POGO Internship Wrap-Up: Michael’s Journey with First Avenue
This summer, First Avenue Investment Counsel proudly hosted Michael Ciaramitaro as a summer intern as part of their ongoing partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). For Michael, who benefits from POGO’s Aftercare Program, the opportunity to intern with a firm deeply committed to the cause was more than just a learning experience, it was a full-circle moment.
From day one, Michael immersed himself in the world of wealth management and life in the big city. One of his most rewarding projects was presenting multiple investment ideas to the public equities team. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a full-blown research project, where Michael refined his equity research and presentation skills under the mentorship of Brian Madden, Ian Chong and Ethan Cummings.
Reflecting on his challenges, Michael acknowledged that stepping into the unfamiliar world of public equities and learning to navigate the Bloomberg Terminal pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Through curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to ask questions, he gained valuable insights from seasoned professionals at the firm. “I was able to soak up every ounce of knowledge I could, just by listening and watching,” he shared.
The internship also reaffirmed Michael’s career goals. With a strong interest in becoming a financial advisor, he found his passion for client service and community-focused work further validated through this experience. His time with First Avenue highlighted the importance not only of technical skills but also of relationships, teamwork, and giving back. Michael spoke warmly about the culture of the firm, describing it as a “work hard, play hard family.” Whether in team meetings or team socials, he saw firsthand how collaboration and camaraderie are woven into the workplace.
Perhaps most meaningful to Michael was the chance to see the impact of community partnerships from a new perspective. Having relied on POGO’s support himself, he was able to contribute to the fundraising and advocacy efforts that support children, youth and families impacted by childhood cancer. “Being on this side of the relationship was eye-opening for me,” he said. “It reinforced my commitment to staying actively involved in supporting these missions as I grow in my career.”
Leah Boyd, President of First Avenue Investment Counsel, reflected on the importance of hosting interns like Michael:
“Our partnership with POGO is about more than fundraising, it’s about investing in the next generation. With this internship program, our goal is to provide childhood cancer survivors with the tangible skills and confidence they need to thrive in any professional setting. Michael brought passion, positivity, and a unique perspective to our team, and we’re proud to have been part of his journey. His story reminds us why community partnerships matter and how they shape not just careers, but lives.”
As Michael looks ahead, he plans to continue giving back to causes like POGO through advocacy, professional contributions, and perhaps one day serving on a board. For now, he leaves his internship with new skills, lasting relationships, and memories that include everything from pitching investment ideas to team socials.
About The Author:
First Avenue Investment Counsel Inc. (First Avenue) is a Canadian firm specializing in investment management and multi-family office services. The firm’s pension-style investment approach, inclusive of equities, fixed income, and proprietary alternatives, is designed to help clients achieve their unique financial goals. Acting as trusted partners and investing alongside their clients, First Avenue aligns financial success with individual values and long-term aspirations. Committed to excellence and a personalized approach, the firm provides guidance with clarity and confidence throughout the wealth planning journey. First Avenue also fosters a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to pursue their ambitions and make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) and every year, POGO raises awareness of both the progress made and opportunities ahead in caring for children and youth with cancer, survivors and their families. But, as we all know, ”awareness” does not start and stop in September. Childhood cancer is unique to adult cancer—often no clear cause, and different in type and the intensity of treatment on growing and developing bodies. This is why POGO was founded. Guided by Ontario’s Childhood Cancer Care Plan, POGO works with our hospital partners to sustain a world-class system of care, that supports families—from the point of their child’s diagnosis when they meet their POGO Interlink Nurse, through treatment with care closer to home at one of nine POGO Satellite Clinics, and well into survivorship with health monitoring at a POGO AfterCare Clinic and counselling through the POGO School and Work Transitions Program.
Young people and their families in Ontario need our support: close to 500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year; over 4,500 families have a child in cancer treatment or follow-up care; and 2 of every 3 survivors are at an increased risk of long-term effects of their cancer or treatment. We are grateful for the support we receive to further our mission to ensure the best care for all those impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Show Your Support During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Share our social media posts, especially our new “Beyond Myths” campaign, addressing some of the most common “myth-perceptions” about childhood cancer.
- Like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Tag us whenever you’re participating in an event in support of our work.
- Make a difference through our LINKED for Life campaign. Every $5 donation adds a virtual paper chain link symbolizing our united commitment.
- Share what you’re doing for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month using the hashtags #CCAM, #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth.
Facing Stage 4 Cancer at Just Two Months Old
By Ruveena Mariathas
When Mallika was born, we thought she was just a fussy baby. She cried every night, and we took turns holding her upright while sleeping on the couch. Several visits to walk-in clinics indicated she had colic. But when she stopped having wet diapers and bowel movements, we knew it was something
more serious.
