Childhood Cancer Canada
Founded in 1987, Childhood Cancer Canada (CCC) is the country's leading Foundation dedicated entirely to the fight against childhood cancer. It achieves its goal of improving the lives of children with cancer and their families through its vital support programs and investment in collaborative cancer research. Childhood cancer is unique; it is not just a division of the adult world of cancer. The biology, treatment & effects of treatment of childhood cancer are unique to children, and CCC deals specifically with children and adolescents. Through the foundation's unique partnership with all of Canada's 17 childhood cancer hospitals and treatment centres, it can ensure that children with cancer are exposed to kinder and gentler treatments that will not only cure them but leave them with an improved quality of life into adulthood.
The Funding and Promotion of Childhood Cancer Research
Childhood Cancer Canada is proud to be an active partner of the C17, the Council of Pediatric Haematologists/Oncologists. This council represents the pediatric oncology leaders from all of Canada's 17 children's hospitals and cancer treatment centres. They act as the authoritative Canadian voice representing the interests of children and adolescents with cancer and set the nationwide agenda for multi-centre Pan-Canadian research to which Childhood Cancer Canada channels significant funds.
Support and Resource Programs for Children with Cancer and their Families
CCC administers many support programs, including the emPower Pack, Scholarship Programs, Benevolent Fund, Teen Connector and several programs that provide information and resources to families at critical stages in their cancer journey.
Scholarship Program
Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship Program is open to young adult cancer survivors who are residents, and currently residing in Canada. The Program supports post-secondary academic endeavors and recognizes the personal triumphs of exemplary students who have survived a cancer journey.
- $1,500 Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship (one time award): For students in any university, college, or vocational training program. Students may be in any year of their studies provided that they are enrolled in school for the fall term that the scholarships are awarded in. CCC awarded a record 113 Survivor Scholarships in 2011.
- $5,000 TEVA Canada Scholarship (one time award): Granted to a maximum of 10 students entering (or already enrolled in) pharmacy, medicine or health science programs of study. Students may be in any year of their studies provided that they are enrolled in school for the fall term that the scholarships are awarded in. CCC awarded 5 TEVA Canada Scholarships in 2011.
Teen Connector
Teens with cancer are not always comfortable speaking openly to adults or their friends/classmates about their cancer experience. Cancer in your teenage years can prove incredibly isolating and lonely as teens are forced to face many issues that are unique to them and which may not easily be understood by other young people. Childhood Cancer Canada has created a confidential social hub where teens with cancer can connect with their peers and with young mentors, young childhood cancer survivors, who had cancer as teens. This online platform provides teens with a confidential, nation-wide forum enabling them to connect at any time with their peers online, share their journeys, and provide support to one another.
emPower Pack
Childhood Cancer Canada wants to send an emPower Pack to every family in Canada whose child is newly diagnosed with cancer. These emPower Packs will provide families with information and inspiration to cope with what comes next.
Benevolent Fund
Dealing with the childhood cancer journey can be financially draining for families. It’s not unusual for parents to have to cease working or to take extended leaves in order to be with their child. Some families whose children die do not have the resources to provide for a burial for their child. Childhood Cancer Canada, through its Benevolent Fund, steps in to help financially struggling families in their time of need by assisting with the costs of the funeral service of their child.