September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness and express support for the children and youth with cancer, survivors of childhood cancer, and their families.
The burden of a childhood cancer diagnosis on families is immense, affecting them emotionally, socially, financially and countless other ways. In Ontario, from the time of diagnosis, childhood cancer patients have access to a coordinated system of care in leading hospitals across the province.
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, POGO, is a made-in-Ontario solution, working in partnership with these hospitals and the Ontario government to help ensure everyone affected by childhood cancer has timely access to the best care and support.
This September, we acknowledge the children and youth in treatment or follow up care, the survivors of a childhood cancer diagnosis, the loved ones lost, and their families; and we are grateful to the many incredible organizations and multidisciplinary healthcare teams caring for them, and to those who provide other invaluable supports.
Watch the video statement from Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Sylvia Jones and POGO Board Chair James Scongack.
Statement from Premier Doug Ford
“We’re always thinking about those affected by childhood cancer and September is a time to raise awareness and show extra support to those with cancer, the survivors and their families,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We would like to thank the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario for providing world class care and support to children and families that are dealing with these immense challenges. We look forward to our continued collaboration, creating valuable solutions and taking care of the youth of Ontario.”
Statement from Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones
“This month we recognize the brave and resilient children receiving treatment for cancer across Ontario as well as their families,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Thank you to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario for your tireless advocacy on behalf of everyone affected by childhood cancer and the healthcare workers and organizations caring for our province’s youth during this difficult time. Our government will continue to work with Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario alongside our hospital partners to ensure everyone experiencing childhood cancer has access to the care and support they need, where and when they need it.”
Statement from POGO Board Chair James Scongack
“Childhood cancer impacts people and communities across Ontario and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us to honour those impacted,” said James Scongack, Chair of the POGO Board of Directors. “It’s a time to build support and ensure we have the necessary resources to fight childhood cancer. In Ontario, we have amazing frontline healthcare professionals who do everything they can to bring hope to families as they go through one of the toughest experiences of their lives. September is a time for all Ontarians to let them know we have their backs from diagnosis and for their entire lives.”
