Grant: Prize - IHDCYH Talks

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare, heritable condition that makes bones very fragile and causes many breaks and injuries. Children with OI face unique challenges in pain management that span from infancy to adulthood. According to Dr. Tsimicalis` research at the Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Canada, and ongoing collaborative work with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Federation of Europe (OIFE) and Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) ‘Pain & OI Project,’ pain is present. However, there is little information about pain, how to optimally manage the pain, and what strategies may be implemented to optimize quality of life. Based on Dr. Tsimicalis’ cumulative research findings, her team wrote, animated, and produced a music video to depict the pain in OI and help raise awareness. The video was featured at the Sommets du cinema d’animation in Montreal and Balancing Life with OI in Sweden. The animated video underscores IHDCYH's mission to advance knowledge by using a knowledge mobilization medium that speaks to and engages patients and their families, both in Canada and globally. The lyrics help foster empathy about the pain experiences encountered by children with OI, and offer an empowering climate for the OI community to candidly speak of their pain and mobilize individuals and systems for better pain assessment and management. Dr. Tsimicalis' research and animated music video encapsulate IHDCYH's commitment to holistic research, partnership-building, and the advancement of knowledge that addresses illness while contributing to the well-being and potential of children and youth throughout their developmental journey.