Stronger together: you’re empowering parents as they advocate for their child

When a child has cancer, the entire family is thrust into an unfamiliar world of harsh medical procedures, complex terminology, and overwhelming fear. Sometimes, the greatest challenge is convincing others that it isn’t over when the treatments stop. Just as a new normal emerges, parents must find their footing again as they navigate their child’s cancer-related health issues and educational needs.    

Thankfully, with your help, Kids Cancer Care can be a partner to families, coaching and empowering parents as they become strong advocates for their child’s educational needs.

Brenden Deboer was only two when he started experiencing persistent headaches and vomiting. Most days, he cried in pain and couldn’t eat a thing. “We saw a lot of doctors,” says his mother Rheanna Deboer. “It was hard to convince doctors to take us seriously.”

^{Brenden was an infant when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.}

After two months of medical appointments, Brenden’s parents Jeff and Rheanna Deboer made the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where he received a CT scan.

“I knew it was a brain tumour before they even came out,” says Rheanna. “The build-up of fluid was so bad it was blocking a ventricle, which was causing pain and pressure in his head.”

The CT scan confirmed their worst fears. Brenden had posterior fossa ependymoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumour in the lower back part of the brain. He underwent brain surgery the next day. Within months of surgery, the Deboer family flew to Jacksonville, Florida, where Brenden received 30 rounds of proton radiation.  

It took Brenden three years to fully recover. “He was afraid of everything,” says Rheanna. “He couldn’t be near people. He was very thin and wouldn’t eat anything. Dustin, our middle child, was the only one who could get him to eat.” 

For years, after treatment, Brenden required regular monitoring and follow-up in Calgary. This involved regular MRIs, but Brenden didn’t respond well to sedation. “He totally freaked out,” says Rheanna. That’s when Jeff built a mini-MRI for Brenden to practice in. Practicing helped familiarize Brenden with the MRI experience without sedation.

Early in their cancer journey, the Deboer family connected with Kids Cancer Care, enjoying Family Camp, summer camp and special events such as the Polar Express.

Today, Brenden is a healthy, active 10-year-old in grade five. He’s very outgoing and very social. Like his older sister Emily, he’s a talented hockey player. But his sunny disposition was inadvertently masking a serious learning issue.

“Brenden had learning challenges right from kindergarten,” says Rheanna. “But the school wouldn’t listen, because he’s so friendly and socially skilled. He seems so ‘normal.’”

That’s when Kids Cancer Care stepped up to help again. With your support, our education specialist Sandra Cicman was able to work with Rheanna to advocate for her son.

“The education and health care systems can be complex, and they each have their own language, policies, and procedures, which can be intimidating,” says Sandra, a former teacher. “Parents don’t always know what their rights and responsibilities are. Some teachers don’t even know what resources are available. Rheanna picked things up so quickly. She always extended grace and encouragement to people working with her son, and she’s become a skilled advocate.”

Sandra met with Rheanna and Brenden’s teacher. She joined Zoom calls with the school principal and teacher. Together, they advocated for an effective IPP, a second neuro-psych assessment, testing accommodations, occupational therapy (to help with letter formation, typing skills, fine motor skills) and speech and language services (to help with word finding, vocabulary, speech articulation).  

“We didn’t get everything we wanted,” admits Rheanna. “But we opened up the lines of communication and they’re listening.”

The second neuro-psych assessment was critical. It provided the evidence and information they needed to advocate, develop learning strategies and find the right resources for Brenden. Two evenings a week, Brenden meets with a teacher who specializes in the Orton-Gillingham Approach. This multi-sensory, structured literacy method engages the learner through the senses, i.e., writing in sand, to help them understand the connection between letters, sounds and words.

Thanks to you, Kids Cancer Care was also able to match Brenden with a tutor Pyper McGregor, who lives only 15 minutes from the Deboer farm in Southern Alberta. Pyper’s tutoring sessions complement and support Brenden’s work with the Orton-Gillingham group and school.

“Pyper has been a major blessing,” says Rheanna. “Everyone loves her! But there’s a special bond between Brenden and Pyper. He just cuddles right up to her to read. She’s helped him to read and write.”

The tutoring sessions are not only about academics. Pyper is also helping Brenden to build confidence and a love of learning. Most importantly, she’s helping him develop a growth mindset, which will serve him well in the future.

