Spring 2003 - Kids Cancer Care

Kids
CANCER CARE NEWS
FOR THE PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS OF KIDS CANCER CARE FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA
Eric Weatherhead - Man on a Mission
At first glance Eric Weatherhead is a regular
14-year-old kid who plays Nintendo, takes
guitar lessons, reads sci-fi novels and is a Star
Trek aficionado. Take a second look and you
will find that Eric goes to school by Internet,
his hair is just growing back in and he is the
2003 Kids Cancer Care Foundation spokesperson.
Yes, that’s right, Eric has cancer - acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to be exact.
Eric’s walk with cancer began in January 2002
in Papua, New Guinea where he and his family
- dad Norm, mom Jill and 13 year-old brother
Glen - spent five years as Christian missionaries.
While at boarding school, Eric developed a
cold that turned into pneumonia and just didn’t
get better. Routine blood tests indicated
leukemia and a trip to Australia was needed to
confirm the results. After completing the first
round of chemo in Australia, the family came
back to Canada to continue treatment.
weird and kinda scary to watch his brother go
through this; meanwhile he continued to go to
school and waited for Eric to get better.
Eric and Glen are opposite personalities. Eric
is quiet and introspective and likes solitary
activities. Glen is outgoing and would rather
be playing in the jungle with his friends.
However, they are definitely in this cancer
battle together.
Both boys have enjoyed some of the unique
opportunities that come with being a child
who is seriously ill. A private concert with the
Newsboys (their favourite band), the Theatre
Calgary production of A Christmas Carol and
going to camp are among the special things
they talk about.
Kids Cancer Camp has a different meaning for
each of them. Glen’s favourite thing was the
giant swing - he loved the outdoor activities
and is ready to go back this year. Eric wasn’t
feeling that great at summer camp and didn’t
enjoy it as much. He did meet other kids with
cancer and keeps in touch with them through
MSN and e-mail...when they talk it’s about the
future, not the past.
SPRING 2003
The Bald &
The Beautiful
Don, Joanne & the
Coach are shaving their
lids for the kids!
Pledge your support at
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
and help them to reach
their goal of $150,000 for
families touched by
childhood cancer.
KCCFA 2003 Spokeskid, Eric (right) and his brother
Glen (left).
Eric says that in the beginning he didn’t really
understand what was happening to him and
had no time to feel scared. Glen says it was
Eric is in the maintenance phase of his treatment
now and starting to think about traveling
with his family again. He feels that his faith and
his family have gotten him through this and
wants to tell others about his experience. As
the 2003 KCCFA spokesperson, he has an
opportunity to tell people what it’s like to
have cancer and survive. It’s his special
mission.
Eric and his family plan to continue their
missionary work in Western Canada this year as
they await their next international assignment.
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
Inside....
Favourite Friends 2
CEO Message 3
A Sibling’s Story 4
Camp & Community 5
Organize a Head Shave 6
Volunteer Profiles 7
Volunteer Opportunites 8
1

THANKS!
Some of our Favourite Friends
Friends are important people in our lives...let’s meet some friends who have supported us in unusual and
innovative ways.
Innovative Fitness trainers Vince Danielson and Ranjit Bawa played role reversal with their
clients to raise $13,000. Clients were thrilled to make a donation in order to put their trainers
through the gruelling exercise regime normally reserved for them. Good work Vince, Ranjit and
the rest of the team at Innovative Fitness!
Pastry Chef Samuel Fitouri made history by creating the world’s largest Yule log. With the help
of assistants, several sponsors and three volunteers, Samuel created a 100-metre Yule log. Pieces
of the log were sold at La Cite des Rocheuses, a francophone community centre, and devoured by
over 400 willing consumers. This record-breaking initiative raised over $1,000.
Seven Strathmore RCMP officers shaved their heads in honour of a fellow officer who was
recently diagnosed with cancer. This group bared the cold and shaved their heads in January,
raising $3,813.
Canada Safeway Market Mall chose KCCFA as the beneficiary of their ‘Because We
Care’ fundraising initiative. Thanks to volunteer efforts and the generous participation
of the community, the store raised over $5,000.
The happy camp counselors
from Easter Seals Camp
Horizon.
Easter Seals
Camp Horizon
We cannot say enough about the
dynamic and enthusiastic team at
Easter Seals Camp Horizon. On
behalf of the campers of 2002, thank
you to each of the directors,
counselors and support staff who
helped to make a memorable camping experience
for all. We are looking forward to
camping in 2003!
