OUR STORY
Kids’ Health Links Foundation (KHLF) was founded to bridge the gap for youth facing health challenges, inspired by the lived experiences of two friends, Christina Papaevangelou and Katy McDonald.
In February 2002, Christina fell critically ill with Toxic Shock Syndrome, resulting in a prolonged hospital stay that left her struggling emotionally and academically. At the same time, her close friend Katy was undergoing treatment for a rare sarcoma, experiencing profound isolation during her care. Despite her family’s efforts to keep her connected through a laptop and dial-up internet, Katy’s experience highlighted how easily young people can become socially disconnected during illness. Although Katy ultimately lost her battle, her story became the catalyst for Christina’s determination to ensure other youth would not have to face illness alone.
Motivated by this shared experience, Kids’ Health Links Foundation was incorporated in 2004 and, together with her father Basile, Christina worked to build a solution that addressed the emotional and social needs of young people navigating health challenges. In 2007, KHLF became a registered Canadian charity and launched Upopolis—a pioneering, clinically supported digital community designed to help youth stay connected to peers who understand their journey.
Today, Upopolis continues to evolve, combining peer connection with professional oversight to reduce isolation, strengthen emotional well-being, and ensure young people feel seen, supported, and understood—no matter where they are or what they are facing.
Our Mission
As Canada’s only national charity offering, a secure, professionally moderated online platform, we deliver essential psychosocial support to youth through our Upopolis platform.
Our Services
At Kids’ Health Links Foundation, everything we do is designed around the emotional and social well-being of children and youth aged 13–23. We create clinically supported social technology that helps young people cope with stress, isolation, and loneliness while navigating medical diagnoses, hospitalization, and other life challenges.
Upopolis is our Core Program. Upopolis is a free, secure, clinician-moderated digital community where youth can connect with peers who understand their lived experience.
Moderated by Certified Child Life Specialists and trained mentors, Upopolis provides:
Safe peer-to-peer connection
Emotional support during treatment and recovery
A trusted space to build resilience, confidence, and belonging
By combining peer connection with professional oversight, Upopolis ensures youth can safely engage without sacrificing emotional well-being or privacy.
Supporting the Professionals Who Support Youth. Recognizing that strong youth outcomes require strong professional networks, KHLF has also developed technology platforms that support the healthcare professionals working closest with children and youth.
Through Upedia, we provide Child Life Specialists and child and youth mental health professionals with access to:
Communities of practice
Shared resources and tools
Knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities
These platforms help professionals connect, learn, and share best practices—ultimately strengthening the care and psychosocial support available to young people across the healthcare system.
Our Impact Today
Today, KHLF continues to evolve, guided by nearly two decades of experience and informed by the voices of the young people and clinicians we serve. Through clinically grounded digital communities, we are reducing isolation, strengthening emotional well-being, and ensuring youth feel seen, supported, and connected—no matter where they are or what they are facing.
Our Values
Compassion: We prioritize empathy and understanding.
Collaboration: Teamwork drives our success.
Integrity: We uphold our commitments.
Passion: We believe in our mission and approach challenges with optimism.
Inclusion: We advocate for equitable access and diversity for all.