“Without Kids Cancer Care, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Rheanna. “Kids Cancer Care was there for us right from the beginning, and now, eight years later, they’re helping us again, to advocate and problem-solve.”

Brenden’s Photo Gallery

Over the past 17 years, Kids Cancer Care has proudly awarded more than $522,000 in scholarships to 238 resilient young people whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer. Thanks to the Calgary Foundation, our scholarship fund now sits at over $1 million, ensuring this legacy of support continues for future generations. This fund helps level the playing field for childhood cancer survivors who face unique challenges—physical, emotional, cognitive, and social—that can impact their education and future.

This year, we are thrilled to recognize 20 outstanding scholarship recipients, each of whom has demonstrated courage, determination, and a passion for making a difference. Their stories are inspiring reminders that cancer may leave its mark, but it does not define them. This scholarship is our way of showing that we believe in each childhood cancer survivor and want to help give them the best start as they take the next step in their life.

Here are our 2025 scholarship recipients.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our outstanding scholarship recipients, you have earned it! Your determination, courage, and dreams inspire us all. Thank you for showing us what it means to face challenges with strength and hope. We cannot wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the world. Congratulations!

Excel Homes isn’t just in the business of building homes; they’re dedicated to building vibrant, resilient communities. Their decades-long support for Kids Cancer Care is a testament to their community spirit.

For years, Excel Homes has supported Kids Cancer Care’s signature fundraising events, including the Ride for a Lifetime, the Dad and Daughter Gala, the High Hopes Challenge, and Barley & Smoke: Grillin’ for a Cure.

“Over the years, several members of our executive team have participated in the Ride for a Lifetime and other events. Even before joining Excel, many of them were personally supporting Kids Cancer Care.¹ The connection is deep and longstanding,” says Heather Cockerline, executive assistant to the president and CEO of Excel Homes.

In 2024, Excel Homes elevated their commitment, making the lead gift to the Excel Homes Enchanted Pathway in the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Project. Construction on the accessible, environmentally friendly pathway is now underway.

For Heather, who sits on the Excel Homes sponsorship committee, the decision was simple. “It felt like an easy and natural decision. How could we not contribute to a space designed to support and uplift children and families going through the unimaginable? It aligns with our values and the communities we serve.”

The Excel Homes Enchanted Pathway isn’t just a path; it’s an enchanted journey, designed for adventure and connection. Phased in over time, the pathway will eventually feature whimsical nooks, secret tunnels, lush, vegetated walls, scenic look-out points, cozy gathering spots, fairy lights, and activities for kids to explore.

Excel’s community spirit aligns perfectly with Kids Cancer Care’s values. Leading with heart and a can-do attitude, they put people first in business and in philanthropy.  

“The work Kids Cancer Care does is simply unmatched,” says Heather. “Alberta is home to world-class medical care, but it’s the human connection that Kids Cancer Care provides — the peer support, guidance, and community — that truly sets them apart. It’s something you can’t find anywhere else.”

Fortunately for Alberta children, Excel Homes’ giving spirit is far from exhausted. In 2025, they took their commitment to the next level, becoming the presenting sponsor of the Ride for a Lifetime. Without a moment’s hesitation, they rallied an enthusiastic team of volunteers to support the ride and join the planning committee.

“It’s more than financial,” says Heather. “We’re fully invested with our time, energy, and hearts.”

While the 2025 Ride for a Lifetime was postponed due to rain, the riders still surpassed their fundraising goal and gathered for the kick-off breakfast to hear our spokeskid Lauren Gamble share her story.

“It was an incredibly moving experience,” Heather recalls. “Hearing Lauren left a lasting impact. Despite the rain, the turnout was strong, proof of the deep community connection and commitment. That morning reminded all of us exactly why we’re involved.”

And when they hit the road in August for the re-ride, Excel Homes will be there, engines roaring, hearts shining for children battling cancer.

Note

^{1. For years, Trico Homes was the presenting sponsor of the Ride for a Lifetime, followed by the Kinsmen Club and now Excel Homes. We’re grateful to all the generous companies that support our fundraising events as sponsors and participants.}

On April 9, 2017, our world changed forever. Our 18‐month‑old son Sa’ad was playing in the garage with his cousins — chomping on an apple and enjoying a carefree moment — when suddenly he began choking. His small body went slack, his skin turned a deep blue, and the desperate sound of labored breathing filled the air. We rushed to call 911, and although the emergency team reassured us that he appeared to be recovering, something didn’t feel right. Even as he slept through the ambulance ride, we knew our brave little boy was fighting for every breath.