At just two months old Mallika was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma. Her treatment began almost immediately—aggressive chemotherapy that had us constantly travelling to downtown Toronto, me with no income and bills piling up.
Our POGO Interlink Nurse connected us to POGO’s Financial Assistance Program and handled the paperwork during a time when everything felt overwhelming. On her regular visits to our home, she always took time to check in o
n our older daughter, Ashwana, to make sure she was coping with her sister being sick and her parents being away so often at the hospital.
Eventually, we were able to move part of Mallika’s care to the POGO Satellite Clinic at Scarborough Health Network. Being close to home meant we could sleep in our own beds, spend more time with Ashwana, and bring Mallika in for her daily chemotherapy without the added pressure of a long commute. The Satellite Clinic is a warm and welcoming environment, and the nurses became like family—they knew her well, noticed small changes and helped us through some scary moments, including a serious episode of dehydration.
Mallika has had surgery to remove her bladder and now needs daily catheterization, which means we have to use a tube to keep her wounds from closing. When she turns five, doctors plan to create a neobladder—a surgically constructed bladder to help restore some normal function. Despite all she’s faced, she’s full of energy and steadily catching up on her milestones.
Mallika rang the bell at the clinic to mark the end of treatment. Our POGO nurse cried. We cried. After everything we’d been through, it felt like we could finally breathe.
Childhood Cancer Care Expanded to Northwestern Ontario
POGO Satellite and Interlink Programs Bring Childhood Cancer Care Closer to Home
at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Thunder Bay, ON, June 4, 2025 – Today, childhood cancer care closer to home became a reality for families living in Northwestern Ontario with the launch of two new Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) programs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Expansion of the POGO Satellite and Interlink Nursing programs at TBRHSC was made possible thanks to funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
For childhood cancer patients and their families in the Northwest, much of their care is provided at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. The establishment of the POGO programs at TBRHSC means fewer trips to London and more time at home with their support network of family and friends and less disruption to school and work.
“It was important for us to be at Thunder Bay Regional for the launch of these POGO programs,” said Drago and Shanley Pavletic of Thunder Bay, whose son was treated at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. “We know firsthand what it means to be away from home while our child was in treatment. Now, parents won’t always have to leave their jobs or split their families apart. You can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind.”
POGO now coordinates childhood cancer care at nine Satellite Clinics in community hospitals across the province. The multidisciplinary healthcare team in the POGO Clinic at TBRHSC includes doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers, and provides a range of high-quality pediatric cancer services.
The POGO Interlink Nurse will be assigned to families at diagnosis, connecting them to services they need, whether in the hospital or community. The POGO Interlink Nurse may also visit the child’s school to share information about the child’s cancer journey with teachers and the child’s or their sibling’s classmates.
“POGO programs provide wrap-around care and support to children and families from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship, and, when needed, end-of-life care,” said Lauren Ettin, POGO CEO. “Expansion of the POGO Satellite Clinic and Interlink programs to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre signals meaningful change for local families and fulfills an important objective of Ontario’s five-year Childhood Cancer Care Plan, to bring care closer to home. We are honoured to partner with the incredible teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre to meet the needs of children with cancer and their families in Northwestern Ontario.”
“We are proud to join the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) as an official Satellite Clinic,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI). “This designation marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of care for children and families facing cancer in Northwestern Ontario. Through this partnership with POGO and the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, we will be able to offer more comprehensive and coordinated care closer to home. Our interdisciplinary teams, including a dedicated Interlink Nurse, will guide families through every stage of the pediatric cancer journey—reducing travel burdens, supporting continuity of care, and helping to improve health outcomes. Most importantly, children can now receive specialized treatment right here in Thunder Bay, enabling families to remain together during a challenging time.”
“The launch of the POGO Satellite and Interlink programs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a significant milestone for childhood cancer care in Northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, head of paediatric hematology and oncology at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “At Children’s Hospital, we are dedicated to extending our specialized care and support to families in this region. By bringing these vital services closer to home, we help to ensure our young patients receive the same high-quality care they would at Children’s Hospital, but within their own community. This initiative not only alleviates the physical and emotional strain on families, but also strengthens our mission to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across the region.”
In video remarks, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones spoke on behalf of Premier Ford and the entire government saying, “I would like to congratulate the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, along with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, as you launch your POGO Satellite Clinic in Thunder Bay. This marks an important milestone with the expansion of world-class childhood cancer care in Northwestern Ontario. Thank you again to POGO and all your partners for everything you do to support children impacted by childhood cancer and their family.”
About Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. POGO partners to achieve an excellent childhood cancer care system for children, youth, survivors, and their families and healthcare teams, in Ontario and beyond. POGO champions childhood cancer care, and as the collective voice of this community, is the official advisor to Ontario’s Ministry of Health on children’s cancer control and treatment. POGO is a non-profit organization with charitable status, here for kids with cancer, for now, for life.
About Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), a 425-bed academic specialized acute care facility, is a national leader in Patient and Family Centred Care. As the only tertiary care provider in Northwestern Ontario, we provide comprehensive services to a population of over 250,000 residents in a region the size of France. Effectively addressing the health care needs of patients and families has earned us both Innovation Awards and Leading Practice Designations. As an academic health sciences centre, we teach the next generation of health care providers and advance medical research. Patients benefit from interprofessional teams of dedicated health care providers and access to leading-edge medical technology and clinical trials. To fulfill its teaching and research strategic goals, TBRHSC is supported by Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) as a not-for-profit and independent research corporation. TBRHRI is the research arm of TBRHSC and seeks to lead research to improve the health outcome of the people of Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
About London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre has been at the forefront of medicine in Canada for 145 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, the Kidney Care Centre, two family medical centres, and two research institutes – Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 65 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital’s nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca.
Shaping My Career Path: My Internship Experience at First Avenue and EMBLEM
When I reflect on summer 2024, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to have interned with POGO corporate partners First Avenue and EMBLEM. As a childhood cancer survivor and POGO Ambassador, my journey has been anything but predictable, and every step—every hurdle—has led me to where I am today.
When Your Brain Tumour Can’t Be Cured: Watch Maryam’s Story
From day one, my experience was defined by the incredible people I worked alongside. Each interaction provided me with advice, support and insight that have been both emotionally fulfilling and invaluable for my career.
This internship gave me a chance to expand my professional skills in unexpected ways. My projects ranged from marketing to office operations to event organization. I learned how to refine contact lists, update business continuity plans and contribute to the introduction of AI tools in the workplace, like Copilot. I created budgets and plans for summer social activities, and I was particularly pleased to support the inaugural annual fundraiser, Pickleball for POGO—an organization that has been invaluable to me in my cancer journey.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this internship was the chance to explore new areas and grow as a professional. I improved my communication skills, learned to navigate new technologies and gained a better understanding of work-life balance. As someone managing personal health commitments alongside a full-time role, this balance was a challenge—but one I learned to navigate with the support of my teams at First Avenue and EMBLEM.
Finally, I want to thank POGO, First Avenue and EMBLEM, and everyone who made this internship possible. The experience was transformative, and I left with deeper confidence in my ability to thrive in professional settings.
To future interns: take every opportunity to grow, connect and learn. You never know where it might lead!
Maryam Khraishi is a POGO Ambassador and proud first intern of the First Avenue and EMBLEM Internship Program. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 intern.
In 2024, First Avenue Investment Counsel and EMBLEM Developments pledged $100,000 to POGO. Their commitment to childhood cancer care extended beyond their financial commitment to include an annual fundraising event, Pickleball for POGO, and an annual summer internship for a youth who has survived cancer and benefitted from POGO support. The First Avenue and EMBLEM Internship Program provides invaluable work experience and aims to help bridge the educational gap caused by childhood cancer. Interns receive one-on-one mentorship, gain office experience and business skills, get to work on a value-added project in an area of interest, and receive the opportunity to present their project to leaders at the end of their internship.
2024 POGO Symposium Speakers Share Insights from their Sessions
The 2024 POGO Multidisciplinary Symposium on Childhood Cancer headed to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where Ontario’s pediatric oncology community, which included representatives from POGO partner hospitals, gathered to learn, collaborate and connect.
Over 15 healthcare professionals across various disciplines presented on a range of topics. Here are some session recaps.
Ceilidh Eaton Russell from McMaster University spoke about “good parenting” when a child is seriously ill, sharing insights from oncology parents to offer practical strategies to support families affected by childhood cancer.
Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed from the University of Calgary focused on the important role of nutrition and exercise throughout a child’s cancer treatment.
Dr. Theodore Laetsch from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia addressed recent successes in developing new treatments for pediatric solid tumours and their profound impact on patient care.
Chantal St. Jules from The Hospital for Sick Children discussed the unique experiences of autistic children and youth with cancer, providing strategies to incorporate trauma-based and developmental supports into their care.