Trico Ride
for a
Lifetime
Join Trico Homes on
the first-ever executive motorcycle ride in
Western Canada. From June 20 to 22, riders
will tour one of the most scenic routes in the
Rockies — from Calgary to Revelstoke to
Sicamous.
A delicious wrap-up banquet awaits the riders
and all proceeds will benefit KCCFA. Want to
get involved? Contact Kristie at 403.216.9210
ext 225 or clark@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
International
Childhood Cancer Day
2003
KCCFA celebrated International Childhood
Cancer Day on February 15, 2003 with the
launch of a new program designed for young
adults who have been touched by childhood
cancer and their siblings. The Young Adult
Conference is designed to offer unique
educational and motivational opportunities
for young adults whose lives have been
complicated by their illness.
The weekend conference at Easter Seals
Camp Horizon included workshops on a
variety of topics, from health and fitness, music
and the healing arts, creative arts and crafts
and first aid training.
We also celebrated the day by announcing our
2003 research grants. Five local researchers
received grants totalling $318,222! See
our Web site for more details.
International Childhood Cancer Day is an
initiative of the International Confederation of
Childhood Cancer Parent Organizations-an
agency dedicated to helping every child with
cancer in the world to receive the best access
to treatment and care.
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www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

From the Desk of the CEO
It’s all about the kids. This is our mantra. It guides everything we do, from new programming to
awarding research grants. It’s certainly evident in this issue as we hear from and about some
remarkable young people.
Like all of our kids — those with cancer, those who have survived cancer and those who live
alongside their brother or sister with cancer — Eric Weatherhead has challenges and triumphs.
Yet, he speaks for our organization with conviction and courage. We are proud to have this young
man as our spokesperson for 2003.
Amanda Mitchell is a 16 year-old sibling who shares her view of cancer from the sidelines. Her
inspiring tale confirms how cancer affects the whole family, not just the one who has the disease.
Amanda participates in KCCFA activities and is busy organizing head shaves to help raise funds.
Speaking of funds, $318,000 in KCCFA research grants is going to support a diverse array of
studies - from genetic profiling to clinical trial leadership - all focused on childhood cancer. We are
proud to support this important work happening right here in Calgary.
We are really thrilled to be providing $21,000 to support four student research assistants this
year, more evidence of the youth movement in KCCFA. These university students will spend the
summer assisting veteran researchers in pediatric oncology research labs.
Meanwhile, as we prepare for another great camping year, we feature two more of our volunteers
in this issue. Mike Marlow is our longest-serving camp volunteer. Mike joined us in 1992 and
worked tirelessly on many projects - including the monumental feat of getting the kids on the bus
in Edmonton for the long and excited ride to camp each year! Mark Heemeryck is another
camp veteran who has given us many weeks of his time over the years as a camp medic and
committee volunteer.
Our board members also contribute many hours of their time to the Foundation and I would like
to extend a special thank you to Shirley Valentine, our outgoing board chair, as she steps down
after four years. Shirley was very instrumental in developing our strategic alliances and communicating
the Foundation’s expanded mandate.
We also appreciate the dedication of two board members who are stepping down, Hollie
Zuorro and Al Taylor. The board owes a great deal to these dynamic people who have brought
their wisdom and enthusiasm to the table.
The Foundation welcomes Jack Perraton as its new chair and Sean Durfy as a new director.
Jack’s strength in board leadership and community service will be invaluable as the Foundation
continues to grow. With increasing funding needs ahead of the Foundation, we are fortunate to
have Sean’s business skills and community connections to draw upon.
Christine Wandzura
As our
organization
evolves to meet
the needs of
our children and
families living
with cancer, I
am delighted to
see the leaders
of tomorrow
developing skills
in fundraising,
teamwork and
advocacy.
As the Foundation grows, so does its staff. Kristie Clark joins us as our new development
associate, responsible for special event coordination and community fundraising events. Two parttime
staff members, Rolanda Ostrom, program assistant and Tanya Knorren, RN, clinical care
coordinator, will support the camp and community programs.
The last word goes to our friends. Don, Joanne & the Coach, good friends of the Foundation
for many years, never cease to amaze us with their generous support. As if the proceeds from
their annual golf tournament weren’t enough, this year they are shaving their heads to the tune of
$150,000! Support us by supporting them...donate online!