At the hospital, after waiting for nearly an hour, the doctor initially suggested it was just a croup virus. But as a mother, I sensed that this explanation couldn’t account for the 10-second period when his breathing had completely stopped. Insisting on further tests, we agreed to a chest x-ray. Within an hour, the X‑Ray revealed a huge lump by his heart — an ominous mass that was crushing his breathing tube. In a flurry of activity, he was immediately admitted to the ICU of the Alberta Children’s Hospital for more tests. That very night, after a CT scan and a battery of blood tests, the heart‐wrenching diagnosis came: T‑cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that had taken root in his tiny body.

The next morning brought more tests and a five‑day stay in the ICU before he was moved to the oncology unit. There, preparations began for the start of chemotherapy. He even had a pick‑line inserted into his arm to make the treatment process as smooth as possible. Remarkably, just six days after his diagnosis, he had his very first round of chemo—and he responded well. Amid the whirlwind of treatments, we met the wonderful Kids Cancer Care team. Their warm pizza nights on Wednesdays and the playful moments in the oncology playroom brought sparks of joy during an otherwise frightening time.

Yet the battle was far from over. Shortly after discharge, he was sent home with steroids and oral medications. The side effects were challenging; the once bright and smiling little boy began to seem distant, as if he had forgotten how to smile or speak with his usual energy. Our hearts broke watching him struggle. Frequent trips back to the oncology unit became a part of our new normal—sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes during the day—just to reinsert his NG tube or check on his progress.  

In May 2017, when he developed a fever, we rushed him back to the hospital. After blood work confirmed an infection, we spent a week in the hospital, finding relief in daily visits from his cousins and grandparents. Then, just before Christmas in December 2017, fever struck again. That holiday, we found ourselves in a hospital room on Christmas Day. Even during uncertainty, the magic of the day found us: firefighters, police officers, and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from our window. Our son’s smile shone brightly, a defiant beacon of hope despite his illness.

January 2018 brought another terrifying challenge. One night, while we slept in his hospital room, he began having seizures. Nurses worked tirelessly to monitor him, and after several long days—including an EEG that left him unable to move properly—he slowly began to recover. Gradually, the little spark in his eyes reappeared as he was allowed day passes to crawl around and play with his cousins. Although he endured multiple infections—from his blood to the line inserted for chemo, and even intestinal issues that caused him to vomit blood—the long, challenging nights eventually gave way to a glimmer of light. By the end of March, as his condition improved, we finally returned home, making regular 24‑hour visits for his chemo treatments.

In 2019, hope truly began to blossom. We embraced every opportunity to create joyful memories offered by Kids Cancer Care. He experienced the thrill of ice-skating and skiing, joined a peer program run by an incredible team led by Carolina, and even attended Camp Kindle on Mother’s Day—a day marked forever by the beautiful card he made for me.

In July 2019, a landmark moment arrived: he finished his treatment. A jubilant party at home, complete with a cake boldly proclaiming, “no more chemo,” celebrated not just the end of treatment, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise. From that day forward, events hosted by Kids Cancer Care—like the magical Polar Express trips and summer camps—became cherished traditions that reminded us of the power of community and resilience. “I loved going to camp because I got to do lots of crafts, coloring and play. I also enjoyed going to camp because we got to see inside of a helicopter once and it was so cool.” says Sa’ad.

Though the physical toll of chemo still lingers—affecting his balance, energy levels, and even his progress in reading and math—our son’s spirit remains unbroken. In school, he faced challenges making friends, as some children were unkind. The Kids Cancer Care “Cancer in the Classroom” program stepped in, educating his peers about his journey and inspiring a newfound kindness. In grade three, when teasing made schooldays hard, a special Minecraft-themed magic presentation helped reawaken his joy and reintegrate him into his classmates’ circles. “It made me so happy because my friends understood me better. After that, they were nicer to me and included me in their games.” says Sa’ad.

By grade four, with the support of understanding teachers and friends, school once again became a place of excitement and learning. Sa’ad loves his tutor. He says, “My tutor’s name is Armaan and she is really nice. She helps me understand my math and help me with writing. She makes math fun and I understand better when she teaches me.”

