HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED THE DELIVERY OF OUR FAMILY PROGRAMS?
Our goal has always been the wholistic care of the family and during COVID-19, we have continued to maintain programming through virtual means in all areas possible.
The Educational, Financial and General Support Programs described below, have all been adapted and are available. We are also continuing to work on developing future programming for late effects often associated with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Virtual Activities & Family Fun
We have adapted many family activities to follow AHS COVID-19 guidelines. We will always put the care of our families, friends, donors and staff first. For more information on each Family Programs, contact roxannv@kidswithcancer.ca or 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
There are some fun things already on the calendar and some others still in the planning stages.
- Walking with Grief: August 18
We invite parents who have lost a child to cancer to join our virtual support group, on the third Wednesday of each month. - Virtual Art Session - Wire Sculpture
KIDS: August 21, 10:30 AM
ADULTS: August 24, 7:00 PM
Get creative with wire! Join Adrienne F. in this Virtual Art Session to create your own wire sculpture. Get inspired by the movement of the material, the twist and turns as you explore the many ways to make something 2D become 3D. - Bird House Building Contest for Dads: Currently underway.
- Camp Beat It Announcement: Our families and their health and safety are our highest priority. We were hoping that we would not have to make this announcement but sadly, we have made the difficult decision not to hold Camp Beat It this year. Despite restrictions being lifted, we have considered all available information and determined that too much uncertainty still exists. This decision is consistent with other oncology camps in our province.
COMING SOON
- Teen Group (Ages 12-17)
Returns in September, date to be determined. - Pampered Parents: September 29
- Virtual Art Session - Monotype Monarchs
KIDS: October 2 ADULTS: October 7 - Virtual Art Session - Ink Blot Art for Adults: November 2
- Virtual Art Session - Monster Mash for Kids: November 6
- Halloween Party: October 27
- Family Movie Night: November 27
- Christmas Party: December 5
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
Programs include:
BrainWorks, Cancer in the Classroom, Conferences & Workshops, Patient Education, Bursary for Post-secondary Professional Development, Teen Room Upgrade, and Educational Resources.
Financial Support
Daily Living, Parking Passes, Medical Support, Practical Assistance, and Palliative & Bereavement Support.
General Support
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.
Stories
Meet NoraThis is Nora. Your donations make a huge impact on children and their families, Nora’s family is just one of Read more
Meet AvaThis is Ava Ava’s journey was also featured at the Beaded Journey Gala in 2019, thank you to our Sponsor, Read more
Meet DeclanThis is Declan. Declan’s Beaded Journey was celebrated with a feature video from our sponsor with Global Read more