SickKids 150^th Birthday Balloon Sculpture on Display at the Cobourg Community Centre

Cobourg, ON (April 2, 2025) – The Town of Cobourg has joined forces with the West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association (WNGHA) and the Bowen family to celebrate 150 Years of The Hospital for Sick Children.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is Canada's most research-intensive hospital, and the largest centre dedicated to improving children's health in the country. This year, SickKids is celebrating its 150^th Birthday. The Town of Cobourg is proud to join communities across the county to celebrate the lifechanging work being done every day at SickKids and to honour an incredible little girl, whose courage and determination in her fight against cancer was of celebrity proportion.

Grace Bowen was an outgoing, determined, and passionate young girl from Grafton, ON, whose love for hockey could not be measured. At just eight years old, she poured every ounce of her energy into the game, embracing every aspect of it—practices, tournaments, tough losses, and the unbreakable bond with her teammates. Grace was a proud member of WNGHA and grew up at the Cobourg Community Centre and rinks around the community.

When a sore knee started to bother Grace, it was later revealed to be something much more serious—a broken femur caused by Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Thus began 11 long months at SickKids, undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy, and relentless treatments and pokes.

It was during this time at SickKids that Grace struck up a relationship with Canadian ice hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds. Grace touched their hearts with her bravery, resilience and spirit.

The Town of Cobourg is honoured to host one of 150 SickKids, 150^th Birthday Balloon Sculptures at the Cobourg Community Centre. The stunning sculpture represents the power of community and the incredible work being done every day at SickKids. Together, the Town of Cobourg and WNGHA are helping SickKids fight for more birthdays over the next 150 years and beyond.

150^th Balloon Display:
The community is invited to see the SickKids 150th Balloon Display located in the Grand Hall of the Cobourg Community Centre from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 13.

Share your photos with hashtag #SickKids150 to help raise awareness and support for the campaign.

WNGHA Sponsored Community Skate:
The West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association will be hosting a free public skate in honour of Grace and SickKids 150^th on Saturday, April 5 from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.