Today, as we reflect on the past years, our gratitude knows no bounds. Our son’s journey has been filled with moments of fear, perseverance, and unexpected joy—stands as a witness to the strength of a child’s spirit and the power of a supportive community. We are forever grateful to Kids Cancer Care for filling our lives with beautiful memories, for their unwavering support during the darkest times, and for helping our son rediscover his smile, his laughter, and his hope for the future.

“Kids Cancer Care has been a blessing for our family. They’ve supported Sa’ad through every step of his journey, not just with treatments but by giving him a chance to be a kid through camp, fun events, and programs that help him at school. They’ve also been there for us as parents, making sure we never felt alone in this. Seeing Sa’ad happy, confident, and surrounded by people who truly care means the world to us. We’re forever grateful for everything they’ve done.” Wasiq, Sa’ad’s dad

Each day, we celebrate his courage, and we hold on to the belief that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, love and hope can light the way to brighter tomorrows.

“In those early weeks when everything felt dark, Kids Cancer Care became the shining light. They helped us feel like we weren’t alone.” — Zach’s parents

During the fall of 2022, Zach was a busy 12-year-old in grade 7, who loved to spend time hanging out with his friends, playing video games and training with his soccer club the Calgary Villains. Soccer was Zach’s passion, and he had dreams of maybe one day becoming a professional player! 

Into the winter of that year, Zach began noticing some weakness in his right hand. He had fallen while playing in a soccer game and initially everyone including the doctor thought the weakness was due to a hand injury. But the weakness didn’t improve. He also started having migraine headaches around this time. We didn’t put together that the two symptoms might be related. It was on a ski trip with family and friends in February of 2023, when we realized Zach couldn’t straighten his fingers enough to get a ski glove on. When we got Zach into see our family doctor that same week, he immediately recognized Zach’s symptoms as neurologic and arranged to have him be seen at Alberta Children’s hospital the following day. Even after that assessment was complete, the doctors still weren’t sure what was causing his weakness.

An MRI a week later revealed the answer. Zach had a tumour in the left side of his brain. It was the size of a mandarin orange. Our world crashed down on us in an instant. Zach was immediately admitted to the hospital, and we were told he would be having surgery that very next morning. The tumour was in a very sensitive part of his brain, and it had grown in such a way that it was pressing on the nerves that were responsible for his motor function. 

The next morning, Zach underwent a 6.5 hour surgery to remove the tumour. His surgeon had warned us that because of where the tumour was located, his motor function might be impacted longer term. Luckily, the surgeon was able to remove the entire tumour. Then more good news came when the biopsy revealed that the tumour was grade 1 and was determined to be a pilocytic astrocytoma. The relief we felt knowing Zach would likely not have to go through any chemotherapy or radiation treatment was huge. But what we weren’t aware of yet was that Zach would still be facing a different battle as he began to recover.

Within 24 hours of the surgery, it became clear Zach was suffering from a condition called aphasia, where he couldn’t find the words he needed to speak. We were terrified Zach might not be able to speak again. And as he began to regain his strength in the days after his surgery, it became clear that his motor function on the right side of his body, specifically his hand and foot was significantly impacted. Zach spent almost three weeks in the hospital recovering and working with a team of speech, physical and occupational therapists. Much to our relief, he did regain his speech, but Zach would have to learn to walk again and try to regain the function of his right hand and foot. 

It’s been 2 years since Zach’s diagnosis and brain surgery, and he has made a tremendous recovery in that time. He was quickly able to progress from using a walker and then a cane in the first few weeks out of the hospital. He now relies on an ankle foot orthotic (AFO) brace to help him walk and run. And although he still does not have full motor function in his right hand (he’s now a leftie!) it too has improved. He continues to work regularly with both occupational and physiotherapists to regain function and he’s even been able to return to the sport he loves through an adaptive sport program for soccer! 

Kids Cancer Care has been with us through much of Zach’s journey post-surgery and they have helped us in countless ways. In those early weeks and months when it became clear just how significantly Zach’s motor function was impacted, Kids Cancer Care became the shining light, guiding us through our next steps when everything was so dark and we all felt lost. Firstly, and most importantly, Kids Cancer Care made sure there were ample opportunities for Zach to be a kid again and just have fun doing things like going to Calgary Flames games and getting to meet players. And because Zach misses so much school for medical appointments, Kids Cancer Care has provided him with the most wonderful tutor who comes weekly to our house to help him stay on top of his schoolwork.

