Post-Treatment Path
Author: Emily Burtwistle
Diagnosis: Ganglioglioma (at age 7)
My name is Emily Burtwistle, and I am a recent graduate of the Child Studies program at the University of Guelph, and I will be starting at Western University to pursue my Bachelor of Education. While I am not a poet, I felt passionate about sharing this poem I wrote to shed light on some post-treatment struggles that may resonate with others.
I was diagnosed with my tumour at the age of seven, and I’ve been in “remission” since 2012. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to be in remission, and how sad I am that some friends are no longer here to celebrate that milestone themselves. That said, “survivorship” has brought many unforeseen challenges that I have had to adapt to—from insecurity and anxiety to depression over not feeling like a “normal” teen. Each MRI and follow-up appointment, and each academic or accessibility issue (for example, I have a special waiver from the Ministry of Transportation that allows me to drive with reduced vision), reminds me that I am still on this journey.
The world expects I now should fly—
But most days, I’m just getting by.
The reason that I decided to share this vulnerable poem is to spread awareness that the journeys of childhood cancer patients are not over when treatment ends. Each with our own battles, we continue on our post-treatment paths, working through various challenges. Finally, I would like to dedicate this poem to my parents, who stood painstakingly beside me through every step of this journey, and try to understand how I am feeling as I navigate life after cancer treatment.
Post-Treatment Path
They supported me through and cheered me loud,
Called me a fighter, brave and proud.
The war was won, or so they say,
But battles still wake me every day.
I walk through new doors with shadowed feet,
Despite happier times, the echoes meet.
Yes, joy now blooms in daily things—
A nature hike, the way hope sings.
Yet underneath each golden hue,
Are silent fears I can't undo.
A body “healed” is not a whole,
When scars still tremble in the soul.
I chase each new horizon with eager wings,
Bound by unseen, aching strings.
The world expects I now should fly—
But most days, I’m just getting by.
This shell that looks like "doing well"
Still houses storms I cannot tell.
My limbs may move, my smile may stay,
But pain and panic cloud the way.
A “simple” task can feel like war,
A crowded road, a locking door.
Anxiety—a ghost I knew—
Now paints the present in its hue.
It whispers, “Don’t. You might break again.”
And leaves me frozen, trapped within.
And when the fear is much too loud,
It pulls me under towards the ground.
From trembling nerves to aching chest,
Depression drapes me into rest.
The ones I love—they often miss
The cracks behind the hopeful kiss.
They see my light, not how it fades
Behind a smile that masquerades.
My family dreams I’ll soar so high—
But never ask just how hard I try.
They mean it well, but don’t quite see
The weight of their hopes crushing me.
Anxiety from work, relationships, or school,
Somehow, I always seem to fool—
All those around me who could help,
This grieving soul to find herself.
Each “You can do it” stings my skin
When they don’t know the state I’m in.
I want to live, to leap, to dare—
But I still limp despite my prayers.
Yet in this ache, a truth remains:
That growth still blooms in hidden pains.
The joy I feel is real and bright,
But coexists with quiet fright.
So hear me not as weak or small,
I’ve risen, yes—but still I crawl.
The post-treatment path is feeling long,
A melody of grief and song.
But every step, no matter how slow,
Is proof I strive, is proof I grow.
From Survivor to Researcher: Exploring Life After Childhood Cancer
Interviewer: Rachel Martin, POGO Counsellor
Interviewee: Josh McGonegal, PhD candidate, childhood cancer survivor
Written from the perspective of interviewer Rachel Martin
When I think of research, I think of numbers and long-winded articles written in a language that is difficult to understand. For Josh McGonegal, research has become something much more: a way to find meaning, connection with others, and hope for the future.
Josh’s life changed when he was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager, and it changed again when his family moved to the northern town of Elliot Lake. The move took him six hours away from his friends, community, and medical care. Josh shared that it was difficult to make friends while also navigating the effects of his treatment as an older teenager. Although he was no longer on active treatment, he described the additional stress of having to travel back south to attend his follow-up appointments.
Attending university gave him a way to get back to his home community, but it came with new challenges, including navigating which supports and accommodations he needed to be academically successful. Josh expressed gratitude for his School and Work Transitions Counsellor, who validated his experiences and helped guide him through the system. While in school, he volunteered with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and joined a local support group. Eventually, he started leading some of these groups. It was here that a professional suggested he look into the field of social work.
