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Candlelighters Simcoe has been fortunate to receive the support of a variety of organizations within our community, province, and at the national level:
Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC)
Candlelighters Simcoe is a founding member of OPACC, a registered charity that acts as a parent voice for families that have children diagnosed with cancer across Ontario. OPACC works with local community groups such as Candlelighters Simcoe, ensuring that families get the support they need once they return home.
Caring Bridges is a free online tool for families. It allows you to create a webpage to quickly share updates about your own or someone else’s health.
Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation invests in childhood cancer research and provides programs and services to children with cancer all across Canada. They offer various programs, including survivor scholarships, “Amazing Adventures” events, and a Benevolent Fund.
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) has been advocating for children with cancer and their families since 1983. POGO ensures that children with cancer in Ontario are given equal access to state-of-the-art cancer care from diagnosis, through treatment, recovery, and survivorship. POGO’s partners across the province include a multidisciplinary group of health care providers as well as survivors and parents.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of staff and volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. They are the largest national charitable funder of cancer research, offering educational resources, support services, and advocacy on behalf of those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka
Gilda’s Club offers free support and social programs for anyone who has been impacted by cancer. It is a place to experience a community atmosphere and find inspiration. Gilda’s Club offers emotional and social support, support groups, education, workshops, and social activities.
Rebounders is a Canadian charity that offers support and social opportunities to adults living with the long-term effects of childhood cancer. They bring survivors together through regular social gatherings, where members connect with each other to find friendship and encouragement.
Season’s Centre for Grieving Children
Season’s Centre for Grieving Children aims to provide peer-to-peer support programs in a safe, home-like atmosphere for children, teens, and families grieving the loss or coping with the life-threatening illness of a loved one.
The goal of these wish foundations is to grant the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions, to enhance their quality-of-life by providing joy, hope, and strength:
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada
Summer camp activities offered by Camp Trillium include swimming, drama, high and low ropes, arts and crafts, indoor rock wall, archery, canoeing, kayaking, and excursions. Staff nurses are available 24/7, and all programs are available to siblings.
A summer camp in the Muskokas for children and teens (ages 6-14) who have been diagnosed with cancer; space if offered to campers who are on active treatment or within two years of finishing treatment. Activities include an adventure course, swimming, waterskiing, couch tubing, and a barn with indoor activities.
Camp Quality provide a safe environment where kids with cancer are free to define themselves without the stigma of illness. A one-on-one companion accompanies each child 24/7. Medical staff are on-site, including ICU and ER nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors.
Families touched by cancer have the opportunity to stay at a donated cottage. Time spent away allows friends and families to reflect, and to celebrate recovery. Available to Canadian residents of all ages, and all types of cancer, who have completed their treatment within two years prior to their cottage stay.