As demand for support continues to rise, advocacy groups are calling for more awareness and funding for pediatric cancer. Childhood Cancer Canada has launched a new campaign, Back to School Looks Different for Kids with Cancer, highlighting the challenges families face. The campaign comes as requests for financial assistance in Canada increase, underscoring the need for additional support. “(Childhood cancer) affects more than 1,500 kids a year,” said Kyle Smith, 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.” Since its inception, the organization says it has invested more than $73 million in childhood cancer research, clinical trials and family support programs. The campaign is being rolled out during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Smith says the goal is to raise awareness about how tough the disease can be for everyone involved. The organization provides advocacy and support for families navigating treatment, with a focus on maintaining stability throughout a diagnosis. It is also lobbying the federal government for increased funding. “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,” Smith said. ‘Really Tough Days’ Calgarian Sloane Masikewich started Grade 4 this month — her first full year of school since being diagnosed with cancer in kindergarten. She underwent 25 months of treatment and missed extended periods of class. Her mother, Claire, says 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. Claire says Sloane’s positive attitude helped her through treatment, though not all families have the same experience. “So now we’re looking forward to just having a normal life and enjoying Sloane being a normal kid.” “I’m excited,” Sloane said. “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.”
