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Ten-year-old Blaze Dunn from Carlyle has been in and out of the hospital more times than most people will during their lifetime.
He’s had multiple surgeries, including four for bilateral club feet, one for strabismus (an eye disorder), one for tethered spine as well as for a life-threatening accident.
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But the health issues don’t slow Blaze down.
“My three-line motto has encouraged me to keep going and stay positive: never give up, never go down and always keep trying,” he said.
“This motto keeps me on track with my goals and reminds me that I am never alone.”
Blaze was honoured with a celebration party when he was announced as the Champion Child. (Abby Zeiverink/980 CJME)
In August 2022, Blaze biked into the side of a truck and was run over by a trailer it was pulling, breaking his humerus in his upper arm and femur (thigh bone).
He was airlifted to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) for treatment.
The recovery was long and hard, but Blaze and his family are grateful for the care received at the JPCH.
“I’m so happy they were there for me in the accident,” he said. “I got to meet some great doctors and nurses. Some of the nurses even helped me make Legos as part of my physio.”
Blaze proudly wore a 2025 Champion Child vest with a cape. (Abby Zeiverink/980 CJME)
It was during his time in the hospital that Blaze became inspired to help other kids like him.
Following his spine surgery, he saw the names all over the walls of the hospital and asked his mom what they meant.
“She told me that they were people who gave money from their hearts to help kids like me get the best care ever,” he said. “I decided I wanted to do that too.”
Blaze has a contagious smile and can’t help but share his joy with others. (Abby Zeiverink/980 CJME)
Blaze hit the ground running, hosting countless lemonade stands and bottle drives in Carlyle. He raised over $75,000 for the children’s hospital.
His hard work didn’t go unnoticed and Blaze received the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Youth Philanthropist award in 2023.
He was also recently announced as the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Champion Child. As Champion Child, Blaze will be an ambassador for other Saskatchewan families.
“The Jim Patterson Children’s Hospital Foundation has inspired me to help kids like me all over Saskatchewan,” Blaze said.
Watch Blaze’s story here:
Carole-Lyn Dunn, Blaze’s mom, said, this is simply how her son is.
“He’s selfless,” she said. “He doesn’t do anything for a reason. He does it because he can.”
Carole-Lyn credits the JPCH for helping Blaze and his family get through the traumatic accident.
“(It) isn’t just a building. It’s a place where world-class pediatric surgeons, nurses and special care teams come together with one goal: to give our children the best possible care right here at home,” she said.
“It’s where families find comfort in knowing they’re not alone, where your continued support ensures that families continue to get the best possible care close to home.”
Blaze Dunn with his mom Carole-Lyn and dad Perry. (Abby Zeiverink/980 CJME)
The Dunn family felt that endless support and Carole-Lyn said now it’s their time to give back, with Blaze at the forefront of the movement.
“We made a lot of lemonade,” she said with a laugh. “Apparently it’s good. Popcorn, too! We had a lot of help.”
Carole-Lyn is convinced Blaze won’t stop at just Saskatchewan, he wants to help kids around the world.
“He just wants to hug everybody and make sure everybody’s taken care of,” she said.
Blaze enjoys helping other kids like him in the province.
“It feels like I’m getting them the care that they need to stay positive and know that they are gonna be okay,” he said.
As Champion Child, Blaze and his family will get to travel to Orlando, Florida this spring to represent those families at Children’s Hospital Week and meet other child ambassadors across North America.
— with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zeiverink
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