You’re a lifeline for Hollis and her family

Our Cancer Journey started just after Hollis’s first birthday. 

Hollis is one of the most amazing humans. So sweet, kind, and loving. Enjoying all the love from her big sisters. Her beautiful blue eyes just full of joy and wonder to see what the world has to offer. Always sparkling. 

We had gone to the eye doctor for a “happy visit” to introduce her to the eye doctor, see all the tools and letters on the wall.  

What we thought would be a quick visit turned into our worst nightmare. Our ophthalmologist brought in his apprentice to take a look at her eyes, as most ophthalmologists may never see retinoblastoma in their career.  

At the time, I didn’t know what was happening; no one was saying anything to me. The pit in my stomach became heavy with fear and worry. The ophthalmologist said, I need to get to the Alberta Children’s Hospital as soon as possible. 

We went home and waited for a referral. The Alberta Children’s Hospital didn’t have an ophthalmologist on staff, so we were rushed to the Rockyview Hospital the next day to see the head ophthalmologist. After a very assertive ultrasound on her eye of concern, confirming her cancer, they requested an ultrasound on the other eye, confirming her cancer is bilateral, meaning in both eyes. 

The fellow asked me to step into the room where my life changed forever. No tissue, no please sit down… The words of every parent’s worst nightmare, their fear… Your daughter has bilateral retinoblastoma … Cancerous tumours in both eyes. 

My stomach turned. I got dizzy. What does this mean? How did she get it? How do we cure it? 

I sat down staring at my sweet miracle sleeping away so peacefully, having no idea her life was about to change. How do I handle this? How do I tell my husband, our other 2 daughters, our family and friends? I couldn’t even think.  

The head ophthalmologist of Rockyview came in. He advised me that things were going to move very fast, to be strong, as the tumours were rapidly growing, and fast. They were greatly concerned about the cancer not only spreading to another part of her body, but to her brain. 

He had made a call to the Mitchell Eye Center where Canada’s best and only pediatric retinal specialist works to get us in. We rushed over where we had more eye exams and a plan of execution. 

She pulled up the Canadian Cancer website with bilateral retinoblastoma and told me to read, and if I had any questions, to ask. Meanwhile, she was working behind the scenes, making plans for us to be seen by Canada’s best ophthalmologists in Toronto at SickKids Hospital, immediately. 

We were informed that the type of cancer is rare, let alone bilateral, which makes her case more unique. 

Non-heritable retinoblastoma (also called sporadic retinoblastoma) happens by chance. About half the number of children with retinoblastoma have non-heritable retinoblastoma. 

Children are born with 2 normal copies of the RB1 gene. A mutation of both copies of the RB1 gene in a retinoblast cell causes a retinoblastoma tumour to form in the eye. 

Sometimes non-heritable retinoblastoma can happen even though the RB1 genes are normal. In this case, there are too many copies of the gene called MYCN. When there are too many copies of a gene, it’s called an amplification. The amplification of the MYCN gene causes retinoblastoma that grows quickly and usually occurs in children around the age of 4 months. 

Retinoblastoma starts in the cells of the retina in the eye. It’s the most common type of eye cancer in children. A cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into nearby tissue and destroy it. The tumour can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. 

I sat there. Trying to process all of this. The doctor came in and said that we needed to be rushed to Toronto SickKids for further information. Still, at this time, not knowing what is happening with my child, where the cancer is, how serious, or what stage? 

Toronto requested an MRI to see if the tumours had travelled into her brain through her pineal gland. This can lead to pineoblastoma, which is a type of childhood brain tumour that occurs in the pineal gland.  

We were admitted to the ACH for an emergency MRI. Then we were rushed to Toronto SickKids after being admitted at ACH for 2 days for a plan of execution. 

I had to uproot my life fast, not being able to think, scared, worried about leaving our other kids behind. My husband had to take an unpaid leave from work for several weeks to care for our 2 daughters and ensure some normalcy in their routine. 

We met with the SickKids ophthalmology team on day one when we got our answers. 

We were informed that in her right eye, the tumour was very close to her central vision and was growing fast. If not treated soon, it could hit her central vision, and she would lose her full vision and her eye would have to be enucleated. 

