You can give the gift of normal to children with cancer

Fae is a bright, active 11-year-old, bursting with energy! She loves playing hockey and is no longer afraid of needles. After nearly two years of cancer treatments, Fae has faced down hundreds of needles and medical procedures. While she has much bigger worries these days, needles are no longer a concern for Fae.

“It took hundreds of needles and a couple of months, but she is finally no longer afraid!” says Fae’s mother Brett Frank.  

With another year of treatments to go, the promise of returning to Camp Kindle this summer keeps Fae’s spirits up.

“Kids Cancer Care helps where you need it the most,” says Fae’s mother, Brett Frank. “Whether that’s extra support with meals, support with mental health, or just giving your child an opportunity to have some normal again by letting them play, but safely. Camp Kindle was a godsend this summer because it gave Fae a chance to just be a kid going to camp, not just a kid going through treatment.” 

Fae’s cancer journey started in March 2024, when her parents noticed swelling in her face. “The lymph nodes in her neck, upper back and chest were rock hard,” says Brett. “We thought it was an allergic reaction, so we took her to urgent care in Okotoks.”

The results of Fae’s bloodwork led to a referral to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, where they stayed that night and for the next 15 days. Within days, they had a diagnosis: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare blood cancer, that would require nearly three years of treatment.

The swollen lymph nodes were crushing the veins around her heart, so Fae had to stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). “There were a few life-or-death moments in the PICU, like when her kidneys shut down, situations you never thought you’d see in real life, let alone to your own child. It was scary watching, knowing you can’t do anything.” 

Other than these frightening moments, Fae is responding well to treatment. She’s in remission now and undergoing maintenance treatments. She’s looking forward to finishing in August 2026.

“Even though things were hard and so stressful,” says Brett. “Fae was so full of laughter and love for everyone.”

Last December, when Fae learned about Colour Wars at Camp Kindle, she knew immediately she wanted to go! Colour Wars is a week at Camp Kindle where camper teams are assigned a colour and compete for points.

Thanks to your generous support, Camp Kindle did not disappoint. It was everything Fae imagined and more.

“My favourite part of camp was meeting people, and the big swing,” beams Fae. “The big swing was awesome because of the drop, and the feeling it gives you inside, kinda’ like a rollercoaster.”

Although Fae is in remission now, she’s not out of the woods yet. Potential side effects of treatment include short-term neurological issues, i.e., stroke-like symptoms, and long-term issues, such as learning disorders, exacerbated ADHD, vision problems, blood clots, infertility, mobility issues, and increased risk of secondary cancers. 

Thanks to your generous support, Kids Cancer Care will continue to be there for Fae and her family if she needs support for any of these cancer-related conditions. Whether it’s tutoring support, exercise therapy, camp, leadership programs or a scholarship when she’s ready to pursue post-secondary studies.

“I loved being able to meet new friends who are going through the same thing as me and having them support me while I was there,” says Fae. “I won the Bear Cub award at the Kindies this year, and I loved it because it made me feel special and great to be part of this group. It helps you feel like you’re not the only one going through it alone.”  

Fae’s mother couldn’t agree more: “Community is so important for healing in this journey. You’re thrown into the role of a medical family in the blink of an eye. Your whole family is transformed into this new unit, where no one has any experience. Having a community of like-minded adults and children to relate to is amazing. Most importantly, you get to laugh at a time when most people would break. You find the joy. It’s amazing what a good belly laugh fixes.”

Fae’s Photo Gallery

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

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.}