Winter 2005 - Kids Cancer Care

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COCA Conference Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) Conference We were honoured to host the 22nd Annual Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) International Conference in November with 163 delegates in attendance from the US, Ireland and Canada. A terrific group of volunteers made this conference a success. Delegates enjoyed the sessions in music therapy, fostering hope, kinesthetic learning and technology at camp. Healing Dr. Stan Whitsett, Psychologist specializing in pediatric oncology from the University of Washington, presented a session on the psychosocial impacts of childhood cancer. Dr. Whitsett addressed the dynamic needs of childhood cancer survivors and the value of the camp experience for children facing childhood cancer. COCA delegates along with volunteer host, Roy, enjoy the festivities at Heritage Park Hope Dr. Len Bruton and his daughter Nicole, a KCCFA staff member and a cancer survivor, shared their experience and suggestions for helping families to make it through their personal challenges with childhood cancer. Humour Cheryl Oberg, a.k.a. ‘Miss Loosie’, a professional clown and President of the Canadian Laughter Association, introduced delegates to the power of laughter in healing the mind, body and soul. We were also fortunate to have Jonathan MacDonald, a stand up comic and KCCFA parent, provide a short routine laughing at cancer through the eyes of a parent. Greetings from Tokyo Erie Yamashita is a Japanese student who attended Camp SunMaker for one month this past summer. She is a leukemia survivor who wanted to observe our camping programs as part of her university thesis. From Tokyo, Japan, I want to send my big love and much appreciation to everyone that I met in Canada this summer. In Japan, we have only a very short history in offering a pediatric cancer camp — we started seven years ago and hold the camp at different sites each year. In northern Japan, one permanent camp is in the planning stage, but I think it will take more than five years to be completed. When I arrived in Calgary on July 28, I was so happy to arrive at last, but also I was little bit nervous because I wondered if I could do well for a whole month at camp. I didn’t need to worry at all. My stay at the camp passed so fast and it was full of happiness and joy. I met so many wonderful people. I enjoyed every minute there. I really wish I could be there again! Erie, shown here with Nicole, fondly remembers her visit to Calgary. The most wonderful event for me was the dance each Friday night. The children were so cute in their pretty dresses and we laughed and had so much fun. I also enjoyed climbing and the giant swing. I rafted for the first time in my life. It was so exciting. The nights were so clear, I have never seen so many beautiful stars in my life. I wished I could have kept seeing stars all night. I really respect the wonderful nature of Canada. I asked to join the camp for my graduation thesis and now I’m writing the last part. When I’m writing I always remember my wonderful days, wonderful staff members and the campers. I think I am writing a nice thesis because the camp was so wonderful. I hope to visit Canada again soon, Erie. 4 www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
From the Desk of the CEO 2005 promises to be another exciting year for KCCFA. We have an opportunity to play an integral role as a funding partner in a research space dedicated to pediatric oncology research. With the community behind us, we are determined to raise $1.5 million of a $4.5 million floor in the new Health Research Innovation Centre. Encouraged by Dr. Chris Brown, director of the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, the KCCFA board of directors committed to playing an active part in the creation of this historic centre. This centre will become a core element in an international world-class phase one consortium as it brings together the people, facilities and ideas. I truly believe the dream of finding a cure for many childhood cancers will be so much closer because of this centre. When it opens in 2006, KCCFA will take its place among the many community partners that combined their dreams to make it a reality. Recently, I was honoured and humbled to receive a Meritorious Service Medal from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada. I accepted this decoration on behalf of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta because I know that I did not achieve this recognition on my own. Many people have contributed their time, energy and money to the fight against childhood cancer. I thank each of you for your support and wear this medal with pride. Keeping the kids at the forefront of everything we do is made easier when we listen to their stories and learn from them. Katherine Douglas is a young woman who has also realized the benefits of sharing her personal cancer story – read more about Katherine in this issue. Another young woman who told her story – many times – this year, is our outgoing spokeskid, Laura Cuthbertson. For Laura and her family, dad John, mom Dawn and sister Emily, being the KCCFA 2004 spokeskid was a family affair. When Laura wasn't able to tell her own story, her family members stepped up and told theirs. Audiences everywhere got a true picture of what it is like to live with childhood cancer. Thank you Cuthbertsons! And, a quick welcome to Jeffery Eden, our 2005 Spokeskid – I know that he will bring his own touch to this important job. You can read more about Jeffery and his new role in the spring issue. Christine Wandzura Happy New Year from the staff of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta Co-chairing National Philanthropy Week in 2004 was a powerful experience for me. Turning the spotlight on seven individuals and companies that demonstrate how we can be philanthropists in our own way was a great honour. Congratulations to Wayne Chui and his team at Trico Homes for their efforts in making our community a better place to live. I look forward to working with two new members of the KCCFA board of directors, Brad Stevens and Wayne Berg. Brad and Wayne both bring valuable skill sets to the board. I have known Wayne for many years; he is a banker, community supporter and a parent of a long-term cancer survivor, Jillian. Brad brings a love of children – having four of his own – and a desire to lend his business acumen to a worthy cause. We are fortunate to have the leadership of both in helping direct the future of the Foundation. From the Board and Staff of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation the very best to everyone during this holiday season. Thanks for your part in making the first 10 years so remarkable! Here’s to the next 10 years and to the hope of a brighter tomorrow for children with cancer and their families. Christine Wandzura, M.S.M., CFRE, Chief Executive Officer Send me a note; drop me a line, at wandzura@kidscancercare.ab.ca Left to Right: Top: Ryan Murray, Barb Smeltzer, Mike MacKay, Middle: Trish Matheson, Candice Martin, Wylma Williams, Bottom: Nicole Bruton, Christine Wandzura and Kristie Pshyk...and honorary staff member Carmen. www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 5
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Winter 2005 - Kids Cancer Care

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