“He was just a light,” Kate Hammond says, remembering her son, Miles. “He got his diagnosis when he was just under three months old, so the majority of his life was spent in and out of hospitals at the height of Covid, but he truly exemplified a light and resilience.”
Miles Philip Hammond of Bracebridge lost his life to cancer in February 2021 just five days after celebrating his first birthday. He received much of his care at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital which is the closest Paediatric Oncology site to Muskoka and surrounding communities. As a tribute to their son, his parents Kent and Kate began an annual event in 2022 to support the neonatal and paediatric units at OSMH. In three years, they have raised close to $100,000 for the Endowment fund in Miles’ memory.
“With those funds we’ve been able to purchase some bassinets for the NICU and paediatric wards, we’ve been able to purchase a monitoring station for paediatric oncology which is for kids with cancer. It has been a way for us to build his legacy and help other families who are in need,” Kate said.
The 4th Annual Memorial for Miles is being held on February 22nd, 2025 at Canvas Brewing Co. in Huntsville. The event features delicious food, live entertainment from a Toronto-based piano cover artist, and a silent auction featuring items from a wide variety of local businesses. The event is from 5:00pm – 11:30pm.
While the event is about bringing hope to families, Kate says it’s also about treasuring and honouring Miles’ life.
“Although we will always deeply miss him and think about him every single day, I think we’re moving forward with his legacy and keeping his spirit alive.”
To purchase tickets or donate please click here or go to visit https://trellis.org/4th-annual-miles-p-hammond-memorial-fundraiser .
For information on business sponsorship opportunities or to make a silent auction donation, please email memorialformiles@gmail.com
Please watch our video for our moving interview with Kate.