Zach also participates in the Kids Cancer Care PEER program which helps kids recover from cancer through the use of exercise and activity. He has weekly 1-on-1 sessions with an exercise therapist, and is about to start on a 12-week exercise program with a Kids Cancer Care volunteer at the YMCA. Zach also had an opportunity to give back to Kids Cancer Care by participating in the 2024 High Hopes Challenge where he was paired with an awesome Calgary business leader to help raise funds. Our entire family has been supported in so many different ways by this wonderful organization. At the end of the day, most importantly, Kids Cancer Care has let us know that we are not alone on this journey. 

“You build these friendships over the years. The energy is incredible. You meet new people, cheer on the cyclists, be a little crazy, and meet the families you’re helping.” — Corrie Dale

Sometimes, new friendships or experiences seem destined, as if every path leads you back to the same people or places. Whether real or imagined, fate undoubtedly played a role in guiding Corrie and David Dale to Kids Cancer Care.

David’s long-distance cycling journey began in 2014 when he joined his cousin Mike in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. His wife Corrie and her cousin Melanie cheered them on from the sidelines. Fueled by emotion rather than logic, all four signed up for the 2015 Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Around the same time, Corrie’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and their youngest daughter Baillie became a nanny for Ivy Sue, a little girl battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It wasn’t long before the Dales met Sean and Trish Rooney whose baby boy was fighting acute myeloid leukemia.

“I knew what Mom was going through because she could verbalize it, but a child? That’s a whole other thing,” says Corrie. “We decided that if we could raise money, we should.”

Determined to make a difference, they launched Duel It for the Kids — a night of dueling pianos, dancing, singing, and fun. Their initial fundraising goal was $2,500, but with a little encouragement (and a big audacious dare), they raised $15,000. At the end of the night, Corrie shaved her head while guests sang Lean on Me. At that moment, David and Corrie knew this had to become an annual event.

Since then, the dynamic duo from Medicine Hat has collectively cycled 8,510 km and raised nearly $350,000 to support children affected by cancer and they have no plans to slow down.

A mutual friend of the Rooneys introduced David to Tour for Kids Alberta, a three-day cycling event that raises funds to send children with cancer to Camp Kindle. When they learned that 100% of donations went directly to the cause, David and Mike were all in. Corrie and Melanie joined as dedicated volunteers.

The unstoppable pair has been rallying the Medicine Hat community ever since. While Corrie honed her project management skills, David built his endurance as a cyclist, culminating in his participation in the 2017 National Kids Cancer Ride. Raising funds for pediatric cancer centres across Canada, David and team cycled across the country in just 18 days. Corrie was right there behind him, driving a support vehicle, raising funds, and keeping Duel It for the Kids going strong.

While Corrie occasionally cycles for a day or two in the Ride of Courage, she thrives in her volunteer and fundraising roles: “I can be completely exhausted, but my body battery refuels immediately when doing this. The generosity, compassion, and sense of community are overwhelming.”

Thank you, Corrie and David, and all the volunteers, cyclists, sponsors and donors, who raise funds through the Ride of Courage. By supporting our camp programs, you’re helping to restore childhoods for children with cancer — so vital to their growth and development.

To register for our event, Ride of Courage, or to support our riders in their journey to help kids affected by cancer, please click on the button below.

“I remember one night at Camp Kindle, sleeping in the tipis. I got up to go to the bathroom. There were many stars in the sky, and it was so quiet, so comforting. After all the crap you go through with cancer, you realize you’re still alive, and you get to see the stars! And you realize there is something so much bigger than you, and the whole point is to share it with others.”— Jo Pricca

And sharing is exactly what Jo is doing. She’s sharing her celestial vision with other kids battling cancer by sponsoring a treehouse in the new Shane Homes Treehouse Village through the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Project.

Jo and her family first encountered Kids Cancer Care in 2017 when she was diagnosed with very high-risk leukemia. After nearly four years of treatment, she was finally on the road to healing and recovery, just in time for the pandemic to hit, making travel with her Make a Wish trip impossible. That’s when Jo decided to turn her Make a Wish into a gift for children facing cancer.

