helped shape a different approach — one where children like Cameron are no longer passive recipients of care, but active participants in it. Today, Cameron is asked what he needs. He’s given choices. His voice matters.

That shift has had a profound impact, not only on his experience, but on Dana’s understanding of what care can be. It’s no longer just about treatment — it’s about dignity, trust and reducing trauma for children and families.

Now a longtime advocate, Dana works alongside researchers and clinicians to ensure other families benefit from what she and Cameron have learned. For her, the impact of this work is simple but powerful: helping create a system where children are heard — and where their voices help shape a better standard of care for those who follow.

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