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.

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

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 virtual groups and activities already on the calendar and some others still in the planning stages.

Parent Group: October 19, 6:00 pm
Connect with other parents who are on a similar journey at different stages.
Walking with Grief: October 20, 6:00 pm
We invite parents who have lost a child to cancer to join our virtual support group, on the third Wednesday of each month.
Halloween Treats

Kids under 12: October 21-26

Watch your Inbox and our Family Facebook Group page for all the details.
Teen Group (Ages 12-17)

Pumpkin Carving: October 23, 6-8:00 pm
Virtual Art Session for ADULTS
Ink Blot Art: November 2, 7:00 pm

Using India ink, you will begin to let go of control and watch as the ink blots flow on your paper. Your imagination will guide you as you add detail using tonal variations and white compressed charcoal.
Virtual Art Session for KIDS

Monster Mash: November 6, 10:00 pm

Is a blob ever just a blob? Paint and play in this process art Virtual session with Adrienne F. Using your imagination turn your colourful blobs into a mashup of monsters!
Zentangle Returns
KIDS ages 9+: November 20, 10:30 am
ADULTS 16+: November 25, 7:00 pm
Zentangles are miniature pieces of abstract art, made from simple patterns that anyone can do.

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, Bursary for Post-secondary 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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