Although research was not what he originally envisioned for his life, he found himself enjoying the mandatory research class in his third year of his undergraduate degree. He got connected with the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology. Around that time, he also began to struggle with the demands of his school placement. Unfortunately, the workload couldn't be reduced to accommodate his needs. But hope returned when a professor invited him to join a research project to complete his placement credit. Josh has been involved in research ever since, and he shared that it allowed him the flexibility to work at his own pace.
"Together is the only way to make it better."
Fast forward several years: Josh is now back in Northern Ontario, pursuing his PhD at Laurentian University. Two years in, he’s currently recruiting participants for his study, which explores the follow-up care experiences and evolving sense of identity among adult survivors of childhood cancer living in the north. Through this work, he hopes to highlight not just the challenges of accessing medical care, cancer-specific programs, and peer support—but also the limited awareness many survivors have of these services.
A key goal of Josh’s research is to help healthcare providers better understand the realities of survivorship in Northern Ontario, where geography, travel distances, and infrastructure can have a major impact on care and quality of life. Ultimately, he hopes his findings will improve support for the next generation of survivors.
Because this is a qualitative study, Josh is collecting stories—not numbers. He emphasized that he isn’t just tracking how many follow-up appointments someone attends. What makes his research special is the way it focuses on the full person. Josh wants to understand people’s day-to-day experience of wellness—mental, social, and emotional—as it relates to survivorship in the north.
Josh noted that young adulthood is often viewed as a time of health and freedom. But his cancer diagnosis complicated this stage of life. He spent his early adulthood attending medical appointments and learning to accept the changes to his brain and body that treatment had brought. Like many survivors, Josh said he struggled with self-esteem and identity. Connecting with other survivors—people who “get it”—helped him feel less alone and more anchored in community. He cited the first POGO conference he attended, as well as the S2S group, as especially meaningful. He also spoke to the unique experience of being diagnosed as a child versus as an adult.
Now, Josh hopes his research can help extend that sense of connection to other survivors living in the north. Whether it’s connection to people or to services, he wants to understand how survivors are taking care of their whole selves in adulthood—and where the gaps might be. Josh wants people to know that every story matters. Even if your experience feels small, it’s still a piece of the larger puzzle he’s trying to complete. And if you’ve ever done a puzzle, you know how important every last piece is.
By participating in Josh’s research, you can help complete the picture of what life is like for adult survivors of childhood cancer in Northern Ontario—including their experiences with aftercare—and contribute to improving long-term supports for future survivors.
If you’re interested in participating and live in Northern Ontario, Josh encourages you to email him directly at jmcgonegal1@laurentian.ca. The study involves signing a consent form and completing a virtual interview, which takes about an hour. Josh is happy to make accommodations to help ensure the interview is accessible and successful. As a thank-you, participants will receive an Amazon gift card. And as with any study, you’re free to withdraw at any time.
Being an adult survivor of childhood cancer is a unique experience, and living in northern Ontario adds another layer to this. If you are eligible, please consider sharing your story with Josh so he can put together a picture of what aftercare looks like in this area.
As Josh states “Together is the only way to make it better.”
Counsellor, POGO Transitions Program
Inked Warrior – My Healing Story
Author: Glenda Gilbert
My name is Glennda Gilbert, and I am a three-time cancer warrior! My cancer journey began when I was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma at 13. I now live with metal from my hip to my knee in my right leg.
Much later, doctors discovered I have a rare genetic mutation called MUTYH, which increases my risk of certain cancers. In my 30s, I was diagnosed with schwannoma, and later, clear cell carcinoma.
Nothing has healed my broken spirit the way my ink has
After recovering from those cancers and treatment, moving forward required not just medical monitoring, but internal healing, too. I’ve done both yearly tests and counselling for PTSD. Defying all odds has left scars which I’ve learned to live with. One way I have found helpful for my healing is my tattoos.
I didn’t start getting tattoos until my mid- to late-thirties. I was never someone who wore dresses or makeup, and never really felt like I belonged. My tattoos have given me a path to closure, healing, and helped me figure out who I am. They have helped me add colour to a dark world. They are a way of talking without talking, they are my amour and my storybook on my skin.