The Make a Wish Foundation jumped at the opportunity to partner with Kids Cancer Care to realize Jo’s unique wish. In 2024, when we launched the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Project, others stepped up too, turning a treehouse into a Treehouse Village sponsored by Shane Homes. The Calgary North Hill Lions Club, Essex Lease Financial Corporation, the Young family and Optics Lighting and Control Ltd. each sponsored a treehouse. Qualico will offer support with donated materials. Working with our landscape architect the TULA Project, each donor shared their vision for their treehouse:

• The Calgary North Hill Lions Club envisioned a cozy Lion’s Lair with a fun, Lion King aesthetic.

• Essex Lease Financial Corporation imagined a construction playground with sand pits and construction equipment, such as backhoes.

• Optics Lighting and Controls Ltd. explored a nautical theme with sails, ropes, knots and seafaring instruments.

• The Young family envisioned a playful imaginarium for unstructured play, imagination and learning.

• Jo conjured up a celestial night sky of dark navy blues, golds and crystals. Adorned with kitty cats, butterflies and dragonflies, the space will feature big comfy cushions under a dome of stars and planets.

As a teenager, Jo actively participated in Kids Cancer Care programs such as tutoring, PEER exercise and the Teen Leadership Program. But it was Camp Kindle that captured her imagination and heart.

“The first time I saw camp was for Mother’s Day Brunch,” she says. “We drove up and we saw the sign, the trees, the gates, the high ropes, the pool and the archery range. I saw the expanse of camp and thought, ‘Holy crap! I get to go here this summer!’”

Jo’s parents Nadene and Omar Pricca stepped up big time for the construction project, topping up Jo’s gift, which Nadene’s employer Ovintiv later matched. The Priccas also sponsored a bench in Christine’s Conservatory, the outdoor percussion playground to be installed this spring. Nadene and Omar made the donation in honour of all Kids Cancer Care families.

“I hope future kids fall in love with Camp Kindle like I did,” says Jo. “I hope it feels like home and the treehouse is part of that home.”

From blueprint to reality: building the Shane Homes Treehouse Village

September 6, 2025

Each year, Calgary business leaders test their physical and mental stamina in a day-long challenge at Camp Kindle. Challengers and kid coaches (all childhood cancer patients or survivors) will tackle a series of challenges to test their team-building and communication skills along with their creativity and sense of fun. Each team is committed to raising between $10,000 and $15,000 for Kids Cancer Care.

The High Hopes Challenge is a Kids Cancer Care signature event.

“When we were thrown into this cancer world, we were disoriented and lost. Kids Cancer Care was our only anchor, allowing us to stop spinning and stop spiraling into despair…. We are so grateful for Kids Cancer Care.” — Amanda

Easton was just finishing up grade four in June 2023 when he started experiencing neck pain and nausea. He’d taken a hit to the head from a soccer ball a few weeks earlier, so his parents Amanda and Jeff were worried it was a concussion. When his parents learned that Easton was also experiencing vision problems and seeing double, they were even more concerned. What they didn’t know is that with morning vomiting, Easton was showing signs of a pediatric brain cancer. After several doctors’ appointments and a series of tests, including an ultrasound, X-ray, blood work, and an eye exam, the Moppett-Beatches were still no more knowledgeable about their son’s condition.

One morning, Easton woke up with neck pain so severe it brought him to tears and later vomiting. His parents rushed him to emergency. A CAT scan, followed by an MRI, confirmed that Easton had a brain tumour. Their world shattered.

Within a week, Easton had undergone two brain surgeries to remove the tumour. They were intense, risky procedures as the tumour was dangerously close to his brain stem. A biopsy of the tumour revealed that Easton had medulloblastoma — an aggressive pediatric brain cancer. The tumour was the size of a golf ball.

“Words cannot express what it was like to wait during this time,” says Amanda. “We held his hand in the PICU until the next morning at 9 am, just waiting for him to wake up, to talk, so we could finally breathe again.”

Jeff agrees: “It was the worst news. We could hardly bear to tell him. Two brain surgeries in one week. It was almost unbearable for all of us.”

