Lakeridge Health Welcomes First Babies Born in 2026 in Durham Region

OSHAWA – January 1, 2026 – The start of 2026 brought a new beginning with the arrival of the first baby of the year in Durham Region born at the Oshawa Hospital at 12:13 a.m.  

Proud parents Haley O’Donnell and Brandon Thornton are excited to welcome Baby Rielly Particia Thornton, a beautiful new addition to their family and a joyful way to begin 2026. Big sister Kinsley, six, is already eagerly anticipating the many adventures she will share with her new sibling.  

Born weighing 3.86 kilograms (8 pounds, 8 ounces), Baby Rielly arrived two days past her due date and her parents say well worth the wait. She is the first child for new mom Haley, and both parents are doing well: grateful, happy, and adjusting to life with a newborn (and a little sleep deprived). 

“We feel so blessed to open 2026 on such a profound note,” said Haley. “We know Baby Rielly is a lucky girl, and we’re excited for the many wonderful moments ahead.”  

Baby Rielly Patricia is lovingly named in honour of a close friend from Newfoundland, as well as both of her grandmothers, giving her name a special meaning that reflects family, friends, and connection.  

At the Ajax Pickering Hospital, parents Angela Yen Wang and Calvin Wong welcomed a baby boy - the first baby born in Ajax - at 1:15 a.m.   

At Port Perry Hospital’s New Life Centre, the first baby in Scugog was born at 9:22 a.m. 

With birthing suites at Ajax Pickering, Oshawa, and Port Perry Hospitals, Lakeridge Health is proud to have one of Ontario’s largest birthing programs. In 2024/2025, Lakeridge Health teams supported the delivery of more than 4,600 babies, providing compassionate, family-centred care close to home. 

About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health. 

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For more information, please contact:
Strategic Communications
Communications@lh.ca
905-435-7889