Make a Difference with Your Donation
Life can change in an instant, and when it does, the strength of a community and country can make all the difference. The van der Werken family is facing an incredibly challenging time, and we’re coming together to offer our support in the way we know best—through love, generosity, and action.
It’s incredibly hard for them to put this out there, but since the heartbreaking loss of their son Finlay in February 2024, life has been unimaginably difficult. Finlay's mom has not been working in a paid role, but she has been tirelessly advocating for change. She’s been conducting interviews with news outlets and podcasts, attending council meetings, rallying politicians, advocating on both a provincial and federal level and working with Sepsis Associations to help bring about change in our Healthcare.
Their strength and determination are inspiring, and they should not have to walk this path alone. Their legal battle could last for many years. When they do win, they will reinvest any extra funds received back into Finlay’s Voice or perhaps establish a scholarship in Finlay’s honour for another young person who aspires to become a veterinarian.
This fundraiser is an opportunity for all of us to help ease the burden they’re carrying. Whether it's through a donation, sharing the campaign, or simply sending a message of encouragement, every gesture counts. Let’s rally around this wonderful family and show them they’re not alone.
February 7th, 2024, is a date that forever changed the lives of the van der Werken family. Finlay van der Werken, a son, brother, grandson, and friend, was a vibrant and athletic 16-year-old hockey player who was triaged as an emergent case but was left for over eight hours without adequate care at the Oakville Trafalgar emergency room. Despite countless pleas from his mother, Finlay did not receive the treatment he desperately needed in time. Instead, Hazel and GJ faced the heart-wrenching decision to take Finlay off life support on February 9, 2024.
Our medical system must answer for this loss, and together we support the van der Werken family's push for accountability and reform. Finlay's death is not an isolated case—improper protocols have led to similar tragedies, and the van der Werken’s are determined to make Finlay the last. Ontario currently lacks legislation safeguarding children in emergency rooms.
There are no legal wait-time standards for children.
There are no mandated nurse-to-patient or physician-to-patient ratios for pediatric care.
There are no legislated independent oversight or mandatory public reviews after pediatric deaths in ERs.
There are no Sepsis standards across Canada.
Children are not small adults; they deteriorate faster, require specialized dosing and equipment, and often cannot advocate for themselves. Without enforceable standards, they remain at the greatest risk in a strained system.
Every donation, no matter the size, will help the van der Werken family cover expenses and continue their fight for justice—not just for Finlay, but for all children who deserve timely, life-saving care. Hazel and GJ are the direct beneficiaries of any donation made.
If you’re unable to contribute, please consider sharing this message with others who may be able to help. Together, we can help turn heartbreak into change.
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