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“Cancer taught me how quickly life can change. And Mexico taught me how little we actually need to be grateful. And Leadership taught me that surviving something hard isn’t the end of your story. It’s the beginning of your responsibility.” — Caleb

Before I was old enough to tie my shoes, I was known as the “sick kid.” I was two and a half years old, always tired, constantly crying. Too tired to walk up the stairs. While doctors dismissed my parents’ concerns as a typical toddler illness and fussiness, my parents saw the truth in my eyes: I was not well. Eventually, one doctor got frustrated and told my dad, “We know when kids are sick. He’s fine.”

But I wasn’t fine.

As you can imagine, I was much too young to remember most of it, so I bring this story through the eyes of my father. He and my mother remember all too well the weeks leading up to diagnosis and the treatment that followed.

The turning point came one Sunday during a church function when a family friend, who is a nurse, said, “He doesn’t look too good. Why is he here?” She told us to “get to the Alberta Children’s Hospital tomorrow for bloodwork.” 

On our way home from that appointment, we stopped to get cheeseburgers because I had endured my first needle. When Mom walked in the door, the phone was filled with messages from the hospital, telling her to turn around immediately and go back. 

When Mom called Dad, he said, “Swing by my office and grab me on the way.” After dropping off my sisters Sophie and Lucia at our grandparents’ place, we drove back to the hospital. Stealing glances with each other, my parents secretly thought it must be cancer.

They didn’t have proof. They didn’t have a diagnosis. But they had that parental instinct. Something was seriously wrong.

As soon as we walked into the emergency room, a nurse grabbed me from my dad’s arms and ran. My heart rate was out of control, and the doctors were trying to keep me from going into cardiac arrest. It was only later that we found out how severe things were. If we’d been any later, I wouldn’t be here today.

That was day one.

From there, everything moved fast. Blood transfusions. Tests. And then the words no parent wants to hear: “Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.” The treatment would require nearly four years of chemotherapy.

My father remembers the long silence of those days—and the moments that broke it. He recalls sitting in a dark hospital room, holding me on his lap. He noticed I was covered in some sort of moistness. He just assumed I was sweating because I was so sick.

When a pediatrician came into the room and turned on the lights, they realized I wasn’t sweating. I was bleeding. Blood was seeping from the bone marrow biopsy sites where they had taken blood to test for cancer. Doctors rushed in. Nurses pressed down hard on the wounds to stop the bleeding. I was screaming and fighting because I didn’t understand what was happening.

Then suddenly, a nurse came in, singing a nursery song. I stopped. I locked eyes with her. And in that small moment of calm, they were able to help me.

Moments like that saved my life more than once.

One night my parents were able to bring me home for the weekend. This night was special because I would be sleeping in our new house for the first time. There were mattresses on the floor and boxes everywhere. The smell of a fresh start was in the air.

But as the evening wore on, I became lethargic, quieter, and less excited, but I didn’t have a fever, and they told us not to come back without a fever. So my parents lied. They said I had a fever. When we got back to the hospital, I crashed. The doctors told my father to call my mother to tell her I would not make it. My parents thought they had lost me.

Three excruciating hours later, I woke up hungry. That became a pattern too. Collapsed lungs. Pneumonia. Infections. Scares. A pinched bowel from an inflamed appendix. Doctors arguing about whether surgery would kill me or save me. My lungs full of fluid. My body weak—but somehow still fighting.

Through this, I developed a high tolerance for pain. There were a lot of pretty nurses, so I had to perform a little bit. Except for needles. No beauty could stop my fear of needles.

And then one day, a nurse looked at me and said, “You’re a big guy. You’re not going to cry in front of me, are you?” I decided she was right. I stopped crying when I had needles. I still hated them. But I stopped crying.

Somewhere in all that chaos, I started becoming strong. Not just physically. But mentally. Eventually, I finished treatment.

But surviving cancer doesn’t mean everything just goes back to normal. Fear lingers. Anxiety lingers. The question “What if it comes back?” lingers.

Around this time, we were introduced to Kids Cancer Care. At first, I didn’t want to go Camp Kindle. I was scared. I held my older sister Sophie’s hand the whole way there. Probably the first and only time I’ve ever held her hand. 

Within five minutes of arriving, I disappeared, already mingling with all the new people. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by kids who understood without explanation. They had scars, too. They had chemo ports, too. And they had stories too.

When that first week of camp was over, and my parents came to pick me up, I cried. Not because I was scared, but because I didn’t want to leave.

Camp Kindle is now a summer tradition for my sisters and me. I go back every year, because it reminds me that I’m not alone, and it’s introduced me to plenty of wonderful people and friends. 

After my treatments started to finish, my family received a Wish Trip to France. For the first time in years, we weren’t waiting for lab results. We weren’t sleeping in hospital chairs. We weren’t bracing for bad news. We were just a family. Healing. Laughing. Living. That trip didn’t just give us memories. It gave us space to breathe.