Christine Wandzura, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer
Send me a note; drop me a line, at wandzura@kidscancercare.ab.ca
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
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A Sibling’s Story
We have always recognized the impact that cancer has on the whole family, particularly siblings. That is
why our camping programs have always been open to siblings as well as those diagnosed with cancer. This
is Amanda Mitchell’s story.
Amanda, (back row, fourth
from the left) shown here
with fellow Counselors-in-
Training (CITs) at Easter Seals
Camp Horizon.
I wrote this
story so that
I would never
forget, and
others would
remember,
how much a
disease could
affect a
person’s life.
Dad’s crying
Rob first became ill on
December 29, 1997. I was
10; he was 15. When my dad
picked me up from a friends
birthday party he told me
that Rob had the flu, with a
horrible headache and
vomiting. I didn’t think much
of it at the time.
On December 30 my dad
woke my other brother, Jeff,
and I up very early. I was groggy and quite
annoyed. He sat us both down as tears came
to his eyes. If you’ve ever seen your dad cry,
you know something is seriously wrong.
Dad said Rob was in the hospital. He either
had a strange blood disease or a brain tumour.
My mum was with him.
Yes, it is a brain tumour
Rob did have a brain tumour and had surgery
on December 31. When we learned that Rob
had cancer, I began to cry. I remember looking
over at Jeff only to find that he wasn’t crying, I
thought he was trying to be cool. Our long
time family friends were with us and I was
embarrassed to cry in front of them, but I
couldn’t stop.
Rob and Ewings Sarcoma
Rob had Ewings Sarcoma, a very rare form of
bone cancer and the doctors had never seen a
case like his. After the tumour was removed, it
looked like he might have more cancer in his
ribs. Thankfully he didn’t, otherwise he might
not be alive today.
After surgery, he began grueling chemotherapy.
He lost his hair, a lot of weight and was
constantly sick. I didn’t see much of him, or
my parents, as at least one of them was always
at the hospital. After each round of chemo
Rob was able to come home. However, for
the first couple of days he couldn’t do much,
he was too ill. It became a regular thing to see
him with no hair and to hear him vomiting.
Once chemotherapy was finished, Rob had
radiation to ensure all the cancer was gone.
18 months of loneliness
Those 18 months were the loneliest and
hardest time of my life. I was confused and felt
alone. I told my friends that I had a very high
risk of getting cancer. I really believed that.
I was so angry. Suddenly I was pushed aside, it
seemed like everything was about Rob. I
clenched my teeth down hard so that I would
get headaches and earaches. I thought I would
get some attention. It didn’t work.
A kindred spirit
Eventually I discovered that my teacher’s sister
had cancer when she was younger. I finally had
someone to talk to. It helped a lot, but I still
needed someone my age that I could relate to.
Lots of kindred spirits
Then I went to Kids Cancer Care Foundation’s
summer camp. At camp I met kids with cancer
and their siblings. We had long talks into the
night about everything we had gone through,
we discovered we had experienced similar
thoughts and feelings.
I was finally coming to terms with Rob’s
cancer.
Future direction
Today I am 16 and doing much better. I
participate in KCCFA events and I’m just
getting started in fundraising. Several of us are
working on a mentorship program for siblings;
our goal is that no child will feel as lonely and
confused as we did.
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www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

Camp & Community
Mentorship News
Personal Reflections of an Old-Timer (excerpt from
the Mentorship Newsletter Jan 2002)
Submitted by John Kunka - Mentor
When I first heard of the Mentor program, I
was very excited by what it could mean for
young adults that are too old for summer
camps and the teen program. The first meeting
was amazing because the mentors were
already starting to think beyond themselves to
what they could do for others.
This program is important to me because it
allows me to give back to KCCFA for the
many years I have been a camper. To be
involved in funding, mentoring and spreading
awareness of childhood cancer is great. I like
that we are able to help younger campers in
the KCCFA programs.
Thanks KCCFA for giving us the opportunity
to give back. The support this group encourages
is very much appreciated.
Rainforest Sleepover
Adventure.... did we miss
you at the Zoo?
Moms, dads,
volunteers
and 38 kids
spent the
night in the
wilds of the
Calgary
Zoo’s new
Rainforest
exhibit. The
evening was
filled with crafts, munchies and an African
theme campfire, and then, very early in the
morning, the group shared breakfast with the
gorillas.
