Many children from around the world face serious health challenges. But not all are able to access the life-saving or life-enhancing surgeries that they need because of where they live. In some countries the cost of care is too high and there is a lack of medical expertise.

SickKids is a global leader in surgical care, serving as a beacon of hope for children and families. Patients with complex conditions requiring major surgical interventions, such as brain surgery, heart surgery or facial reconstruction, come to SickKids from around the world to receive care not available in their home countries.

Through Herbie Fund-enabled surgical care at SickKids, the trajectories of young people’s lives are dramatically changed—in some cases, saving their lives, and in others, transforming their quality of life. With donor support, treatment expenses for international patients and their families are covered, including hospital stays, tests and clinical procedures. SickKids health-care specialists donate their time and expertise, waiving their fees to help ensure we are able to extend the Herbie Fund support to as many children as possible.