You’re helping create kinder classrooms

Working one-to-one with Easton, our child life specialist co-created and co-presented a customized Cancer in the Classroom session for his grade five class. Thanks to your support, this unique program helps school children understand cancer and its impact on their classmate. Fostering greater understanding and empathy in school children, Cancer in the Classroom helps prevent bullying and builds character and school spirit.

With each session, the class receives a Monkey in My Chair who occupies the desk of the sick child while they’re away. The monkey offers school children a tangible and playful focus around which they can interact.

In Easton’s class, the big question was always, “What hat are you bringing for the monkey?” When Easton was too sick to come in, his sister Ellie would bring in the hat for him. Since Easton is a big hockey fan and player, the monkey often wore a Tampa Bay Lightening cap and a Team Easton sweatshirt. His family created Team Easton sweatshirts and later sold them at the school. The initiative increased understanding and support for Easton while raising $5,550 for Kids Cancer Care.

“About 75 per cent of his school happily wears their Team Easton t-shirts daily,” says Amanda. “It was a wonderful way for the school to think of Easton and remember him as he would be leaving school again in October for six months of chemotherapy.”

You’re helping kids rebuild their strength

Your support helped Easton rebuild his strength through our PEER exercise program. Working one-to-one with our Ph.D. exercise specialist, Easton gradually returned to his former self.

“These weekly sessions have helped Easton regain his strength, balance, coordination and most importantly his playfulness!” says Amanda. 

Designed by a team of pediatric cancer care professionals, PEER helps children combat the deconditioning effects of cancer and its harsh treatments while reducing side effects.

You’re helping the whole family

While Easton was busy at PEER, Ellie was busy at PLUS, a five-week program for siblings. Amid the chaos of a child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, undiagnosed siblings can feel left out and alone. Thanks to your support, PLUS was there to offer Ellie a safe space to explore her feelings and ask questions.

You’re giving families the respite they need  

Your generosity also provided the whole Moppett-Beatch family a weekend away at Family Camp where they connected with other families and participated in an array of activities from archery to ropes, giant swing, and arts and crafts.

“We had an awesome time,” says Amanda. “Easton and Ellie made friends and LOVED the camp counsellors.”

“When we were thrown into this cancer world, we were disoriented and lost,” says Amanda. “Kids Cancer Care has been an anchor for us, allowing us to stop spinning and stop spiralling into despair. A ‘village’ for us to settle into, as we slowly stopped to breathe, recover and learn in this new world. We are so grateful for Kids Cancer Care and will continue to do everything we can to support, advocate and fundraise for such a wonderful local charity supporting cancer families.” 

Thank you for being on Team Easton and for being part of our village.

Special thanks to the Flames Foundation for supporting our PEER exercise program and Canada Post for igniting our PLUS program.

Some beautiful pictures of Easton and his family.

If you don’t already know Carolina Oxtoby, you soon will. She has been championing Kids Cancer Care for over two decades and she’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Quite the opposite. As chair of the fundraising cabinet for the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Campaign, she and her hardworking cabinet have raised a staggering $7.66 million over the past seven months.

As former president and CEO of Heritage Pointe Properties, Carolina is known for her forward-thinking can-do attitude in business and philanthropy. She is the visionary behind the award-winning community on the southern edge of Calgary that offers the best in rural and urban living with a world-class 27-hole golf course.

Carolina’s commitment to Kids Cancer Care was first ignited when she and Christine McIver, founder of Kids Cancer Care and capital campaign advisor, met at a charity golf tournament banquet and knew they had an instant connection.

“Christine opened her heart and world to me,” says Carolina. “The incredible and emotional story of her son Derek who she lost to brain cancer. It inspired me to learn more about the tragic illness that forever changes the lives of children and devastates their parents and siblings.” That night, a spark was lit in Carolina that she has generously shared with Kids Cancer Care ever since.

In 2013, Carolina participated in the High Hopes Challenge, an annual fundraising event that tests the stamina of Calgary business leaders who take on a series of challenges at Camp Kindle. The carefully selected participants were challenged to raise a minimum of $10,000. Carolina raised nearly $30,000.

The High Hopes Challenge pairs each business leader with a child affected by cancer who literally shows them the ropes at camp. Carolina was paired with Kayla, a teenage girl who was battling brain cancer while her mother was battling relapsed breast cancer. This time it was terminal.

A cancer survivor herself, Carolina went above and beyond to help Kayla’s family. Friends of the family established a Carpe Diem Fund to ease the financial burden for the family.

