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.

COVID-19 Update

The Kids with Cancer Society is pleased to advise that plans are underway to reintroduce face to face programs. However, in our efforts to safeguard families, donors, volunteers, and staff we have chosen to proceed cautiously and as such, are requesting that visitors and participants coming to the Society house are fully vaccinated. These polices are subject to change based upon COVID restrictions or changes to protocols.

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 suggest that you view our family Facebook page on a regular basis to keep apprised of the types of programs that are available.

If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us 780-496-2459 and info@kidswithcancer.ca

Learning Support Program

We are proud to support this program. Funding of up to $1,000 is available for elementary through high school children who are newly diagnosed, on active treatment or in survivorship, and are falling behind in school due to hospitalization.

The financial support is inclusive of a number of different strategies including, but not limited to, private tutoring, structured online learning strategies classes, structured online literacy, or numeracy courses, or to purchase memberships for online learning support programs such as I-XL. This funding is also applicable for Kumon or Sylvan Learning. Families will be reimbursed for up to $1,000 upon proof of payment.

PLEASE NOTE that tutoring from a member of the child’s family, extended family or friends, IS NOT ELIGIBLE for payment and cannot be reimbursed.

To learn about this program and to obtain an application form please contact Val at Valf@kidwithcancer.ca

Activities

We have adapted many family activities and programs to follow AHS COVID-19 guidelines during the pandemic. 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.

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

These are our current groups and more exciting activities will be added in the coming months.

Teen Group (In Person)
Ages 12-17
Bowling at Bonnie Doon Lanes
May 28, 6-8PM
Register with Barb: barbd@kidswithcancer.ca
Girls with Brain Tumours (In Person)
Girls ages 8-18
Wednesday, May 25
Wednesday, June 22
Tuesday, July 19
Tuesday, August 23
5-7 pm at KWCS House
Dinner is provided
*All participants must be fully vaccinated to attend.
Register with Dianne: diannet@kidswithcancer.ca
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
Family Camp Beat It!
Sept 2-5, Camp He Ho Ha
Register HERE

Family Programs

During the past year of the pandemic, our original programs and family events shown below were offered virtually, postponed, or cancelled due to restrictions. We urge families to check back here often and/or join the private Family Facebook Group for program updates as the situation evolves. We look forward to the time when we can all be together again.

Art Program

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

Family Camp Beat It

Pre-pandemic, this fully-funded program provided a camp experience to kids and their families, at various stages of the disease and survivorship.

Can Do Survivors Group

Bringing adult survivors of childhood cancer together in a supportive environment to meet, talk and learn with and from each other.

Christmas Party

An afternoon enjoying WEM Galaxyland, lunch, a visit from the Edmonton Football Club & Santa together with other families living with childhood cancer.

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.

Family movie night

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

Pampered Parents’ Night

This once-a-year parents’ night off includes massages, wellness activities and a delicious meal.

Secret Santa

In December, children visit the Kids with Cancer Society Program 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.

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.

Twenty-Plus Survivors Group

This group focus on survivors in their twenties who have unique needs that cannot be addressed through adolescent support groups.

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, Post-Secondary Bursary 2022-23, 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.

DUE TO COVID-19, RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AT THE KWCS HOUSE TO PROTECT FAMILIES AND STAFF. PLEASE CALL 780 496 2459 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

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.

DUE TO COVID-19, RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AT PAPA KEN’S HOUSE TO PROTECT FAMILIES AND STAFF. PLEASE CALL 780 496 2459 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

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