As I got older, I joined the Teen Leadership Program (TLP) through Kids Cancer Care. TLP is a leadership program that helps teens affected by cancer develop leadership and transferrable life skills. At first, I didn’t want to go. Growth is uncomfortable. But TLP pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. It taught me how to speak up. How to lead. How to serve.

Last year, I went on a volunteer service trip to Mexico with TLP. I almost didn’t go. I came up with every excuse I could. But I went. And what I saw changed me.

I saw families living on almost nothing—beans and rice most days. Meat only once a week. Houses made of whatever materials were available. But they were happy. Not pretending. Not bitter. Genuinely joyful.

That experience gave me perspective. Cancer taught me how quickly life can change. And Mexico taught me how little we actually need to be grateful. And Leadership taught me that surviving something hard isn’t the end of your story. It’s the beginning of your responsibility.

I used to think my story was about cancer. Now, I know it’s about resilience. It’s about the nurse who sang. It’s about parents who refused to ignore their instincts. It’s about doctors who fight for us. It’s about a camp that builds confidence. It’s about service that builds perspective. It’s about choosing courage—even when you’re scared.

I don’t remember most of my treatment. But I live every day because of it. And now, at 17, I get to choose what I do with that gift. A gift that cannot go to waste. Whether I choose to use it to lead or to serve, I choose to live with gratitude, because I’m not just a survivor.

~ Caleb

Photo gallery

“I would rather have cancer again than lose everything I’ve gained through Kids Cancer Care.” — Chan

At 17, Chan possesses wisdom well beyond his years. Despite the trauma of a cancer diagnosis at age 10, he views his journey as a blessing. Thanks to your incredible support, Chan transformed his cancer experience into an opportunity for growth.

“It was a very scary experience, but I feel fortunate,” says Chan. “Everything I’ve gained through Kids Cancer Care — the friendships, experiences and opportunities — far outweighs my treatment.”

Chan’s cancer ordeal started with excruciating back pain that eventually led to a diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma — a fast-growing, aggressive cancer. After six months of intense chemotherapy, Chan entered remission in June 2019.

That summer, Chan went to Camp Kindle: “I was in Embers boys, and I did not want to be there. I was a pretty shy kid, super introverted, and this counsellor Chilli drew me out of my shell and showed me the magic of camp. I want to do that for someone else.”

Today, Chan deals with primary immunodeficiency — a side effect of his treatment — requiring regular injections and monitoring.

“His immune system has still not recovered from the chemo,” his mother Hyeok Jung explains. “He has zero immunity and needs regular injections to boost it. They don’t know why it’s happening.”

True to form, Chan remains ever grateful and optimistic: “It’s scary because you could die, but so much good has come to me through this experience.”

Chan cherishes the memories and friendships he made at Camp Kindle — especially those from camp SunSeeker, where he experienced more independence and a deeper connection with friends and nature. Through these friendships and experiences, Chan has built a powerful resilience that will sustain him throughout life.

“I loved the out trips, making our own food, struggling to set up our tents, but having fun,” says Chan. “It almost felt like a blessing when you didn’t have to do dishes. I had a really good group of friends and laughed a lot.”

Looking ahead to summer, Chan hopes to return to Camp Kindle as a counsellor to pay the magic forward. Afterward, he plans to study computer science and AI at the University of Alberta, supported by a Kids Cancer Care Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship.

Chan also imagines a day when his name will appear on the donor wall at Camp Kindle. Whether as camp counsellor, donor or AI scientist, Chan plans to pass along his gifts to the next generation.

Reflecting on their family’s cancer journey, it’s clear Hyeok shares her son’s resilient spirit: “It was the best luck among bad luck.”

Thank you for giving kids with cancer a childhood. Your generosity is inspiring a new generation of young leaders.

ABOUT THE INSPIRIT AWARD

The Inspirit Award is presented to a camper who made a special effort to bring people together at camp. They demonstrated a care and concern that everyone be included and have fun.

This camper is an exceptional candidate for this award due to their unwavering positivity and ability to uplift those around them. They consistently remind others how fortunate they are to be at camp, which fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Even when faced with less-than-ideal situations, they maintain a positive attitude, as they understand their outlook can significantly impact how others enjoy things. Moreover, they go above and beyond to bring joy to those feeling down by demonstrating genuine care for the well-being of their fellow campers. Their eagerness to apologize for any perceived wrong doings highlights their strong moral compass and commitment to maintaining harmony within their cabin and camp as a whole. This level of self-awareness and consideration is truly commendable. Their outstanding leadership in running a Camp-Wide Game and their encouragement of younger campers during Choose Your Own Adventure further exemplify their Inspirit qualities. Their ability to inspire and motivate others, coupled with their infectious positivity, makes them the ideal candidate for this award. This camper embodies the true spirit of Camp Kindle and their contributions to camp culture have undoubtedly enriched the experience for everyone involved!

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.}