For Families

We are here for you

We offer programs FREE of charge to assist you, your child and your family as you go through this difficult time.

Family Activities

The Kids with Cancer Society House and Papa Ken’s House are open, and private sessions may be available for counselling services, educational support, and general programming. We will continue to put the care of our families, friends, donors and staff first as we find a path back to “normal.” For more information on each Family Program, call 780.496.2459 or email Pamela Learmond, our Family Programs Coordinator: pamelal@kidswithcancer.ca

Stay up-to-date on current activities, promoted on our Family Facebook page. All Kids with Cancer Society members can join HERE

Happy 2023! These are some of our current groups and more exciting activities will be added in the coming months.

Teen Group – Board Games
Ages 12-17
Saturday, January 28
4-7 PM at KWCS House
Pizza and snacks provided
Register HERE
Creative Hearts
February date TBA
Pampered Parents
Date TBA
Family Conference
Date TBA
Girls with Brain Tumours
Girls ages 7-18
Tuesday, March 7
Tuesday, March 21
Tuesday, April 18
Tuesday, May 16
5-7 pm at KWCS House
Dinner is provided
Register HERE
Sibling Group
March 11
Registration opens at the end of January 2023!
Walking with Grief (Virtual)
We invite parents who have lost a child to cancer to join our virtual support group, on the third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm on Zoom.
Register with Kyla: kylae@kidswithcancer.ca

Learning Support Program

Financial assistance is now available for 2023 to address educational challenges associated with childhood cancer. To learn about this program and to obtain an application form please contact 780-496-2459 or email Pamela Learmond, our Family Programs Coordinator pamelal@kidswithcancer.ca

Family Programs

During the past years of the pandemic, our original programs and family events were offered virtually, postponed, or cancelled. We are thrilled to be hosting most or our programs in-person while continuing to keep our families, staff, and volunteers health and safety as a priority.

Art Program

This fun program allows both the children and their family to express their thoughts and emotions through art.

Easter & Halloween Parties

These parties are held at the Kids with Cancer Society House so that children battling cancer can participate in fun activities in a safe environment.

Teen Group

These monthly planned activities connect teens with other teens to socialize, share & learn from others with similar shared experiences. Recommended for ages 12-17 years old. Teen Group is supported by Smiles from Spencer Foundation.

Pampered Parents

KWCS parents enjoy an evening of wellness activities including: massages and a delicious meal.

Family Camp Beat It

Held each September long weekend at Camp He Ho Ha, this 4-day weekend provides an indoor camping experience for families who are at various stages of the disease and survivorship. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, mini golf, family dances, campfires, and more. At the end of the weekend many of the families leave the camp with a sense that they are not alone in the fight against childhood cancer. It also provides newly diagnosed families with a feeling of hope. Camp Beat It was established by parent Sheila Ethier and is made possible in part by the Ralph Jr. Memorial Fund and the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund.

Family Movie

This is a chance for you and your whole family to enjoy a private showing of a movie in a local theatre.

Christmas Party

Generously supported by Paddy Webb. KWCS families enjoy an afternoon at WEM Galaxyland, lunch, various entertainers, the Edmonton Elks and the Cheer Team, and Santa with Mrs. Claus.

Secret Santa

In December, children visit the Kids with Cancer Society House to secretly select gifts for their siblings and parents. Elves assist with the gift wrapping, baked goods are available to take home, and families have an opportunity to socialize over refreshments.

Support for Families

Hospital Support

Providing funds to the hospital that supports and compliments basic care including child life activities, professional development, teen room upgrade and educational resources.

Educational Support

Providing funds for additional hospital programming that supports and compliments basic care.

Programs include:
BrainWorks, Cancer in the Classroom, Conferences & Workshops, Patient Education, Bursary Package KWCS 2022-23_June 15, Professional Development, Teen Room Upgrade, and Educational Resources.

Financial Support

The financial support programs are designed to provide emergency funding support in the following categories.

Programs include:
Daily Living, Parking Passes, Medical Support, Practical Assistance, and Palliative & Bereavement Support.

General Support

We provide a variety of meaningful supports throughout a family’s cancer journey.

Programs include:
Beaded Journey, Gifts of Courage, Girls with Brain Tumours Group, Teen Group, Hospital Pizza Night & Visitation Program, In-house Counselling Services, Parent Group, Newly-diagnosed Program, Sibling Support and Survivor Groups.

Facilities

The Kids with Cancer Society House: The first of its kind in Canada, the facility located within hospital walking distance, provides on-site support programs for families at all stages of their cancer journey. This facility also houses our offices.

This facility was made possible through the generosity of the Dave Lede Family Charitable Foundation and the Alberta Lottery Fund’s Major Community Facilities Program.

PLEASE CALL 780 496 2459, Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Papa Ken’s House (pictured): This accommodation facility is available when no other sources exist. It gives out-of-town families free accommodation during treatment and follow-up appointments.

Papa Ken’s House became a reality thanks to Paddy Webb, Dave Lede Family Charitable Foundation, Qualico and the Alberta Government Community Facility Enhancement Program.

PLEASE CALL Barb our Guest Services Manager: 587-341-1740 for further details

Stories

View all