In her left eye, the tumour was in the upper left side, not as severe as the right, but four times larger than the tumour in her right eye. We needed to move fast and come up with a plan, as the cancer could spread? We are the type who like to research options before diving into anything, especially a life decision for our daughter.  They gave us 2 options: 

1. Enucleation of both eyes (removal) 

2. Systemic chemotherapy to stop the activity in the tumours and shrink them so that focal eye therapy can be worked on if the chemotherapy works.  

3. Direct chemotherapy, which would only be useful if it was unilateral, which in this case wouldn’t be beneficial as it was bilateral. 

There was no time to research. We needed to act fast as the rapid growth of the tumours would become detrimental to her life. With my husband on Facetime, we decided chemotherapy back in Calgary was the best option. They needed to get it set up and ready for us upon our arrival.  

We had a really hard conversations on day two with the oncology team about how chemotherapy could make her infertile, the possibility of hearing loss and many more uncertainties. Can you imagine having to make that decision for your child to save their life? The next conversation was secondary cancers that may occur as her journey continues in life? And how life will never be the same. 

We continued our conversations with the pediatric oncologist at Toronto SickKids. There, he walked through the plan to isolate the tumours. We would do four rounds of chemotherapy with sedated eye exams and photos in Calgary, which would be reviewed with the doctor from Mitchell Eye Centre and sent back to Toronto for further instruction. 

We flew back to Calgary, where we started our first round of chemotherapy. 

We needed to decide how we were going to inject the medication. We were given two options. The first option was through an IV for every treatment, or a port-a-cath. The IV option wasn’t the best, as she was little and would try to pull out the IV, especially if it’s in there for a few days. So many pokes and it would make her veins weak. The port-a-cath was the best option in this case as she was receiving frequent doses of chemotherapy over a long period. 

We then started our medical journey and were admitted to Unit 1 at ACH.  

As I am writing this, I realize my most challenging obstacle as a mother. Seeing your tiny one-year-old baby getting this horrible medicine injected into her body that will change her life forever to kill a horrible disease that may take her life.  

Each round of chemotherapy is two days, with a third day having an injection. As she received her vhemo, she also contracted a horrible bacterial virus that made her very sick. Her blood cell counts were low. She was throwing up, not eating, and had a high fever. 

We continued this journey for four months. Eight hours a day of screaming and crying because of the pain. Weekly blood draws, sedated photos, audiology appointments to see if one of the chemotherapies had caused hearing loss. Our little girl, who is so full of life, caring and loving, and always smiling even though she is going through one of the worst moments of her life.  

After monthly reviews between Calgary and Toronto, chemotherapy had worked and shrunk the tumours to an appropriate size where sedated focal therapy and exams could take place.  

We have been flying to Toronto monthly since May, 2025 where focal eye treatment takes place. Every visit to Toronto includes cryotherapy, laser therapy, EUA (examination under anesthesia), RETCAM, OCT Scan Tomography, and sometimes an angiogram. 

Cryotherapy uses intense cold, typically via a liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide probe, to treat retinal tears, detachment, and advanced glaucoma. It works by creating localized freezing that causes inflammation, forming a scar that seals tissue or destroys abnormal, fluid-producing areas.  

Laser therapy utilizes focused light energy for precise, minimally invasive treatments of retinal disease, glaucoma, and refractive errors. Common applications are for vision correction, significantly reducing blindness risks and improving vision 

EUA is an exam under anesthesia. 

RETCAM is a specialized, wide-field digital ophthalmic imaging system designed primarily for pediatric retinal imaging. 

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is an imaging test that uses light waves to produce high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve. 

We will continue our monthly visits until the team in Toronto sees no consecutive activity for a full year in both eyes. At that point, when the doctors are feeling comfortable, they will allow us to stay in Calgary and receive sedated optic imaging every three months. Doctors will continue to monitor very closely because she is at high risk of developing new tumours. We will still have to go for yearly visits to SickKids Toronto. 

To date, Hollis has had 19 sedations by the age of 2. 

We had a very challenging and detailed conversation with our Calgary and Toronto oncologists regarding second malignancy risk. At this point in our journey, it was important to be aware of what the future might hold for Hollis.  

