What would our Miracle Weekend telethon be without our incredible Youth Hosts who will speak about their own hospital experience and the impact your donations make on their lives and the lives of children like them? This year our broadcast, which takes place June 4 and 5 on Global BC, will feature three veteran hosts - Luca Piccolo, Grace TeBoekhorst, Faris Abdulwahab and two new faces - Will Heine and Danielle Hoult.
Read all about these incredible champions below, and make sure to tune in 7 pm Saturday, June 4 through 5:30, Sunday, June 5, to hear inspiring stories and learn how your donations make a difference.
Will Heine, age 16, Oncology – Saturday evening host
Will Heine’s teenage years have been filled with many long stays at BC Children’s Hospital to treat acute myeloid leukemia. Although complications arose after he began aggressive chemotherapy treatment, ultimately leading to multiple stays in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Will is now in remission!
Will’s joining us to host Miracle Weekend for his first time as a Youth Host. Tune in on Saturday, June 4 from 7 pm - 9 pm to see Will in action!
Luca Piccolo, age 15, Cystic Fibrosis – Saturday evening host
Ongoing health concerns led to many tests at BC Children’s Hospital and a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis for then two-year-old Luca. Now a young teen, Luca manages this chronic life-limiting illness through a strict daily regimen of medication and therapy. From the look of this happy and outgoing boy one might never know he copes with such a serious condition every day.
Luca is a Miracle Weekend veteran and returns to the telethon as a Youth Host again this year. Tune in to Global BC on Saturday, June 4 from 9 pm - 11 pm to see Luca in action!
Grace teBoekhorst, age 11, Kidney Transplant – Sunday morning host
When Grace teBoekherst was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and required a kidney transplant, her father quickly signed up to give her his own kidney. By the time Grace had her transplant she had less than 20 per cent kidney function remaining and spent four days a week on renal dialysis. Today, she is still currently in treatment for early signs of rejection and visits the hospital frequently for treatment.
You will probably recognize Grace from hosting Miracle Weekend last year. Tune in on Sunday, June 5 from 11 am - 1 pm to see Grace in action!
Danielle Hoult, age 15, Oncology – Sunday afternoon host
After the 22nd month of her 30-month acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment at BC Children’s Hospital, Danielle Hoult was faced with the news that she had relapsed and had to remain in treatment for another two-and-a-half years. She admits that some days have been hard, but she maintains a positive attitude. She loves performing and has dreams to one day become an actor.
Danielle will be living her dream to be in front of the camera when she hosts Miracle Weekend for the first time this year. Tune in to Global BC on Sunday, June 5 from 1 pm - 3 pm to see Danielle in action!
Faris Abdulwahab, age 12, Brittle Bone Disease – Sunday afternoon host
In Faris’s words, his bones used to fracture “24-7.” When his mother, Liza, was six months pregnant, doctors diagnosed baby Faris with a genetic disorder known as brittle bone disease. Today, there is no cure for the disease, but BC Children’s Hospital provided Faris with the treatment and care he needed to improve his quality of life. Thanks to the life-saving care Faris received at BC Children’s, he has been able to do some pretty amazing things, like voice acting for cartoons.
Faris will get to put his acting skills to the test again this year as a returning Youth Host. Tune in on Sunday, June 5 from 3 pm - 5:30 pm to see Faris in action!
