Molly’s holiday mission: Cape Breton girl remembered through hospital Christmas catalogue
She's been the face of hospital care for kids in Cape Breton this year, so it’s only fitting that Molly Wadden's likeness is on the cover of the 2022 “Give Where You Live” Christmas catalogue by the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
"It is the absolute definition, start to finish, of what Molly wanted,” said Molly’s father, Jeff Wadden, when he helped unveil the new catalogue Thursday.
Molly spent her final months raising funds and awareness through her namesake charity, Molly's Mission.
It was an initiative she championed courageously until she passed away from Ewing sarcoma -- a form of bone cancer -- in July at age 12.
Now, despite their grief, Molly’s parents are bravely fronting her cause.
"We are now just the caretakers of what Molly set in motion,” Jeff said. “We are just the caretakers of Molly's Mission, so we are involved in it because that's what she wanted. If that's what she wanted, then we want it."
"I don't think that we could possibly ask for a better person to dedicate this year's catalogue to,” said Caitlyn MacDonald with the hospital foundation.
This is the fifth year for the Regional Hospital Foundation's holiday catalogue.
It has helped purchase more than 1,400 gifts for hospital patients and their families.
"Bus passes for someone who has to travel to Halifax for an appointment,” Caitlyn MacDonald said. “It might be a blanket. Anything we can give them to provide them some comfort during their hardest days."
The Waddens themselves were recipients of a gift during Molly's battle. They say it still brings them comfort and, now that things have come full circle, they are glad to be of service to others.
"We received the first blanket, a homemade blanket,” Jeff said. "As we speak, it sits on her bed and it will remain there. Those things mean more than the blanket. It is a symbol."
This holiday season will be their first one without Molly.
"Christmas is obviously difficult. I mean, we have a piece of our hearts missing,” he said.
That's why being involved with another charitable cause that bears Molly’s name -- and her mission -- means so much to the family.
"She is making a difference,” Jeff said. “Her life mattered and I think that will, underneath it all, give us the joy we need to get through this holiday this season."
The 2022 gift catalogue is available throughout the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.