We’re not sure if anyone got any sleep, but we
know all had a fabulous time. If you missed the
adventure this year, don’t worry we will do it
again. Thanks to Lisa Abel (childhood cancer
survivor and SunRise director) for leading this
wonderful evening.
Inaugural Young Adult
Conference 2003
Thirty-five young adults
touched by cancer, came
from across Alberta to
participate in five days of
workshops that included
massage, resume writing,
leadership development, tie
dying, song writing, public
speaking skills, mask making,
and Standard First Aid and
CPR certification.
The 2004 conference
planning is underway with an inspiring schedule
of events. Watch for details in the Fall.
Participant Comments
“I was able to talk to
people about our experiences in
dealing with cancer.”
“ I like being together with
friends, and learning new skills.”
“ I found it inspiring and fun.”
“It wasn’t just camp, we got to
learn things too.”
SunMaker Extreme ...are
you ready?
You asked for it...10 days of camping out,
orienteering, river rafting, environmental
studies, drama/theatre and a whole lot more!
Easter Seals Camp Horizon’s new satellite
camp facility — Camp Gardner, 15 minutes
west of Calgary and 15 minutes from Camp
Horizon - is the site of SunMaker Extreme.
From August 7-16, 2003, teens 13 to 16 can
learn new camping skills and conquer exciting
new adventures. For more details, contact Jill
Gerke at 403.216.9210 ext 223 or
gerke@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
Tyler and Chantel
entertain at the Young
Adult Conference
Katie plays victim at a
first aid training course.
Bottom Left: Zoo
critters at the KCCFA
sleepover
5

Organize a Head Shave
10 Simple Steps
KCCFA mentors John and
Chris shaving a couple of
brave recruits outside of
Deerfoot Mall Wal-Mart.
1. Basic information - All you need to put an event together - pick up a KCCFA head shave
package. Contact Kristie at 403.216.9210 ext 225 or 1.888.554.2267 toll-free in Alberta.
2. Location, location, location - Work, school,
community centre - where will the event be held?
Confirm the location and get permission from your
workplace or manager.
3. Recruit others - It’s fun to have head shave mates!
Friends, family and co-workers — ask them to join you
for a good cause.
4. Pick a date - Confirm a date and let Kristie know,
she will organize a Shave Brigade and attend your event.
Two weeks notice please.
5. Gather attention - Convince your school Principal,
your company CEO or someone with REALLY long hair
to shave their head if you reach your fundraising target.
6. Pledges count - Friends, family, teachers, classmates,
teammates, local businesses and service clubs are great sources of pledges. People who know you
will be your strongest supporters. Tip - Have someone pledge a larger amount on the first line, it
inspires others to give.
9-1-1 Life
Shavers®
Once again Calgary
emergency response
personnel are joining
forces to shave their
heads for KCCFA. On
Wednesday, June 11,
2003 at noon, Olympic
Plaza will be a sea of Fire,
RCMP, EMS and Police
personnel going under
the razor. To-date, “9-1-1
Life Shavers®” campaigns
have raised upwards of 2
MILLION DOLLARS!
Come out and support
your local emergency
response teams. Face
painting and fun activities
for the kids!
7. Collect funds - Collecting the funds pledged as they are offered is the best option. It saves
time and avoids having to track people down afterwards.
8. Music, food & fun - Create a fun atmosphere. Play CD’s or invite a DJ, or a band to create
that party scene. Food and soft drinks are always welcome at a party - ask a local restaurant or
grocery store to support your event.
9. The big day - Invite everyone you know. Make sure your supporters know when and
where...they want to see you going bald!
10. Say thanks - Show appreciation for your supporters, with our help.
FYI...
• Your shave can be as big or as small as you like.
• All shavees receive a KCCFA baseball cap.
• You will have approximately 1/8 inch of hair left. Bowling ball smooth
isn’t within our skill level!
• Donating your hair to Wigs for Kids is possible. Details at
www.wigsforkids.org.
Chris works on a smooth finish for a
volunteer shavee.
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www.kidscancercare.ab.ca

Volunteer Profiles
Volunteers are the heart of this organization...Mark Heemeryck and Mike Marlow are two very
dedicated people who give their time to us...let’s hear what they have to say.
Mark Heemeryck came to camp as a medic in 1995 and never looked back.
After the first year he was hooked and subsequently, volunteered two weeks of
his time each year.