Dr. David Teachey from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia highlighted new therapies and immunotherapies to improve outcomes for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Dr. Jennifer Seelisch from London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) delved into the exploration and utilization of immuno-oncology therapy to treat Hodgkin Lymphoma and the potential to reduce the use of standard chemotherapy and radiation and their late effects.
Dr. Joerg Krueger from The Hospital for Sick Children talked about the challenges of access to cellular therapies and the initiatives to ensure that children in Canada have access to them in the future.
How Jules's Stomachache Led to Childhood Cancer Care at a POGO Satellite Clinic
Our daughter Juliana, or Jules as we call her, seemed perfectly fine until one day at the park, she suddenly doubled over in pain while running. She lay with me for about 15 minutes, crying and telling me her tummy hurt. Later that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, so we went to the emergency room where they ran a few tests and set an appointment for an ultrasound and x-ray the next day. I was worried it might be her appendix.
It was early in the pandemic and my husband, Tom, wasn't allowed to come with us to the appointment. Jules seemed fine—full of energy, even jumping around in the room. But when the radiologist asked if anyone in the parking lot was waiting for me, my heart sank. They asked Jules to go colour at the nurses' station. I got Tom on speakerphone, and then they told us—our little girl had a growth on her kidney. They said it was most likely a Wilms tumour, which was later confirmed. We were immediately referred to SickKids in Toronto. I was told to return to our home in Georgetown, pack a bag, and get to the hospital for Jules to be admitted and wait for the next steps.
We quickly arranged for my parents to take care of our other two children, James and Emma, while we headed to Toronto. We met with the surgeon two days later, and three days after that, Jules was in surgery to remove the tumour along with one of her kidneys and some lymph nodes.
After the surgery, Jules started weekly chemotherapy and a few days of radiation treatment. Once settled into her chemotherapy regimen, our oncologist suggested we continue her treatment closer to home at the POGO Satellite Clinic at Credit Valley Hospital. This meant we only needed to return to Toronto every three weeks. At first, we were nervous about the change. But the oncologist reassured us that we would love the POGO Satellite Clinic—and we did.
It wasn’t just about being closer to home, though that made a massive difference for our family. The POGO Satellite Clinic became a place where we felt supported and cared for. The staff—especially Jose, Lindsay and Alex—became like family. They were always willing to do whatever was needed, including staying late when Jules had a fever. They even rescheduled one of her treatments so she could start Senior Kindergarten on the first day with her classmates. That small gesture meant the world to her.
POGO's support went beyond medical care. Our POGO Interlink Nurse offered to talk to Jules’s class about her cancer. Ultimately, they arranged a virtual meeting with her school administrators and teachers to discuss how to best support her, including helping with sunscreen since chemotherapy made her more sensitive to the sun.
Jules is doing well today. She loves school, playing with her friends and Taylor Swift. Her check-ups have stretched from every three months to every six; eventually, they'll be yearly. She will be monitored for life at a POGO AfterCare Clinic. We're grateful every day for POGO's support. They turned a terrifying experience into something more manageable, always making sure we felt supported along the way.
Bruce Power and supplier partners donate $100,000 to Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
Bruce Power and its supplier partners continue to support those impacted by childhood cancer by combining to donate $100,000 to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).
Bruce Power and supplier donations enable POGO to continue to build the best childhood cancer research and care systems for impacted youth and their families. POGO programs include financial assistance for families in need, transitions counselling and much needed continued research in the field.
“Through the generous commitment of Bruce Power and its Supplier Partners, we are making a meaningful difference in the childhood cancer community,” said Shannon Caskey, POGO’s Chief Development Officer. “Their investment enables us to extend our reach, innovate, and drive programs and services that benefit patients, survivors, families, and health care professionals throughout Ontario.”
Originally published on the Bruce Power website, September 25, 2024
Pat Dalzell, Bruce Power’s Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Market Development, said the company and its partners are happy to be able to help.
“We are committed to supporting POGO with its impressive cancer care efforts. With cancer rates rising worldwide and its devastating impact on children and their families, we are proud to support an organization that provides impacted Ontario families with the care and comfort they need,” Dalzell said.
Bruce Power and its employees are also proud of their role as a global supplier of medical isotopes, which are used in various forms of cancer treatment and the sterilization of medical equipment.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world.
Congratulations to the 2024 POGO Recognition Awards Recipients
On Friday, November 8, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) honoured the recipients of the 2024 POGO Recognition Awards at a Celebratory Dinner. Established in 1999, the awards acknowledge significant contributions of Ontarians to the field of childhood cancer care in Ontario and beyond. Award recipients work in POGO partner hospitals and demonstrate POGO’s core values of partnership, collaboration and excellence.
