West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation

WCK provides daily, practical support for families navigating a childhood cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Through WCK programs, kids with cancer/blood disorders experience joy, siblings know they matter and parents know they are not alone. WCK offers Food Support programs and Hangouts, a virtual program offering adult-to-kid or small peer group connections.

Email: info@wckfoundation.ca

Phone: (604) 394-2029

Wigs for Kids BC
An organization that aims to improve the quality of life for kids dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and to provide a free wig for every BC child who needs one. Talk to your social worker for information.

Camp Goodtimes
Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society, this is a camp for children aged 6 -17 who have a history of cancer.  This week-long camp has many fun activities: swimming, arts and crafts, sports, music and much more. Going through camp with other children, getting caring and support from experienced camp counselors, and just having fun can help children discover their own strength and help them just be children.  Doctors and nurses from the oncology program are part of the camp. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society or see your social worker, nurse, or child life specialist for more information.

Make a Wish Canada
Do special things for children with cancer.  These non-profit organizations are dedicated to fulfilling a favorite wish of children aged 3-17 years.  Ask your social worker or nurse for more details.

Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada
Provides entertainment; education and family activities that help children cope with a serious illness.  Starlight has a lot of outpatient, hospital-based, and web activities that support children and families — from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment. 

BC Family Residence ProgramWest Coast Kids Cancer Foundation

The BC Family Residence Program provides accommodation assistance to enable families to stay together when their child requires medical care at BC Children's Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, including premature babies and newborns with other health concerns. Enhanced travel assistance is also provided through air transportation for patients of all ages.‎

Children who have had treatment for cancer may find it challenging to go back to school. A child may have side effects that teachers should know about. They may look different and may have lower energy. Having a brain tumour can affect your child’s learning. 

The most important part of sending your child back to school is to plan ahead. This will help make the return to school more successful and supportive for your child, your family, and the school.

There are resources to help plan for your child’s return to and ongoing support at school. Your nurse clinician in the outpatient clinic can give you information that can help going back to school easier. 

Monkey in My Chair Program

Through the program, each child is provided with a "monkey kit" which includes a big stuffed monkey that takes their place in school when they can't be there. It includes a backpack and a book to help teachers explain to students the situation their classmate is facing along with other items that can be utilized with the child and/or their classmates. This kit is free of charge for kids aged 4-11 years old.

School Support 

Guidance for school personnel, parents

Taking a Closer Look
Reintegrating Students with Brain Injury Back to School in BC

Teaching Students with Acquired Brain Injury
A Resource Guide for Schools

Ministry of Children and Family 
Children and Youth with Special Needs

BC Brain Injury Association
Improving the quality of life for all Canadians affected by acquired brain injury and promoting its prevention.

• She Defines Strength
  A non-profit organization that seeks to foster community and support for young female cancer fighters, survivors, and their champions. 
  
• Cancer Connect: Learn, Share and Connect with other teens dealing with cancer
• Re-Mission: Discover the game for young adults living with cancer 
• Teen Info on Cancer: Make friends, write a blog, and share your experiences of cancer with others
  

• Family Handbook for Children with Cancer has been developed by Children’s Oncology Group. It is an excellent source of information and is given to parents when their child has been diagnosed with cancer.
  
• Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Patient and Family Resources
  
• Chemo to the rescue; a children's book about leukemia 
  

‎‎Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation 

They have two types of scholarships for Childhood Cancer Survivors. 

Balding for Dollars 
Bursary and Education Program provides bursaries that support the advancement of knowledge, skills and education for survivors of childhood cancer or blood disorders who are (or were) involved in the BC Children's Hospital oncology, hematology and bone marrow transplant program.

Adolescent survivors of cancer can have many feelings when they finish high school.  Finishing high school has been a big challenge for your child, and he/she has likely worked hard to get there.  But, life after high school and worry about what this life might look like can be confusing and concerning.

Vocational Support might be a useful resource for your child.  Vocational counselors work with people to help them find jobs that fit well with their strengths and challenges.  They can help your child prepare for applying for jobs and interviews. 

GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Has a vocational rehabilitation program for young adults. The program helps them work on barriers that people with disabilities may face.  This program aims to prepare people for work by helping with job skills and preparation. To find out more, ask your neuro-oncology nurse clinician.

West Coast Group (WCG)
Helps people with disabilities in British Columbia develop skills and independence and helps them learn how to be part of the workplace.

Open Door Group
Supports employers to hire persons with physical disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Over 80% of children with cancer are now cured of their disease. Along with excellent survival rates, achieving optimal quality of life is important. Studies have shown that at least 65% of adult survivors of childhood cancer develop late health effects from their disease and/or treatment. Close follow-up of patients post treatment for potential problems allows cancer survivors to enjoy full and active lives.

Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future (3rd Edition, 2012)  By Kathy Ruccione, Nancy Keen and Wendy Hobbie. 

‎