“We were three musketeers and were invincible, knowing that Shannon’s life was fading, and Kayla’s future was uncertain,” says Carolina. “We had matching Carpe Diem tattoos to seal our bond and our love for each other.”

Shannon and her children Kayla and Tyler lived deeply and richly until she took her last breath in January 2016. Kayla has since graduated from the University of Lethbridge where she studied psychology with the help of a Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship from Kids Cancer Care.

Shannon and her children Kayla and Tyler lived deeply and richly until she took her last breath in January 2016. Kayla has since graduated from the University of Lethbridge where she studied psychology with the help of a Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship from Kids Cancer Care.

“Kayla has climbed many mountains and today remains cancer-free,” says Carolina. “Her journey has been inspirational with her courage and determination.”

These days, Carolina is pouring her heart into the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Campaign for children like Kayla. The project will expand capacity, enhance outdoor and indoor program spaces and improve accessibility for children with mobility issues. It includes the following buildings and structures:

1. A multi-purpose building with an arts and craft workshop, teaching and learning kitchen, a wellness hub and collaboration stations to ignite creativity, culinary innovation, connection and collaboration;
2. Staff residences to look after the hardworking staff who care for the children and Camp Kindle operations;
3. A treehouse village that will stir curiosity and wonder in young minds, inspiring imaginative play, active learning and movement;
4. An outdoor percussion playground named Christine’s Conservatory that will offer a creative outlet for future musicians and composers while honouring the 30-year legacy of Kids Cancer Care’s founder Christine McIver; and
5. Landscaping and accessibility enhancements such as switchbacks instead of stairs to connect the Upper and Lower Kindle Villages.

Carolina’s experiences as a cancer survivor and a High Hopes Challenger give her precious insight into the importance of cancer camps in kids’ lives, uniquely qualifying her to lead the campaign.

“Camp restores childhoods,” says Carolina. “It gives them opportunities to develop lifelong friendships and skills that sustain them as they return to the day-to-day realities of cancer and its late effects.”

Tracey Martin, CEO of Kids Cancer Care agrees: “Children with cancer miss out on a lot, like playdates, school, sports and other extra-curricular activities — experiences that are essential for healthy brain development. Without these early life experiences, kids affected by cancer can fall behind, leading to gaps in skills and development. Camp helps reconnect these kids to their childhoods.”   

Childhood cancer survivors also live with at least one chronic or life-threatening health condition related to their cancer treatments. These conditions grow worse with age and without any apparent plateau. They also experience higher rates of depression and anxiety and have lower outcomes in school and work. Kids Cancer Care programs are designed to address these cancer-related conditions to help level the playing field for them.

“I give thanks that I was diagnosed with cancer as an adult rather than a child who has not had the privilege of growing up without the constraints and challenges of this terrible disease that robs them of their innocent youth,” says Carolina. “This is why I volunteer my time and offer what I can to make the world a better place for all the vulnerable children and families who hear the words: ‘You have cancer.’”

“I am so blessed to finish my working career with Kids Cancer Care by doing something I love, that is raising funds, for a place I love — Camp Kindle — with a friend I love, my dear Carolina!” says Christine. “ Together we enjoy nothing more than sharing the campaign plans with prospective donors and watching them transform into donors.”

Carolina feels the same way: “I am honoured to chair the capital campaign. My heartfelt thanks go out to the many business colleagues, friends and supporters for their incredible generosity. They are helping shape the lives of young people. Together we can continue to offer a safe sanctuary where children with cancer can escape and just be kids. I encourage everyone to be part of this magical place. I know I will as I continue to share the gift of caring and support.”

“We are deeply grateful to the generous individuals, businesses, government and construction partners who have embraced our mission to provide the best care and support for kids with cancer by connecting them with their childhood through the Camp Kindle project,” says Tracey.

Kids Cancer Care expects to finish the project by the fall of 2025.

To support the Camp Kindle Expansion and Accessibility Project DONATE BELOW.

Thank you for sharing your spark with Kids Cancer Care, Carolina. You are making Camp Kindle even more magical and accessible for kids affected by cancer.

Special thanks to members of the capital fundraising cabinet:

Carolina Oxtoby

Bill Black

Lyle Edwards

Mark Hodgson

Thilo Kaufmann

Christine McIver