My tattoos show my story of lost loved ones, pride in progress and beauty in the darkness I never thought would pass. These are my favourites:
- Zombie on my back (not pictured) represents my experience with both hospital food and chemo.
- Crests on my chest for each of my parents, who did their best to help me through my first battle. (My other two cancer battles I kept to myself as my family had faced enough.)
- Alice in Wonderland on my leg. This was my favourite childhood story. Sometimes we need to escape reality, even if for a short time.
- Firecracker on my arm. This speaks for itself!
- The lantern on my neck shows the light in the darkness of the storm. I’ve been walking in a storm my whole life, but in any storm, light can break through.
Nothing has healed my broken spirit the way my ink has. It has made me feel brave, beautiful and powerful. This is my story, worn for all to see. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.
STAY WARRIOR STRONG!
*Glennda has worked with London, Ontario, tattoo artist Dave Schultz since the beginning of her journey. She has also come in top 10 and top 2 in her category for Inked Magazine’s contest for the past two years.
Friendships Through it All
Author: Patrick Evans
I was just 15, living a pretty average teenage life. I played sports. I was lucky to have a great group of friends who made everything better, and that became even more apparent with what was about to happen next.
When we got that call from the hospital, my stomach dropped. Even before the doctor got to the point, I was already panicking, wondering what my next few months would look like. I was told I had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer that primarily affects the lymphatic system.
I knew I wasn’t doing this alone...
Hearing the word “cancer” out loud felt unreal. I didn’t know if I was going to be okay, how serious it was, or how my life would change. On top of this, it was May, a month before school ended and my friends and I had plans for parties, camping, bike rides, and staying out late. It was supposed to be the best summer ever. Instead, it felt like it was about to be the worst.
After that, things moved very quickly. I was going to the hospital almost every day. The first month was brutal. I was tired and didn’t even feel like myself anymore. Thankfully, there was one thing that kept me going.
My birthday was coming up. My hair had already started falling out, and it was stressing me out more than I thought it would. I decided to take control and buzz it off, but what happened next changed everything.
A few of my friends showed up to surprise me for my birthday. That alone made my day. But then they all took off their hats—and every one of them had shaved their heads too. I was speechless. It brought me to tears because for the first time in a while, I felt genuinely happy.
From that day on, something changed in me. My spirit and sense of hope were higher than ever. I still had tough days, but I had this new kind of energy in me. I knew I wasn’t doing this alone, and that made all the difference.
During treatment, my friends helped bring back some much-needed normality to my life. There were even nights when I forgot I was sick. Those moments were everything to me. When I think back on that summer, yeah, I remember the chemo, the needles, and the exhaustion, but more than that, I remember those nights with my friends. That’s what I believe helped me get through it all.
Looking back now, I don’t just see cancer. I see my friends stepping up in a way I’ll never forget. I see a version of myself who kept showing up every day, even when it was hard. I see how love and loyalty can help you through the darkest times. What I went through changed me. But it also showed me just how powerful friendship can be.
And honestly, I think that’s what saved me.
On the Tip of the Toes Adventure: A Journey of Healing and Connection
Author: Holley Stuart
Diagnosis: Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Age of diagnosis: 16
In May 2025, I embarked on a unique adventure hosted by the On the Tip of the Toes (Sur la Pointe des Pieds) Foundation, which has been offering therapeutic adventures to young people living with cancer since 1996. Each year, they organize several expeditions designed to support healing the mind, heart, and soul.
I had the privilege of participating in the 79th expedition, a four-day, off-grid canoe trip on the Poisson Blanc (White Fish) Reservoir in Quebec. Our group hailed from various parts of Canada: six from Quebec, one from Alberta, one from British Columbia, and me from Ontario. This bilingual (English/French) voyageur canoe trip included nine participants and nine expedition team members who made the experience unforgettable.
This adventure was truly transformative
The expedition team members took care of every detail, including delicious meals, proper campsites, transportation for our belongings, and the necessary medical support. They also blogged our adventures and supported our mental health by encouraging us to share and listen to each other, as well as giving us time to journal.
