This year, Childhood Cancer Canada had a record-breaking year thanks to your support! We gave out more Empower Packs and scholarships than ever before and expanded our help across the country. We partnered with local organizations like Kids Cancer Care Alberta and Leucan in Quebec to make sure even more children and families get the support they need.
One of the year’s highlights was our Clays for Kids event series, proudly presented by National Bank Financial Markets. In 2024, the series expanded again, adding Alberta to our existing events in Ontario and Quebec. Participants from across Canada—and even some from the U.S.—gathered for a day of fun, friendship, and fundraising. Blessed with sunny skies at each event, we were thrilled to raise over $700,000, thanks to our incredible partners, donors, and supporters!
Since its launch in 2015, Clays for Kids has raised more than $2.5 million to support children and families affected by childhood cancer. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, participants, staff, volunteers, and especially the organizing committee for making this event such a success. Planning for next year’s events is already underway—stay tuned for more details! You can check out photos from the Clay’s event here!
Here’s what we’ve been able to do with your help: We’ve provided quick assistance through our Emergency Fund, lifted kids’ spirits with our Empower Packs, helped young survivors chase their dreams with scholarships, and offered extra support to families facing tough times through our Benevolent Fund.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their family faces immense challenges. To support them, we needed a website that offers educational insights into research, accessible programs, and dedicated resources for families.
You may have noticed that we’ve recently updated our website to be more inspiring, engaging, and user-friendly. Websites are a critical part of an organization’s operations and growth, but ours is also a “front door” to the childhood cancer community. This redesign means that families will have easy access to the resources and support they really need.
Our programs are growing each year, and it’s all because of generous donors like you. Sadly, childhood cancer isn’t going away. Right now, 10,000 kids across Canada are in treatment, and the costs for their families are climbing.
While a lot has been accomplished, there’s still so much to do. As we look to the next year, we’re committed to funding critical life-saving research and continuing to support more children and families. Thank you for being a part of our community and making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.
You can read more about the impact of your support in our 2023 Annual Report here.
Childhood Cancer Canada is the primary funder of the C17 Council, an alliance leading the charge against pediatric cancer through targeted clinical trials and research. Composed of directors from every Canadian pediatric cancer treatment center, C17 leads the way in enhancing treatments and striving toward curing all forms of childhood cancer.
We partner with C17 to advance medical science and bridge the gap between research and treatment. By funding clinical trials, we have driven developments that specifically address how children, distinct from adults, react to cancer therapies. These clinical trials are crucial for fine-tuning dosages and treatment plans that are tailored to children’s unique physiological needs, which improves both safety and efficacy.
Understanding that children are not merely small adults, we collaborate with C17 to emphasize research for their distinct medical needs. While many therapies effective for adults may not suit pediatric use, some treatments only work exceptionally well for children. Knowing this allows for the discovery of innovative treatments that could be overlooked in broader adult-focused research.
Beyond funding, your support helps improve partnerships across government bodies, hospitals, and international cancer research networks. These relationships allow us to leverage a wealth of knowledge and data, accelerating breakthroughs in pediatric oncology. By connecting different data sources, we gain insights into rare cancer subtypes, trends, and more effective treatment.
This collaboration not only encourages faster scientific advancements but also enhances the availability of cutting-edge treatments through initiatives like Single Patient Studies, ensuring that Canadian children have access to the best care possible.
Your generosity allows us to continue this vital work. By donating, you empower us to expand our research capabilities, enhance global partnerships, and bring hope to countless children with cancer and their families. Together, we can conquer childhood cancer and offer every child a chance to live the life they dream of, beyond their illness.
You can learn more about our partnership with C17 and the importance of funding childhood cancer research here.
What does computer engineering have to do with cancer? Ask university student, Morgan Huberty.
Morgan was only 3 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. “I can vividly recall late nights on hospital beds, surrounded by the lights and whirrs of the strange, intriguing machines around me,” he shares.
“These experiences, combined with the unwavering dedication of the medical professionals who cared for me while I was ill, fostered within me a profound respect for the power of science and technology to improve lives.”
Morgan survived his encounter with childhood cancer, but it left a lifelong impression.
His deep appreciation of research and development shaped each step of his educational journey. It also inspired him to pursue a career where he could make a significant impact in the field of medicine.
Today, at almost 19 years old he’s pursuing a degree at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering as a sophomore student. It’s his dream to apply what he learns in his computer engineering degree to enhance the lives of cancer patients.
“My educational path is rooted in a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and cutting-edge research. Specialization in Artificial Intelligence allows me to explore the intersection of technology and human health, with a particular focus on leveraging AI to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.”
STEM Biomedical is an organization that develops new medical technologies and treatments by combining different areas of study like biology, engineering, and computer science—they’re also one of Childhood Cancer Canada’s scholarship partners. They support the educational pursuits of childhood cancer survivors in STEM to find cures for diseases, improve existing treatments, and explore innovative ways to solve health challenges.
In 2024, three outstanding Canadian students were chosen as recipients for a STEM scholarship based on their academic achievements, volunteer activities, and drive to succeed. Morgan was one of them!
“I want to shine light on my gratitude for being a recipient of the Survivor Scholarship from Childhood Cancer Canada,” says Morgan. “Your financial assistance, the community I have access to, the financial and academic resources… it’s invaluable and I truly, truly thank you.”
Thank you in advance for helping more young people like Morgan overcome cancer and thrive. Please give today to support scholarships, programs and research that focus on finding innovative treatments and cures for this disease.
You can read more incredible stories and learn how your gifts have helped children with cancer and their families here.
On September 14, 2024, Small But Mighty SK, a community-led initiative based in Saskatchewan, held its 10th Annual Gold Walk bringing locals together to support children with cancer. Participants dressed in vibrant golds and yellows took to the streets, walking to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
This fun-filled day included a BBQ hosted by the Saskatoon Lions and activities like bake sales, face painting, and t-shirt decorating. A highlight for many was the special appearances by beloved superheroes including stormtroopers and transformers, which added excitement and smiles among the attendees.
This year, the event led by Jennifer Lyster and the organizing committee raised more than $54,000 through the Gold Walk event and its supporters—a record-breaking year! These funds are dispersed locally to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and support the most promising, lifesaving, life-enhancing research.
Looking forward to 2025, we’re encouraging our supporters to host third-party events like this one. Not only are they vital for funding research, they also help provide support where it’s most needed.
We’d like to say a big thank you to the organizers, families, communities and supporters who made this event possible—together we are stronger. If you’re interested in hosting your own event like the Gold Walk, please reach out to [email protected].
December 3rd is Giving Tuesday—a global day of generosity that inspires thousands of people to support the causes they hold near and dear. Every year, donors across Canada make a HUGE impact by supporting vital childhood cancer research and providing financial assistance to families through our programs.
Caring people like you are helping us drive critical research and clinical trials, offering innovative treatments that enhance the survival, health, and longevity of young patients. It’s only with your help that our scholarship program empowers survivors to rebuild their lives and pursue academic goals, enabling them to thrive beyond their cancer experience.
From educational resources to financial relief you have the power to create moments of joy and provide thoughtful care throughout a family’s journey with cancer. This Giving Tuesday, you’re invited to help us continue this vital work. Every gift, large or small, plays a crucial role in supporting these brave children and their families during challenging times!
You can donate to our Giving Tuesday campaign here: childhoodcancercanada.ca/givingtuesday