Any child with an RB1 mutation is at increased risk of second malignancies throughout their lifetime, and therefore the family should know what to watch for. During the first five years of life, children are at increased risk of new retinal tumours, and at a small risk of developing a pineal gland tumour called pineoblastoma. From the age of approximately eight years to their late teens or early adult years, patients are at increased risk of developing a bone tumour called osteosarcoma. The most common locations for this are around the knee or below the shoulder. In adulthood, patients are at risk of soft tissue sarcomas, such as muscle sarcomas or uterine leiomyosarcomas. The risk of these begins around age 35 years and is around 10 per cent. These may present without pain but would present with an unusual lump or bump or swelling. In older life, patients are at increased risk of melanomas. 

I am so incredibly proud of Hollis. Her strength, resilience, and bravery are what keep me going every day. 

We are navigating this unexpected journey together as a family, and as a community. It’s important to remember the things we can control and the things we can’t control. Our job is to love and enjoy every moment with our children. Don’t take any moment for granted, the good and the bad. It’s the doctor’s job to keep her safe and healthy. 

I have learned so much as we are on this journey, which has shaped me into a different person and will continue to in so many ways. 

The help of so many people as we navigate this journey has been so incredible. Our family and friends, teachers supporting our other two daughters as we tend to life-threatening situations with their sister, our community, Alberta Children’s Hospital staff, Toronto SickKids staff, Mitchell Eye Care, and most importantly, Kids Cancer Care. 

I first heard about Kids Cancer Care when we were admitted to Unit 1 at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. My head was spinning with so many feelings, emotions, unanswered questions, and uncertainty. 

I had one of the nurses tell me that every Wednesday it’s Pizza Night in the Sunshine room, and that’s where I met the amazing Suzanne. We had a basic conversation; she gave me her card and all the information I needed to start this journey. I never imagined the support that would rally around me.  

I didn’t reach out to KCC until July of 2025. Wow, they have been such a huge anchor in this journey for our family.  

From personal guidance for myself to Sibling Meet-Ups for our other two children. Our girls can have one-to-one time with the amazing staff and meet other siblings who are going through the same process. Mackenzie has been such a great support for our girls. 

Camp Kindle Family Camp was very impactful to me. Being around other families who understand your situation and can give guidance and support. It has become a safe and comfortable place for my children to be. The volunteers are absolutely outstanding. The camp has made a world of difference. We were able to make not only great connections with other families, but the staff as well. 

Child life support has been very meaningful to help guide our other two children through this horrible, unspeakable journey. They have been very reassuring of our guidance so far and offered outstanding resources to help navigate our situation. 

We have been able to enjoy a lot of fun-filled family activities, which have become even more important and close to my heart now. Hockey games, hockey tournaments, Polar Express, summer camp, Family Camp, A Christmas Carol, and so many more amazing events they put on for families. To see the love and joy in your children’s eyes is priceless, and I am so much more grateful for these wonderful experiences that have been provided by Kids Cancer Care.  

Without the support, love, and community that Kids Cancer Care has provided for myself and my family during this very unexpected and challenging time, we would be lost.  

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Every year, Kids Cancer Care is proud to celebrate young people who have faced childhood cancer and are now taking the next step toward their dreams.

This year, we are thrilled to recognize 15 incredible young adults as recipients of the 2026 Kids Cancer Care Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship.

Their stories are filled with resilience, determination and a commitment to giving back to the communities that have supported them. From pursuing careers in health care and medical research to working in forestry, technology, social sciences and community service, each recipient is carrying their experiences forward in their own meaningful way.

Since 2008, Kids Cancer Care has awarded $581,000 in scholarships to 253 deserving young people. Administered by the Calgary Foundation, the scholarship fund is now worth more than $1 million, helping ensure that future generations of childhood cancer patients and survivors can continue pursuing their dreams.

The scholarship honours the memory of Derek Wandzura, the son of Kids Cancer Care founder Christine McIver. Derek was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age five and endured four years of treatment before passing away just weeks before his 10th birthday in April 1991. Through this scholarship, Derek’s legacy continues by supporting young people who have overcome childhood cancer and are working toward their own goals.

