12-year-old girl named ambassador for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital

A 12-year-old girl from Saskatoon has been named the 2024 Saskatchewan Ambassador for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Kherington, whose last name wasn’t provided, was diagnosed with several rare conditions when she was around four years old. The underlying cause of the conditions remains unknown.

Kherington said she was thrilled to learn she was going to be the hopsital’s champion child.

“I’m very excited,” said Kherington. “I even was counting down the days.”

Kherington said the nomination came as a big surprise.

“I didn’t totally understand what it was,” she said. “But once I realized, I was very excited and shocked.”

Kherington has been sharing her story as the face of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s RBC Race for the Kids.

She said she hopes people listen to the message she’s been spreading.

“What I hope people gain out of my story is the realization that I’m not the only medical child out in the world,” said Kherington.

Kherington (front row middle, with glasses) and staff at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

“There’s other people who need the support of children’s hospitals, and any little thing that some can do is a big deal.”

Kherington said it’s a bit strange being an example for other kids who are going through the same things she is.

“It feels pretty good, but on the other hand it feels kind of weird, because if I screw this up it might end badly,” said Kherington.

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As part of her role, Kherington’s face is appearing on billboards. She said driving past her picture around the city will take a little getting used to for her.

“It’s kind of strange,” said Kherington. “My friends are like, ‘I saw you on a billboard,’ and I’m like, ‘Great!’”

Kherington and her family will also get to travel to Orlando for children’s hospital week, where Kherington will represent Saskatchewan families.