Mark has watched the organization grow from a one-person operation focused
on camps to a multi-faceted foundation. Over the years he has watched the kids
grow from teenagers into young adults. “I have never learnt so much from so
many little people... I will always cherish camp and the time I spent with the kids,”
says Mark.
Currently Mark is a Calgary Police Service Constable and he says, “...with over half of
my career finished, I am looking forward to spending time with my two boys, Bryce &
Ryan, and being a big kid again, just like at camp. “
Mike Marlow is our longest-serving volunteer. Over
the past 10 years, Mike has served as a parent representative
on the board of directors and a volunteer
with the Camp & Community Work Group.
Mike Heemeryck (right)
shown with summer camper.
He remembers the struggles of starting a new
organization. Mike says, “Chris initiated many
fundraising ideas and the organization grew very
rapidly to what it is today-a very successful charitable
organization. I am very proud to have been associated
with this group.”
Mike and his family reside in Edmonton where he works
for The City of Edmonton as a General Supervisor, Special
Construction Projects.
Mike Marlow with Christine Wandzura out at camp.
Join us as we
“Golf a Kid to Cure”
“Troy & Gloria, Greg & Jen Golf a Kid to Cure
2003” will be held at the Alberta Springs Golf
Resort in Red Deer, September 19, 2003. To
find out how you can get involved, please call
Amandha Richter at 403.347.8850.
Camp Wish List
If you are able to help us secure any of the
following items, please give the office a call.
Satellite Phone
“MSR” stove
Katadyn Combi Water Filter
Small TV/VCR combined unit
Sleeping bags
Two-person tents
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
7

Board of Directors
Jack Perraton CM, QC, Chair
Shirley Valentine, Past Chair
Bill Smith QC, Secretary
Dr. Max Coppes
Pattie Culver
Sean Durfy
Bob Hamilton
Scott Hickling
A. Joni Hughes
Dr. Randy Johnston
Lane McKay
Bob Millar
Al Taylor
Hollie Zuorro
Staff Team
Christine Wandzura, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
Kristie Clark
Development Associate
Jill Gerke
Camp & Community Program
Manager
Myrna Knoll
Volunteer Coordinator
Tanya Knorren, RN
Clinical Care Coordinator
Trish Matheson, CFRE
Director of Development &
Communications
Angie Montani
Development Assistant
Rolanda Ostrom
Program Assistant
Wylma Williams
Administrative Assistant
Volunteer Opportunities
For more information on volunteer programs, contact Myrna at 403.216.9210 ext 222 or
knoll@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Medics
Medics are required for both the LIT (Leaders-in-Training)
and SunMaker Extreme
programs.
Candidates require experience in backcountry
camping and a minimum qualification of an RN
with chemo certification or Paramedic.
Dates:
LIT - August 5 to16 and August 19 to 30.
Extreme: August 7 to 16.
2003 Casino Volunteers
Various positions available. Opportunities for
new or seasoned volunteers.
Dates: July 20, 21, Casino Calgary
Calaway Park Family Day
Be part of our public relations team in the
information booth.
Dates: August 9, 10, four-hour shifts available.
2003 Camp Dates
Camp SunRise
- Calgary Week One August 4 to 8
- Calgary Week Two August 11 to 15
- Edmonton Week One August 18 to 22
- Edmonton Week Two August 25 to 29
Camp SunMaker
- July 28 to August 31
- INCREASED TO 5 WEEKS
Camp SunMaker EXTREME
- August 7 to 16
Be sure to mark your calendar with these dates
and let others know.
Camp training dates:
Edmonton, June 14
Calgary, June 15
Pizza Pizzazz!
Families and pizza collide recently at the Alberta
Childrens’ Hospital
You might see some new faces at the popular
Wednesday night pizza dinners on Q-Cluster
ward at the Southern Alberta Children’s
Hospital. Sharon and Terry, Karen, Nina and
Jeevan, Linnea, Cindy, Sharon and Joanne are a
group of volunteers who happen to be parents
of childhood cancer survivors. So as you grab
a slice, be sure to stop and say hi.
Suite 205
609 - 14th Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A1
Phone: 403.216.9210
Fax: 403.216.9215
Toll Free: 1.888.554.2267
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
Newsletter Editor, Lynda Phelan
Camp & Community Research Clinical Support
We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you about the activities of the KCCFA; however, if you would prefer not to receive this publication, please call or email our office. Thank you.
Canadian Publications
Agreement # 1935208
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www.kidscancercare.ab.ca