Before the trip, my emotions were on a rollercoaster—excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. The experience was also phone-free, which in this day and age is hard when our phones are always with us. But without our devices to distract us, we were able to truly connect with each other and the world around us. My adventure began on a Wednesday, when I took my first airplane trip without my family to meet my team, people whom, up until that point, I had only met online. Thursday morning, we headed to base camp to prep our belongings with the items provided by the organization. Over the next few days, we shared our cancer journeys, learned about each other's interests, joked, sang (a lot), and played games.
The Poisson Blanc Reservoir is breathtaking with calm, dark waters and hilly mountains covered in various shades of green. The reservoir is dotted with numerous small islands, some of which are campsites, while others remain untouched. The view seemed to stretch for kilometers.
During the day, we canoed the reservoir to our lunch location and then to our evening campsite. Some highlights: singing songs in the boat, tossing the ball around at lunch, waking up others to the song “Hotel California," and engaging in many conversations. At night, we enjoyed campfires, playing the Loup-Garou game and reflecting on our day.
This adventure was truly transformative. I highly recommend it to others seeking a unique and healing experience.
Conversations With My Mom: A Childhood Cancer Survivor’s Guide to Awkward Health Talks
“Mom, why doesn’t that man have any hair?”
“Can I have a chair with wheel like that lady?”
Ah…the unfiltered curiosity of children. My twin brother and I were masters of asking deeply personal, highly inappropriate questions at the absolute worst times. Our poor mother was (and still is) my go-to person for pretty much everything. Like many parents, I am sure she sometimes dreaded fielding our loud and awkward inquiries in public places, but she always handled it with patience (and the occasional deep sigh).
Fast forward to our teenage years, my mother probably braced herself for awkward questions about puberty, sex or some horrifying combination of the two. But life threw a different kind of curveball: at age 11, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Suddenly, my questions weren’t just embarrassing—they were existential.
“Why is this happening to me?”
“Am I going to die?”
While she did not always have a definitive answer, she answered truthfully and the best she could. And now, more than 20 years post-treatment, I still go to her first when I have a health question.
Which led to the semen sample incident.
One particularly awkward situation came about after my oncologist suggested a fertility test to check if my cancer treatment had affected my ability to have children. Simple enough, right? So, I went to a lab and inquired about giving a semen sample. What follows is the conversation I had on the phone with my mother while walking home (yes, on a busy public street).
Me: Hey, so I went to the lab today about that fertility test. The lady was very clear that I could not provide the sample there.
Mom: (sighs) Jamie, I really don’t need to hear this. (pause) Wait, so they don’t even give you a private room?
Me: Apparently not! Also, I have to abstain for a few days beforehand, and the sample has to be delivered within a specific time frame.
Mom: But you don’t have a car and you won’t make it on time by bus! Oh no. (pause) Can’t they just do it another way? Like, stick a big needle in there?
Me: I really hope not.
Mom: I really don’t need to hear about this… (pause) Anyway, have I told you about my mammograms?
Me: Yes. Repeatedly.
Fertility: The Question No One Wants to Ask
One of the hardest parts of surviving childhood cancer is dealing with the long-term effects—many of which don’t show up until years later. Fertility is a big one. It wasn’t on my 11-year-old mind, but fast forward a couple of decades, and suddenly, it’s a very real concern.
For some childhood cancer survivors, fertility can feel like an unanswered question lurking in the background. The only way to find out is through awkward, slightly mortifying medical tests. It’s not always an easy subject to talk about, but it’s important. Whether you’re considering having kids, exploring options like sperm or egg freezing, or just trying to understand how treatment may have affected you, asking the question is the first step. And if those conversations feel too awkward to have with a doctor, well—there’s always your mom.
Jamie is a childhood cancer survivor who takes pride in his role as Communications Assistant at POGO. His creativity and self-described “weirdness” is reflected in his writing and his presentations at POGO staff meetings. Reading and playing video games would be his well-developed hobbies if only his beloved cat, Lupin, would just give him some alone time.
Finding Your Career Vibe
Author: Emma King
The Difference Between Passion and Purpose and Their Impact on Your Career
As early as age 16, individuals are often encouraged to contemplate their future careers—a decision that carries significant weight and long-term implications. However, being expected to determine your lifelong path at such an early age can be an overwhelming challenge. What happens when you feel lost and are not sure what direction will fulfill you? Whether you are exploring new career paths or redefining your goals, understanding the difference between passion and purpose can provide clarity and direction.