POGO Champion Award
Lee Dupuis, RPh, PhD
Pediatric Oncologist, Senior Scientist, Professor, Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children
In recognition of her dedication to improving the lives of childhood cancer patients, exceptional leadership in supportive care, and commitment to those she mentors and all with whom she collaborates, in Ontario and beyond.
POGO Visionary Award
Ian M. Wilson, MD
Pediatrician, Grand River Hospital
In recognition of his integral role in shaping the vision for the POGO Satellite Clinic Program, bringing childhood cancer care closer to home for families in communities across Ontario.
POGO Nursing Leadership Award
Tina Hamalainen, RN, BScN
POGO Interlink Team Leader, The Hospital for Sick Children
In recognition of her commitment to a patient-centred approach to childhood cancer care that improves the lives of young people and their families, and to a culture of learning in support of pediatric oncology teams.
POGO Community Partner Impact
The Slaight Family Foundation
In recognition of their exceptional and longstanding commitment to childhood cancer care, and landmark investment of $1,000,000 in the POGO School and Work Transitions Program.
Learn more about the POGO Recognition Awards Program
Premier Ford and Minister Jones join POGO to launch new roadmap to strengthen Ontario’s world-class childhood cancer care system
Ontario’s new five-year Childhood Cancer Care Plan, produced by the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) and its partners, builds on strong, province-wide coordination to deliver wrap-around care and support for children, youth, survivors and families at every step of the childhood cancer journey.
September 23, 2024, Toronto, ON – Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones recently joined POGO to launch the Childhood Cancer Care Plan: A Roadmap for Ontario 2024-2029. Published by POGO and its partners, the Plan leverages strong collaboration and coordination across the province to ensure wrap-around care and support for children and youth with cancer, survivors and families at every step of the childhood cancer journey. With support from the Government of Ontario, this new roadmap will continue to strengthen the province’s world-class childhood cancer system.
“Unfortunately, too many families here in Ontario are faced with the harsh reality of childhood cancers,” says Premier Doug Ford. “It's a terrible disease that impacts not just the children, but their entire family. We're incredibly grateful for the outstanding work that POGO does to support these families, ensuring they have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.”
“We thank POGO for your dedication, for your leadership and collaboration, for everything you do to support children and their families facing a cancer diagnosis,” says Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “I look forward to our continued work to ensure families have access to the best possible treatment and care throughout their journey.”
POGO works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. Informed by diverse voices from across the childhood cancer community, the Plan has priorities which focus on bringing care closer to home, ensuring survivor well-being, harnessing data, improving access to drugs and therapies, and enhancing the availability of mental health and financial supports for families.
Sam Taylor’s daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, at age 10. “Shortly after Ellie’s diagnosis, we were connected with a POGO Interlink Nurse, an invaluable resource who guided us through the hospital system and helped us understand the unfamiliar world of childhood cancer,” says Sam Taylor. “Through her visits to our home and Ellie’s school, we knew we were in good hands. And when the time was right, the nurse helped us with the transition to care closer to home at the POGO Satellite Clinic at our local community hospital. This meant more time for Ellie with her friends and brother and a lot less time on the road. The POGO Satellite quickly became a second home for our family—an inviting place with an incredible staff where Ellie felt safe and relaxed, and where we, as her parents, felt reassured that she was receiving the best possible care.”
“Ontario’s childhood cancer care system is considered one of the best in the world, and we have the opportunity to make it even better by addressing current challenges and thinking ahead to navigate future demands,” says James Scongack, Chair of the POGO Board of Directors. “On behalf of POGO and our partners, I want to thank the Government of Ontario for its support, and its commitment to improving the lives of thousands of kids and families across Ontario dealing with this devastating disease.”
“There is exceptional pride in the quality and accessibility of Ontario’s childhood cancer care system. This is made possible by a shared vision of excellence across our incredible community,” says Lauren Ettin, Chief Executive Officer of POGO. “Working together, we can continue building on our collective success, so that children and youth with cancer, survivors and families can count on having the treatments, resources and supports they need, now – and for life.”
Download and share the Childhood Cancer Care Plan: A Roadmap for Ontario 2024-2029.
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About Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. We partner to achieve an excellent childhood cancer care system for children, youth, survivors, and their families and healthcare teams, in Ontario and beyond. POGO champions childhood cancer care, and as the collective voice of this community, is the official advisor to Ontario’s Ministry of Health on children’s cancer control and treatment. POGO is a non-profit organization with charitable status, here for kids with cancer, for now, for life.
Media Contact
Jacqui DeBique
Senior Manager, Communications
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
416-592-1232 ext. 266