Celebrating one year with the Comfort Ability Program at the MCH

On May 21, 2025, the Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Centre for Complex Pain’s team at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) celebrated a remarkable milestone: one year of transforming lives through the Comfort Ability Program (CAP).

This internationally recognized program, designed to help young people better manage chronic pain, has made a meaningful impact — and the MCH is the first institution in the world to offer this program in French. This achievement was made possible through the vision and translation efforts of Nathalie Myara and the CAP team. As a result of their work, this powerful tool could eventually be accessible to francophone children and families across Quebec and beyond.

Rethinking pain and reclaiming joy

Chronic pain in children is complex. Unlike acute pain, it doesn’t point to a physical problem in the body that needs to be repaired. Instead, it’s like a glitch in the messaging of the body’s nervous system, where disabling pain and associated symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, nausea or muscle weakness persist for no apparent reason.

CAP helps families “reset” this glitch by addressing not just the physical pain, but also the emotional stressors like fear, sadness, anxiety, frustration and social withdrawal that result from the pain… and make it worse.

The one-day, in-person CAP workshop, offered to children aged 10 to 17 and their parents/guardians, is filled with evidence-based tools and compassionate support. It empowers both young people and their parents with practical skills to better manage symptoms and take charge of their wellness. Through education, guided exercises and shared experiences, families walk away with renewed hope and strength.

Real impact and promising results

Over the past year, 77 children and 109 parents have taken part in the program at the MCH. Nine workshops — alternating French and English — have already been hosted. The feedback has been positive and many participants report improved sleep, greater ability to stay active and a deeper understanding of their pain

Parents and children alike appreciated the opportunity to connect with others navigating similar challenges. Some favourite activities? Art therapy, guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and aromatherapy — all designed to offer relief, build confidence and promote emotional wellbeing.

A particularly meaningful part of the program has been the involvement of patient and parent “graduates” who return to share their stories of hope with current CAP participants. Their lived experiences offer inspiration, validation and a sense of community to those at different stages of their journey.

This ambitious initiative would not have been possible without the determination and leadership of Rebecca Pitt and the team whose hard work and dedication were instrumental in getting the project off the ground.

With such promising results, the team is dreaming big. They are now working towards expanding CAP across all hospital divisions, ensuring that even more children and families can benefit from this life-changing resource.

Here’s to the first incredible year of CAP at the MCH and to the passionate professionals behind it. Your dedication, innovation and compassion have made a lasting difference. Thank you and congratulations!