Breast Cancer Awareness

Childhood Cancer Awareness

1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer in Canada each year per Childhood Cancer Canada 64 children were diagnosed with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in 2014 2 children from Cornwall were diagnosed with cancer at CHEO in 2014 2 children from Cornwall have been diagnosed with cancer at CHEO in 2015 to date

Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children 1 in 5 children who are diagnosed with cancer will die of the disease 35 children die from cancer in Canada each year 10 children died from cancer at CHEO in 2014 1 child from Cornwall died from cancer in 2014 There are over 40 different types of childhood cancer

There are nearly 4,000 children in Ontario receiving cancer treatment or follow up care at any given time Currently there are approximately 6 children from Cornwall who are either in treatment for cancer or receiving follow up care On average, more than 80% of children survive but it varies dramatically by type

Treatments include chemotherapy (pills, intravenous, lumbar punctures, needles), steroids, radiation, surgery, transplants Testing includes blood work, lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirates, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans, ultrasounds, eco-cardiograms, neuropsychology testing, biopsies, etc.

About 60% of survivors will experience late effects

Alaya Alaya was first diagnosed with ALL leukemia at the age of 2. She battled and she won. At the age of 12 she was diagnosed with AML leukemia. She received a bone marrow transplant from her brother and is doing well. 2014 2014

Alex 2013 Alex was diagnosed with T-Cell ALL leukemia at the age of 9. He is now 12 and in the maintenance phase of treatment with 15 more months of treatment to go. 2014 2015

Madison 2010 Madison was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 3. 2014 2015

Sean 2015 Sean was diagnosed with pre B-cell ALL leukemia at the age of 12 and is currently in front end treatment. Only 3 more years of treatment to go. 2015

Non-Profit Organizations Ronald McDonald House Candlelighters Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) Make A Wish & Children’s Wish Foundation Canadian Cancer Society - Transportation Rachel’s Kids Families with a child in treatment for cancer lose 1/3 of their after-tax income to out-of-pocket costs. Luckily there are a number of non-profit organizations there to help. Ronald McDonald House – provides a home away from home while children (who live greater than 80 km away from CHEO) are receiving treatment in hospital or as an outpatient but need to be close to CHEO Candlelighters – provide CHEO parking passes, electronic equipment through their Cyberkids program, financial assistance, a box at the Canadian Tire Centre for events (compliments of a cancer family’s annual fundraising efforts), children’s parties, sibling events, etc POGO – provides financial assistance for lodging , meals, etc. MAW/CWF – grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy – funds for MAW is through annual Smile Cookie sales at our local Tim Horton locations CCS - helps with transportation or transportation costs for the numerous trips back and forth at CHEO Rachels Kids – through their Small Moments of Joy program for local children battling life threatening or chronic illness a wish with the goal of allowing them to forget their illness for a moment or two and focus on a moment of joy

What’s Happening in September September 1 – Mayor, Media, Childhood Cancer Awareness Blood Donor Clinic & One Touch Clinic September 12 – Gold Day for Cancer Moms at NavSpa Candlelighters’ monthly Coffee Nights begin September – Pommier Parkade decorated in gold September 20 – Terry Fox Run September 25 – Neon Nights 2k/5k run Late September – One Touch Clinic at St. Lawrence College with the Nursing and Paramedic students September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and while my ultimate dream is for cancer to only exist in the history books, I would love for our community to show support to our children who are dealing with cancer and their families. There are a number of things taking place during the month.

Ways to help a cancer child and their family Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway Provide meals and/or grocery items Have a garage sale to raise money for the family Offer to babysit the other children Plant flowers in their yard Offer to take care of any pets Send them cards so that they know someone is thinking of them Put up or take down seasonal decorations Offer to make phone calls to their friends and family with important updates Offer to drive siblings to their activities People often say to let them know if there is anything that they can do to help. Parents are too overwhelmed to think. Instead, say what you are willing to do. That will provide relief and take one more thing off of their plate that they did not even realize was there. Do not avoid them. Cancer is not catchy, but being isolated can be very lonely.

I would like to encourage all city departments, businesses, and residents to “paint” the city gold in September to visually show these children and their families our support and to bring awareness to childhood cancer. Through awareness we can achieve understanding, do fundraising and eventually find a cure for all childhood cancers.