On Friday, November 7, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) proudly celebrated the recipients of the 2025 POGO Awards. Since their inception in 1999, these awards have recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals across Ontario who are advancing childhood cancer care both within the province and beyond. Through their work in POGO partner hospitals, this year’s honourees embody POGO’s core values of partnership, collaboration, and excellence, and continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth, families, and the broader pediatric oncology community.
Congratulations to the 2025 POGO Recognition Awards recipients: Lillian Sung, MD, PhD, FRCPC Champion Award (not pictured) Sumit Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Sue Zupanec, MN, NP Visionary Award (Team – Tie); Alisha Kassam, MD, MPH, FRCPC and the Southlake AYA Oncology Program Visionary Award (Team – Tie); Rebecca Mackenzie Community Partner Impact Award; Emma King BA, CHYS Early Career Professional; Lindsay Jibb, RN, Phd, CPHON Nursing Leadership Award. They are joined (centre) by POGO CEO Lauren Ettin and POGO Medical Director Donna Johnston.
POGO Champion Award
Lillian Sung, MD, PhD, FRCPC
In tribute to a career of seminal research, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication that has improved childhood cancer care across Ontario and propelled progress worldwide.
POGO Visionary Award – Team (Tie)
Sumit Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Sue Zupanec MN NP
In acknowledgement of their trailblazing contributions that have transformed lives and shaped the future of pediatric leukemia treatment in Ontario and beyond.
POGO Visionary Award – Team (Tie)
Alisha Kassam, MD, MPH, FRCPC and the Southlake AYA Oncology Program
For their commitment to equitable, age-appropriate cancer care for adolescents and young adults in Ontario that has inspired system-wide change.
POGO Nursing Leadership Award
Lindsay Jibb, RN, PhD, CPHON
In recognition of her groundbreaking innovations that have contributed to advancing pediatric oncology nursing in Ontario and beyond.
POGO Early Career Professional Award
Emma King, BA CHYS
In recognition of her patient-centred approach and dedication to adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer.
POGO Community Partner Impact Award
Rebecca McKenzie
In honour of her impact through fundraising, partnership building, and generous support that has powerfully advanced POGO’s mission and serves as an inspiration to others across the province.
Learn more about the POGO Recognition Awards Program