Victoria Leo, a former patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, has dedicated herself to ensuring young patients feel supported during their medical journeys. After receiving spinal surgery and empathizing with a girl facing a similar procedure, Leo founded the Back-to-Back Project in Montreal. Her initiative began with a single comfort kit in 2021 and has since blossomed into a heartfelt mission to provide solace to children at the hospital.
Affiliated with Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, Back-to-Back focuses on creating comfort kits tailored to the needs of young individuals recovering from spinal surgery. These kits include essentials such as blankets, lip balms, water bottles, and socks to aid in the healing process.
Recently, a fundraising event in Kirkland, Que., gathered individuals for a yoga and Pilates session, reflecting Leo’s belief in the importance of movement post-surgery. Decorated with green and white elements symbolizing scoliosis and harmony, the event aimed to assemble 300 comfort kits, with Leo aspiring to increase this number by 100 annually.
Inspired by her own surgery experience, Leo, now 26 and pursuing occupational therapy studies, strives to offer the support she once longed for. The heartfelt responses from patients and families fuel her dedication, with attendees like Patrizia Marino and Mikayla Chetrit commending Leo’s compassion and hard work.
Timothy Fisher, director of communications at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, praised initiatives like the Back-to-Back Project for their impact on both fundraising and community inspiration. Leo’s ultimate goal remains simple yet profound: to bring smiles and comfort to children facing challenging medical circumstances.
