Port Hawkesbury’s Matthew LeBlanc, is the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Champion for the
Matthew LeBlanc (IWK Health Centre photo)
IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
Throughout the year, the 11-year-old will represent children and youth who received specialized treatment and care at the IWK by sharing his story to support fund-raising campaigns and events in the Maritimes.
Matthew’s mother, Tonia LeBlanc, said she is proud to see Matthew selected for the role.
Born prematurely at 32 weeks, Matthew and his twin brother Ben were admitted to the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. While Ben was discharged after five weeks, Matthew had complications; born with kidneys that were not functioning and began dialysis to keep him alive. At six months old, Matthew finally went home but needed dialysis for 12 hours each night.
At 19 months, he received a kidney transplant from his father Andy. At eight, his kidney started to fail and received his second transplant in May, 2021. Today, Matthew is feeling the best he ever has and is ready to take on the new role.
Matthew said he is happy to help as Champion.
LeBlanc was named the CMN champion at a special celebration at Walmart’s Port Hawkesbury store on Monday.