Here are some strategies to help navigate this uncertainty.
Understanding Passion vs. Purpose
Passion is often described as an activity or interest that ignites enthusiasm and brings personal fulfillment. It is what excites you, what you love doing, and what brings you joy in the present moment. Purpose, however, extends beyond individual satisfaction; it is the overarching impact you aspire to make in the world.
Passion fuels motivation, while purpose provides direction and meaning to one's efforts.
For example, if you are passionate about painting, you may find deeper purpose in using art to inspire, heal or connect with others. Passion serves as the emotional drive, while purpose ensures that drive contributes to something greater than oneself.
Strategies for Discovering Your Purpose
Identifying your purpose is a process that requires introspection, experimentation and self-awareness. Here are some effective methods to uncover what truly drives you.
- Self-Reflection: Ask yourself:
- What brings you joy or a sense of accomplishment, even on difficult days?
- What challenges have you overcome, and how did they shape your strengths?
- What impact do you want to have on others?
- Career and Personality Assessments: Personality and aptitude tests can offer valuable insights into your strengths, interests and work preferences. While they may not provide definitive answers, they serve as a foundation for exploring potential career paths aligned with your innate abilities.
- Exploring Volunteer Opportunities: Engaging in volunteer work provides firsthand experience in various fields while allowing you to assess what resonates with you on a deeper level. The key is not just what you volunteer for, but how it makes you feel. If you love baking, consider using that skill for a cause—such as preparing meals for shelters or organizing bake sales to support charitable organizations. Ask yourself: Do you enjoy the creative process? The precision? The joy of sharing your work with others? These small revelations can be instrumental in understanding what truly fulfills you.
- Networking and Mentorship: Speaking with professionals in different industries and seeking guidance from mentors can expose you to career trajectories you may not have previously considered. Learning from others' experiences can offer clarity on potential paths aligned with both your passion and purpose.
Navigating Uncertainty: What If You Don’t Know What You Love?
The commonly stated advice, "Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life," is well-intentioned but often misleading. Many people struggle to pinpoint a singular passion, and that is perfectly normal. Passion is not always innate; rather, it is frequently discovered through exploration, trial and error, and evolving experiences.
If you feel uncertain, allow yourself the freedom to experiment. Engage in various activities, expose yourself to different things and reflect on what consistently brings you fulfillment. Instead of focusing on an immediate answer, embrace the journey of discovery, trusting that clarity will emerge over time.
Conclusion
Both passion and purpose play important roles in growing a fulfilling career. Passion ignites enthusiasm, while purpose offers a sense of contribution and direction. Those who integrate both elements into their professional lives often experience greater long-term satisfaction. If you are unsure of your path, take proactive steps to explore different avenues, seek meaningful experiences and reflect on what genuinely matters to you. Your personal journey has already equipped you with resilience, strength and a unique perspective—qualities that will guide you toward a purposeful and fulfilling career.
Speak with a POGO School and Work Transitions Counsellor if you have questions about what we can offer to support you on your passion and purpose journey.
Our Newest POGO Counsellors!
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A POGO TRANSITIONS COUNSELLOR?
| Rachel: I’m a social worker who previously worked in child protection. I like working with young adults who are in the stage of making their own decisions. | Emma: At a young age, I realized that I wanted to be in a helping role. My dad worked in a dialysis unit and I loved hanging out with the nurses! | Samantha: I have always loved what McMaster Children’s and POGO have done for children. Their work is incredible and I am so grateful to be part of it. |
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
| Rachel: Meeting people in oncology who are very caring. I love to problem-solve! | Emma: One-to-one conversations and hearing client stories inspire me! | Samantha: I genuinely love connecting with my clients and making a meaningful impact on their lives. Helping them navigate their journey and reach their goals is incredibly rewarding, and I celebrate every win along the way! |
WHAT IS THE HARDEST ONCOLOGY WORD/TERMINOLOGY YOU HAVE HAD TO LEARN?
