About Us
Want to get to know us better? Here’s the full version.
The Backstory
Childhood cancer survivorship starts with a story.
Each year in Canada, nearly 1000 infants, children, and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. The good news is that thanks to advances in modern medicine more than 86% of children with cancer will be cured — joining the rapidly growing population of childhood cancer survivors.
For many survivors though, their story doesn’t end with cancer-free. The same treatments that saved their lives can leave lasting effects on their bodies leading to health conditions and neurocognitive challenges later in life. As well, the experience of cancer as a child can have prominent emotional and mental health impacts for life.
These are some of the common issues that survivors can face after childhood cancer:
- Chronic health conditions
- Physical disabilities
- New cancers
- Mood disorders
- Memory trouble and/or learning disabilities
- Mental health challenges
- Infertility
- Intimacy and sexual health concerns
The Problem
Getting support isn’t easy.
Despite the challenges survivors face, over 60% are not receiving the care, support or screening they need. Numerous barriers are to blame for this. We get it though.
The childhood cancer experience is not something that most survivors like talking about. It’s uncomfortable, it almost immediately makes you feel different, and so few people understand. Other times, the emotional connection survivors have with their past is too tough to put into words and better left not talked about. In cases where survivors do seek support or care, scarcity of resources and limited access are major barriers to getting the right help. Being a survivor of a cancer you had when you were young isn’t easy — and it only gets tougher as an adult, when you lose a lot of the support and guidance you received as a kid.
Vision & Mission
The heart and soul of our organization.
Our Vision
Empowered survivors, happier and healthier lives.
Our Mission
To serve as the trusted resource for navigating life as a childhood cancer survivor.
Our Values
Equality of all survivors irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religious or philosophical beliefs.
Our Pillars
Every mission and vision requires a strong foundation.
Awareness
It’s hard to talk about survivorship or face some of the issues if the people around you don’t really get it. We know life isn’t always easy after being treated for childhood cancer — and so should everyone else.
Education
We think survivors need to know what the important issues are. In this way, better informed survivors can learn to self-advocate, teach others, and seek the right support from the right people if needed.
Community
Community is a powerful tool to eliminate isolation and stigma. Survivors who are part of a supportive community are more likely to express themselves, learn to self-advocate and seek support.
Access
Resources and services are scarce, access is limited, and out-of-pocket expenses add up. Survivors need more options for care and innovative ways to get that care in today’s busy world.
Contact Us
Have a question, suggestion, or are interested in learning more? We would love to hear from you! Be sure to tell us a bit about yourself too!