Here are our 2026 scholarship recipients.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our outstanding scholarship recipients! 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!

“Cancer took away years of Artem’s childhood, but Kids Cancer Care is helping him discover that childhood again. And perhaps, at the same time, it is helping me, his mother, discover life again, too,” – says Mariia, Artem’s mom.

When Artem was two and a half years old, his mother, Mariia, had occasionally noticed that he walked with his legs slightly farther apart than usual. She never thought it was anything serious. She simply saw it as one of his little quirks, his own unique way of walking. Artem was a happy and energetic little boy, always curious about the world around him and fascinated by every living thing he encountered.

Then, one evening, Mariia met Artem and his father by the lake and noticed that his head was tilted slightly to one side, more than usual. At first, she wondered if he had been exposed to the wind at the lake. But as the evening went on, his head remained tilted, and she began to feel that something wasn’t right.

Mariia was a dermatologist and had spent practically her entire professional life working in hospitals. Artem had grown up around hospitals, surrounded by doctors and nurses who adored him. She knew that sometimes small changes could mean something more, so she decided to have him examined.

An MRI revealed a tumour in his brain.

Within 24 hours, Artem and his parents were on their way to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. The operation went well, and doctors were able to remove the entire tumour. But weeks later, the family received the news that would change their lives forever: Artem had stage 4 atypical AT/RT – teratoid/rhabdoid tumour, a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer.

There was no treatment available for him in Ukraine.

Mariia didn’t have time to process what was happening. She didn’t have time to think about her career, her home, her future or what life would look like from that point forward.

She had one thought. She had to save her son.

“I had to find a clinic and a doctor somewhere in the world who could save Artem,” Mariia says. “I didn’t care where it would be. I wasn’t thinking about how far we would have to travel or how much it would cost. I simply knew that I had to find someone who could save him.”

Within weeks, she found a clinic that could treat Artem. And for the next three years, their lives revolved around treatment.

Artem endured chemotherapy, radiation, three bone marrow transplants and multiple surgeries. At one point, the tumour returned, and he needed another brain surgery. He lost his ability to walk and had to work through intensive rehabilitation to regain control of his body.

But there was another loss that was harder to see. While other children were learning to make friends, going to kindergarten, playing on playgrounds and discovering the world around them, Artem was growing up in hospitals.

His childhood was shaped by treatment schedules, procedures, isolation and recovery.

For almost three years, the world outside the hospital continued without him.

Then, finally, came the words his family was waiting for. Artem was cancer-free.

But surviving cancer was not the end of Artem’s journey. It was the beginning of another one.

After treatment, Artem and his family moved to Canada. Artem had survived a devastating childhood cancer, but he was still trying to figure out how to live in a world beyond hospitals.

He had difficulty with balance and coordination because of where the tumour had been located in his brain. He had spent much of his childhood isolated from other children. He had barely experienced ordinary social situations. He struggled to trust people, and separating from his mother was incredibly difficult.

For Mariia, the transition was just as overwhelming.

For years, she had been Artem’s protector, advocate and constant companion. She had fought for his treatment, raised money, contacted doctors and foundations around the world, and made decisions that no parent should ever have to make.

Now she was in a new country, trying to help her son build a life after cancer. She didn’t know where to begin.

Then, about a year after arriving in Canada, Artem’s oncologist told her about Kids Cancer Care.

That introduction became a turning point for their family.

Artem began participating in the PEER exercise Program, where he could work on his physical abilities while also beginning to reconnect with other children.

Artem started smiling when he arrived for PEER. He began building relationships with members of the Kids Cancer Care team. After everything he had experienced, he was beginning to open himself back up to the world.

Mariia remembers one moment especially clearly.

It happened at Kids Cancer Care’s Polar Express Christmas celebration. Artem was surrounded by families, staff and children when he suddenly spotted Sandra, Education Support Specialist at Kids Cancer Care, one of the people he had come to trust.

He ran straight toward her and hugged her. “For me, it was a very powerful moment,” Mariia says. “I wasn’t simply watching a child hug someone. I was watching a child who, after everything he had been through, was beginning to trust people again.”

That trust would become incredibly important as Artem took his next step: returning to school.

