Childhood Cancer Canada campaign highlights the disruption of school and family life

Childhood Cancer Canada has launched a campaign calling attention to the challenges faced by children with cancer and their families as requests for financial assistance rise. The effort coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and includes the story of Calgary student Sloane Masikewich, who is returning to a full school year after treatment.

Childhood Cancer Canada has launched a campaign highlighting how cancer changes school and family life for children, as requests for financial assistance in Canada increase. The organization is calling for greater awareness and funding for pediatric cancer through its Back to School Looks Different for Kids with Cancer campaign, which is being rolled out during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“(Childhood cancer) affects more than 1,500 kids a year,” said Kyle Smith, the organization’s national director of development. “And it’s not only affecting children, but their entire family. When a child is diagnosed, that entire family is diagnosed.”

Smith said the campaign aims to show how difficult the disease can be for everyone involved. “We’re pulling back the curtain to showcase some of these things, and working with partners across the country to elevate the importance of childhood cancer care, research and awareness,” he said. Childhood Cancer Canada advocates for and supports families navigating treatment, with a focus on helping them maintain stability during a diagnosis. It is also lobbying the federal government for increased funding.

Since it began, the organization says it has invested more than $73 million in childhood cancer research, clinical trials and family support programs. The campaign comes as advocacy groups seek additional support in response to rising requests for financial assistance across Canada.

Calgarian Sloane Masikewich started Grade 4 this month, marking her first full year of school since she was diagnosed with cancer in kindergarten. She underwent 25 months of treatment and missed extended periods of class. Her mother, Claire, said the past few years were challenging before Sloane went into remission last October.

“One of us had to be home, and the other would be at the hospital. So it was hard to navigate,” Claire said. She said Sloane’s positive attitude helped her through treatment, while acknowledging that families’ experiences differ. “So now we’re looking forward to just having a normal life and enjoying Sloane being a normal kid.”

Sloane said she is excited about the school year. “It’s different for me knowing that I’m not going to be in the hospital some weeks, and it feels really nice that I get to spend more time with my friends.”

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.