Thank you for making 2022 so memorable.
After two years, we finally re-opened Camp Kindle for summer camp! Your generosity sparked countless smiles and peals of laughter in hundreds of children affected by cancer.
You also empowered us to offer both in-person and online versions of our programs, enabling us to reach more children in remote locations across the province. Your generosity also fueled important research breakthroughs — from advances in CAR T cell therapy to new developments in children’s cancer vaccines. We have so much to celebrate.
Our Gratitude Report demonstrates the many ways your support touches the lives of the children and families we serve. YOU are at the heart of everything we do at Kids Cancer Care.
Thank you for being there for children affected by cancer and their families.
Sincerely,
recreational outreach
“Play is the highest form of research.” — Albert Einstein
♥ 240 kids and parents in their PJs enjoying a trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express – singing Christmas carols, sipping hot chocolate, and munching cookies – courtesy of Aspen Crossing
♥ 248 kids and parents enjoying a day of tubing at our annual Snow Day
♥ 295 children and parents enjoying a special dress rehearsal of Little Women courtesy of Theatre Calgary
therapeutic outreach
Sometimes the best medicine is a cure for the soul: sunshine, laughter and fun.
♥ 335 kids experiencing the magic of summer camp for the first time since COVID-19 hit in 2020.
♥ 5,244 delicious meals filling the bellies of hundreds of hungry campers at Camp Kindle.
♥ 215 magical moments sent home each day with SunRise campers.
♥ 430 cold little fingers making ice cream on a hot sunny day at our SunRise day camp in Calgary.
♥ 183 happy campers connecting with each other and enjoying precious downtime at Family Camp.
♥ 112 tweens and teens taking on new challenges and hanging out together at Teen Camp.
PEER exercise
Research shows that regular exercise helps reduce the deconditioning effects of cancer treatments and improves mental and physical well-being.
109 kids reaping the rewards of regular exercise with our Ph.D. exercise specialist and 46 PEER certified volunteers – helping children to rebuild their bodies and lift their spirits during 400 PEER sessions!
♥ 75 kids exercising and connecting with each other at 170 online and in-person PEER sessions – exercising rock climbing, rowing, ice skating, golfing, playing sled hockey, laser tag, lacrosse AND MORE
♥ 34 kids working one-to-one with our Ph.D. exercise specialist in 217 personalized sessions at Kids Cancer Care – rebuilding their strength to manage the deconditioning and late effects of cancer treatments.
♥ 1 dedicated Ph.D. exercise specialist managing the PEER program while collaborating with researchers to publish 2 research studies, present 3 abstracts and collaborate on 4 research papers
Thank you to the Calgary Flames Foundation for generously supporting our PEER exercise program.
child life services
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” — Mr. Rogers
Our group and one-to-one child life sessions help children in isolation develop coping skills to gain a sense of control and even mastery over their cancer journey.
♥ 98 kids learning to manage their fear and anxiety together during 6 therapeutic play sessions with our child life specialist.
♥ 128 kids and parents celebrating the bounty of autumn during our Fall Family Festival courtesy of Calgary Farmyard in Rockyview County and Children’s Birthday Miracle
♥ 76 kids enjoying quiet time, grooming and caring for horses at 9 equine therapy sessions at ROARR
♥ 75 kids and parents kicking off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Mayor Jyoti Gondek at the Telus Spark Science Centre – enjoying an exclusive Q & A with the Mayor, playing with Flint the Robo-pup, and exploring the Telus Spark Digital Sandbox
teen leadership
♥ 19 teens giving 1,045 hours through the Teen Leadership Program – developing their leadership skills, creating Christmas crafts, raising funds, building a theatre set, and greeting and registering guests at our events and programs.
Christine McIver, M.S.M., LLD (Hon), CFRE Founder and Chief Executive Officer
♥ 20 kids working oneto-one with our child life specialist to develop coping skills during their cancer experience.
education support
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai
cancer in the classroom
♥ 540 school kids learning about cancer and how to support a classmate affected by cancer during 12 Cancer in the Classroom sessions.
tutoring
♥ 38 new or refurbished laptops and tablets delivered to families in need, making learning possible at home and at the hospital courtesy of Electronic Recycling Association, Elite Integrity and Techbound Technology
♥ 66 kids affected by cancer benefitting from 1,611 hours of direct tutoring support and prep time – learning the school subject matter while developing their learning skills and confidence and building on their executive functioning skills.
research
You are bringing hope to families everywhere by supporting the research of 2 endowed research chairs at the University of Calgary:
1. kids cancer care chair in pediatric oncology research
scholarships
educational liasion & advocacy
7 parents receiving much-needed support
♥ interpreting their child’s neuropsych and psych-ed assessments;
♥ accessing cancer-specific learning resources;
♥ crafting a child’s IPP (Individualized Program Plan); and
♥ advocating for their child in the education system.
Our Education Support Program is presented in memory of Steven Fowler who loved school and loved learning. Thank you to the Fowler family for investing in the futures of children affected by cancer by generously supporting our Education Support Program.
♥ 11 childhood cancer survivors pursuing their dreams with a Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship at a post-secondary school of their choice.
♥ 2 CAR T cell therapies showing promise in pre-clinical trials awaiting approval from Health Canada before moving into a phase 1 clinical trial
2. kids cancer care chair in clinical and translational research in pediatric oncology
♥ 4 childhood cancer vaccines showing promise in pre-clinical trials at UCalgary.
♥ 1 vaccine for an aggressive brain cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), approved by the FDA and pending approval from Health Canada before moving into a phase 1 clinical trial in Canada.
♥ 3 US patients in a phase 1 clinical trial being monitored after receiving the initial dose of the DIPG vaccine