Mariia knew that sending Artem to school would be about so much more than getting him through the classroom door. After everything he had endured, he was entering a world he had never experienced before. He had missed the early years when children learn how to sit in a classroom, make friends, follow routines, separate from their parents and begin to feel confident on their own. Artem was also navigating physical changes from treatment, anxiety, learning a new language and the challenge of finding his place among other children. Mariia worried that his differences would make him feel like he did not belong.

Sandra walked alongside Mariia through the complicated process of preparing Artem for school, connecting with his teachers and school representatives, helping communicate his needs and advocating for the supports that would give him a real chance to succeed. Together, they worked to make sure Artem’s return to school was not simply about finding him a seat in a classroom, but about helping him feel safe, understood and, most importantly, that he belonged. After years of cancer taking so much of Artem’s childhood, going back to school became a powerful step toward getting some of it back.

“Cancer changes things, and for children like Artem, the effects can continue long after treatment ends. When he was ready to start school, he was facing challenges far beyond academics. He had missed many of the early experiences that help children feel confident in a classroom, build friendships and learn to be independent. He was also navigating anxiety, physical changes from treatment and learning in a new language.

My role was to come alongside Mariia and help her navigate a school system that was unfamiliar and overwhelming. Together, we connected with the right professionals, prepared for school meetings and helped communicate Artem’s needs so he could have the support he deserved. What stood out to me most was Mariia’s determination. She knew her son better than anyone and was his strongest advocate. Every child who has faced cancer deserves the opportunity to learn, belong and thrive, and Artem’s journey is a beautiful reminder of what is possible when a family has someone walking beside them.”, says Sandra.

One of the most meaningful parts of that transition came through Kids Cancer Care’s Cancer in the Classroom program.

Artem’s mother knew that his classmates might have questions about the way he looks, moves or communicates. She also knew that Artem could not always explain his experience himself, especially in a language he was still learning.

So Sandra and Suzanne, Family Engagement Coordinator at Kids Cancer Care, came into his classroom and helped his classmates understand Artem.

Mariia remembers seeing the pride on her son’s face as he welcomed the Kids Cancer Care team into his classroom.

“I could see wings almost growing behind his back,” she says.

For a child who had spent so much of his life feeling different, there was something incredibly powerful about watching the people who understood him help others understand him too.

He didn’t have to hide his differences or explain his cancer.

Instead, he could simply be Artem.

This summer (2026), Artem attended Camp SunRise, giving him the chance to experience the simple joys of childhood that cancer had interrupted. By taking part in camp activities, he was able to play, explore and make memories alongside other kids. For Artem, these experiences are more than summer fun. They are important steps toward building the confidence, independence and sense of belonging he needs as he takes the big step of returning to school.

That is what Mariia says Kids Cancer Care has given their family. “When I came to Canada, I felt as though my entire life had been taken out of me,” Mariia says. “I was lost in this enormous world. Beside me was a completely healthy child who had beaten cancer, but I myself had become just a shadow of who I was. Kids Cancer Care lifted us from our knees at the exact moment when we were already completely weakened and exhausted.”

That is why your support matters so deeply to families like Artem’s. Because cancer doesn’t end when treatment ends. After years of fighting simply to survive, families need someone to remind them that there is a life waiting for them on the other side.

For Artem, that life is beginning in a classroom.

Because of you, Artem is getting that opportunity. He is beginning to experience something that cancer took away from him for years.

Because of you, Artem can look beyond cancer and toward a future filled with possibility.

Because of you, children like Artem return to school, reconnect with their peers, rebuild confidence and find their place in the world after cancer.

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The Kids Cancer Care Ride for a Lifetime, presented by Excel Homes, offers motorcycle enthusiasts scenic routes, unbeatable camaraderie, VIP treatment, exceptional roadside support and maximum fun. Check out some of the news stories the event is generating.

March 25: C 97.7

Ride for a Lifetime

Cyclists in the 2026 Kids Cancer Care Ride of Courage will set out on a three-day cycling tour, July 10 to 12. They will enjoy scenic routes through the Alberta Foothills by day and gather around the campfire at Camp Kindle by night. Check out some of the news the ride is generating:

June 2026: Virgin Radio

Dale Zukowski, a bereaved mom in the KCC community, was named one of Virgin Radio’s A Woman a Day with Danaye! Check out the clip.