| Rachel: All of them are the hardest two weeks in! | Emma: I’ve already Googled the majority of them. Hepatoblastoma sticks out as the hardest to pronounce. | Samantha: I know lots about oncology terms from past experience and, honestly, it is not easy to learn or understand. I am going to say the hardest thing for me to comprehend is all the codes when they are referring to genetic markers! |
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WORKING WITH SURVIVORS?
| Rachel: How big of an impact childhood cancer has and how resilient the survivors are. | Emma: Working at POGO has made me aware of all the resources and the community within survivorship. A great surprise! | Samantha: People often assume that working with survivors or those in active treatment is always heavy or somber, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are some of the most inspiring, resilient and determined individuals I’ve ever met. Their positivity and “go-getter” energy are truly refreshing, and I feel privileged to witness their strength every day. |
DOGS OR CATS?
| Rachel: Dogs growing up; cats now. As an introvert, I appreciate how they like their time alone versus Velcro dogs! | Emma: Both! | Samantha: Dogs all the way! I have a Frenchie named Gus and he is my soul dog ❤️ I am not a cat hater - but there’s just something about the connection with a dog that is personal to me. Plus, I can’t deal with cats being nocturnal and bouncing around when I’m sleeping! Ha-ha |
WINTER OR SUMMER?
| Rachel: Winter! Hate the heat, humidity and bugs in Sudbury. I also like outdoor Winter activities. | Emma: I’m more of a Spring and Fall person | Samantha: I am a Summer girl. I need a warm breeze, a late sunset and people driving with the windows down, playing some good 80s rock. |
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PUMP-UP SONG RIGHT NOW?
| Rachel: "Sk8er Boi" by Avril Lavigne | Emma: “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish | Samantha: That’s tough… I love a wide range of music, but I can’t help myself when “Timber” by Kesha & Pitbull comes on… it’s goin’ down! |
Stay Tuned for a New Evolution of the S2S Network
Author: Barb Williams
The S2S Network has been an incredible collaboration between survivors, community members and the School and Work Transitions team at POGO. Over the years, we have seen some incredible growth in confidence and skills among the survivors who take part as facilitators and mentors, as well as strong connections within the community at large. We know many of you have found value in attending, whether you attended one session, or you kept coming back for more.
We’re using this opportunity to reflect, refine and reevaluate our programming. Our aim is to centre survivors as experts in the childhood cancer journey, while fostering a stronger, more informed community and general awareness about childhood cancer.
Stay tuned for updates in your inbox and on the POGO website. Whether you’ve been part of S2S before or you’re curious about what’s next, we’re excited to welcome you to the next chapter.
Internships: The ‘Intern’al Route to Success!
“The people were truly what made my experience so amazing, and having been able to work in such a supportive environment has set a precedent for the rest of my career.”
An internship can provide a powerful experience. At its best, it gives students real-world work experience, builds their confidence, helps them explore different careers and enhances their resume and contacts.
When an internship recognizes that childhood cancer survivors can have unique challenges in school and work settings, it can be even more impactful.
That’s why, when Emblem Developments/First Avenue Investment Council wanted to offer more than their ongoing financial support of POGO, they consulted with the School and Work Transitions Program to develop a paid summer internship program for childhood cancer survivors, which launched in 2024.
Author: Helen Antoniades interviewing Maryam Khraishi
Because it is specifically for childhood cancer survivors, Maryam, last year’s intern, says, “It alleviated a pressure that everyone understood what I had been through; there was already an understanding that I needed time for physiotherapy every week and that I had certain mobility difficulties. The program was designed to fill the gaps in my experiential learning caused by missed work while I was undergoing treatment during my university education.”
Maryam had the opportunity to meet professionals in a variety of roles and learn about how an office environment works. She got instructions and feedback that can be applied to her current schooling and future career. And having conversations with staff about career, education and life provided valuable guidance on her future path. Additionally, Maryam says, “The internship being paid allowed me to focus completely on the work and alleviated the financial worries/pressure I had from tuition, rent and living expenses.”
The experience shows what the School and Work Transitions Program already knows: childhood cancer survivors have deep potential and can thrive in a work environment, when given the supports they need. Maryam says, “The people were truly what made my experience so amazing, and having been able to work in such a supportive environment has set a precedent for the rest of my career.”