8 Canadian Foundations Fighting Childhood Cancer

As part of its participation in the 30th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology in Montréal, the PetalMD team would like to acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in the fight against childhood cancer.

We want to thank pediatric hematology/oncology specialists, who develop and administer treatments to fight cancerous diseases in minors. Thanks to them, children with cancer can receive ever better and more efficient care.

Thank you also to the concerned citizens who choose to donate to the various foundations that help these children. Without their generosity, several clinical studies simply wouldn't happen, and some families would continue to be without support.

If you're planning to make a donation or help these children, you have to address the question of which foundation to support. To help you decide, here's an overview of the activities of eight Canadian foundations that fight cancer in newborns, children and teenagers. 

1. The kids Cancer Research Foundation

The Kids Cancer Research Foundation funds paediatric oncology research that focuses specifically on treating neuroblastoma, a kind of malignant tumor that can develop in young children. It is difficult to treat as many variants of it exists and it can be unpredictable. This is the most common type of cancer, affecting 1 in 100,000 children les than one year old.

2. Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish Canada's mission is to brighten the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions by granting them a magical wish that may take a variety of forms: going on a trip, meeting a celebrity, creating their dream room and so on. Make-A-Wish Canada's is affiliated with Make-A-Wish International, a foundation that has granted over 400,000 children's wishes since 1980.

3. Childhood Cancer Canada

Established in 1987, Childhood Cancer Canada invests in cancer research conducted by the C-17 organization, which is made up 16 researchers specializing in pediatric hematology/oncology. The foundation also provides support to the families of children with cancer as well as grants to help rehabilitate survivors.

4. Opération Enfant Soleil

Opération Enfant Soleil raises funds for the development of high-quality pediatrics for all sick children in Quebec. Donations raised have it possible to carry out hundreds of projects each year in major pediatric centres to equip them with cutting-edge technology and welcoming environments where children can be treated near their families.

5. Kids Cancer Care Foundation

This charity helps Albertan families deal with childhood cancer diagnoses. It offers summer camp and recreational activities to allow children with cancer and their families create happy memories together and psychologically detach themselves from the consequences of their diagnosis. The Kids Care Foundation also funds clinical research and offers scholarships to help survivors get back on track with their lives. 

6. Children's Wish Foundation

The Children's Wish Foundation grants the heartfelt wishes of children with serious or life-threatening illnesses. Every wish they grant creates moments of joy that relieve the children's pain, provide respite to their families and, by making dreams a reality and bringing people hope, helps create connections between health care professionals and communities.

7. Leucan

Leucan accompagnies the families of children diagnosed with cancer to better prepare them for the stages they will have to go through. The foundation offers psychological support to the families of diagnosed children until the end of those children's lives and during the mourning period. Leucan is also the leading funder of clinical research on children with cancer in Canada and provides entertainment for hospital playrooms.

8. Foundation of Stars

In Quebec, the Foundation of Stars is known for being the largest non-governmental source of funding for research into childhood diseases, including orphan diseases. Every dollar donated to paediatric researchers is used to advance medical research to improving treatments and the quality of life sick children and their families.

Crowdfunding for sick children

Since the early 2010s, an increasing number of families with a cancer-stricken child have been turning to crowdfunding.

If you'd rather support a specific family rather than a foundation, take a look at sites like YouCaring.com and GoFundMe.com. Usually, these sites feature fewer Canadian families and more families from countries without universal healthcare.

Reducing mortality rates among minors

In Canada, cancer is the second leading cause of death among children and teenagers after accidents and injuries. Cancer ranks forts among life-threatening diseases, with more victims than diabetes, asthma and cystic fibrosis combined. Whichever foundation or family you choose to donate to or support, you'll be helping to improve the lot of seriously ill children.

About the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

With over 900 paediatric hematology/oncology professionals from around the world, the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology's 30th Annual Meeting provides superior educational programming and presentations on the latest advancements in the field.

Come see us!

Are you planning to attend the 30th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology? Feel free to come talk to us and ask any questions you may have!