June 22: CTV
Communing with Joel: Mother takes on Kids Cancer Care Ride of courage in her son’s honour

June 8: CTV
A large footprint’: planning Kids Cancer Care ride route takes months

June 6: Crossfield News
Crossfield hits the green for Maddie Matters Charity Golf Classic

June 1: CTV
‘Like an addiction’: Kids Cancer Care Ride of courage kickstarted a dad’s love for cycling

May 25: CTV
Kids Cancer Care Ride of Courage sees family return every year to give back

May 20: CTV
‘More than just the ride’: Registration opens for Kids Cancer Care’s 3-day cycling fundraiser

May 19: CTV
Drive to raise funds for Kids Cancer Care strong for couple heading into their second Ride of Courage

“Within four or five hours, your whole life changes,” says Preston’s dad, Travis.

Before cancer, Preston’s family was building a joyful, busy life together. Their days were filled with school runs, soccer practices, and swim lessons. While their daughter Charleigh, who lives with autism, had her own unique needs, Preston was easygoing and full of light. He was the child they never had to worry about.  

Life felt steady. Full of possibility. 

Then, in November 2023, everything changed.  

It started with small, worrying signs that did not seem serious at first. Fatigue, pale skin and cuts and nicks that were slow to heal. During a routine visit, their doctor noticed something that didn’t feel right and ordered further testing. That decision led them to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Within hours of arriving, their world shifted. Preston was diagnosed with leukemia. 

“Within four or five hours, your whole life changes,” says Preston’s dad, Travis.  

A cancer diagnosis turned their lives upside down. Suddenly, their days revolved around hospital stays, medical procedures, fear and uncertainty. Playdates disappeared and the childhood he knew was put on hold. 

For Charleigh, the impact was immediate and overwhelming. Her brother, her best friend, suddenly started going away for long stretches.  

“Her behaviours changed drastically and she was really struggling,” Kristin, Preston’s mom, shares. 

This is what cancer does. It doesn’t just affect one child. It reshapes the entire family in ways no one is prepared for. 

In those early days, everything felt overwhelming. But because of your support, the Siltala family was connected to Kids Cancer Care, and slowly, they began to find moments of relief again. 

Charleigh joined our Siblings Program Preston joined our PEER exercise program, and Cancer in the Classroom, a program that helps kids with cancer talk to their classmates about their diagnosis and treatment.  

But it was camp, made possible by your generosity, that truly transformed their journey. 

After months of hearing “no” to everything — no swimming, no playdates, no normal childhood — Preston finally got to hear “yes.” Because of you, Preston experienced the joy of SunRise, a day camp in Calgary for little ones. He laughed, played, and connected with other children. 

“At SunRise, he could just be a kid again,” says Preston’s mom Kristin. “Every day, he came home excited, full of stories. He realized he wasn’t alone.” 

For Charleigh, Camp Kindle became just as meaningful. What started as a difficult emotional journey turned into a place of comfort and belonging. Even months later, she still treasures letters from camp, reading and re-reading them as reminders that she is supported and understood. 

But none of this happens without you. Right now, there are children like Preston who are still in treatment. Still isolated. Still missing out on the simple joys of childhood. 

This summer, both Preston and Charleigh are heading back to Camp Kindle. They will return to a place where they can reconnect with friends. In addition to all magical things at camp, this year they’ll experience the new spaces including Shane Homes Treehouse Village, Christine’s Conservatory, vibrant, outdoor and accessible percussion playground, supported by Morrison Homes and much more, spaces built to spark joy, creativity, and healing. 

The entire family has also experienced that joy together at Family Camp. Sitting around the campfire, belting out sing along songs and sharing laughter together, are some of their favourite memories.  

“It was the first time we could talk about cancer without the conversation stopping… everyone just understood,” says Travis. 

Today, Preston is in remission and life is slowly finding a new rhythm. But what carried them through was connection, community and moments of joy made possible by you. 

Kids Cancer Care did not just help Preston through cancer. With you at our side, we helped his entire family find their way forward. 

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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!

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.