On Friday, we learned that, after 25 years of serving those impacted by cancer, Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto has ceased operations, effective August 21, 2026.
We are saddened by this development and recognize the significant impact it will have on families who relied on the services offered by Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, including the Life After Treatment: A Pediatric Parent Support Group, funded by POGO.
The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) and Gilda’s Club share a commitment to ensuring that children, youth, and families affected by childhood cancer have access to the care and support they need throughout their journey. Peer support, mental health services, and psychosocial care play a critical role during and after treatment, making the loss of available programs especially challenging for families seeking support.
Our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to champion and invest in programs that support the mental health and well-being of families affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis.
As we learn more about the implications of this closure, we will be exploring next steps and future opportunities to ensure families continue to receive the psychosocial support and care they need. In the meanwhile, please see below for a list of available resources.
General Cancer Support & Navigation
Canadian Cancer Society — Cancer information, support, transportation assistance, financial information, peer connection, and help finding services in your community.
Canadian Cancer Society – Community Services Locator — Search more than 4,500 cancer-related services across Canada, including emotional support, home care, transportation, financial assistance, wigs and prostheses, and other community resources.
Wellspring Cancer Support — No-cost programs and support for people living with cancer, caregivers, and loved ones, including emotional, peer, practical, wellness, financial, and workplace support.
CancerConnection.ca — The Canadian Cancer Society’s moderated online community for people with cancer, survivors, caregivers, family members, and friends to connect and share experiences.
Crisis & Immediate Emotional Support
Toronto Distress Line 416-408-4357
Provides emotional support for individuals experiencing distress, crisis, loneliness, or who need someone to talk to.
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Provides confidential support for children, teens, and young adults across Canada. Young people can connect with trained responders for emotional support, information, and help navigating difficult situations.
Caregiver Support
Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO)
Provides free information, resources, education, and support for unpaid caregivers across Ontario. Supports include educational programs, webinars, peer support, practical caregiver resources, and the Ontario Caregiver Helpline.
Grief & Bereavement Support
Yorktown Family Services – Grief & Bereavement
Offers grief and bereavement supports for individuals and families who have experienced a death. Services help people navigate grief, loss, and the changes that can follow the death of someone important to them.
Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto
Provides grief support for individuals, families, and communities who have experienced a death. Programs include peer-based grief support groups and opportunities to connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
AWC Grief Support – Resources for Parents & Caregivers
Offers a collection of resources to help parents and caregivers support children and teens through serious illness, dying, death, and grief. Resources include guidance on talking with children about serious illness and cancer, preparing children for the death of someone close to them, supporting children following a death, and navigating difficult conversations as a family.
Young Adults & Young Women
Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) — Peer connection, programs, resources, and community for young adults living with, through, and beyond cancer.
Pink Pearl Canada — No-cost programs and peer support for young women ages 18–40 affected by cancer.
Breast Cancer
The Olive Branch of Hope — Culturally responsive breast cancer support with a particular focus on Black women and women from diverse backgrounds.
Rethink Breast Cancer — Support, peer connection, and resources responsive to younger people affected by breast cancer, including people living with metastatic breast cancer.
Ovarian & Gynecological Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Canada — Information, education, peer connection, advocacy, and support for people affected by ovarian cancer, with additional programming related to gynecological cancers.
Brain Tumours
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada — Information, support, programs, support groups, and resources for people affected by brain tumours and their families.
