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.”
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.
Victoria Hagens Joins POGO Team as Director of Strategy
Victoria Hagens brings extensive experience in healthcare to the new and pivotal role of Director of Strategy, Programs and Partnerships. As a member of POGO’s Senior Leadership Team, Victoria will have strategic oversight for POGO strategy and programs, and responsibility for deepening relationships with partners. Her leadership of Ontario’s new five-year Childhood Cancer Care Plan will include managing, measuring and monitoring the achievement of strategic priorities.
Victoria has worked in Ontario’s healthcare system since 2008, in the areas of strategy, program implementation and system performance. Most recently, she served as a Senior Advisor at Ontario Health, Interim Director at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and as a consultant with POGO. Prior to her freelance work, Victoria spent 14 years at Cancer Care Ontario, collaborating closely with Regional Cancer Programs and provincial clinical programs. As Group Manager, Regional Programs and Performance Management, she led a high-performing team in supporting implementation of provincial initiatives and local quality improvement efforts. She earned a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University.
“I am honoured and excited to be part of an incredible group of smart, dedicated, and collaborative people who demonstrate every day how creativity and partnership can help drive meaningful change,” she says. “I look forward to working with childhood cancer care teams and partners to make a lasting impact for children, youth and families.”
POGO Welcomes Dr. Donna Johnston as New Medical Director
After a comprehensive recruitment, POGO welcomes Dr. Donna Johnston as the incoming Medical Director, starting Monday, March 3rd.
Reporting to the POGO Board of Directors, the Medical Director helms the overall strategic clinical leadership across POGO’s programs and portfolios, and in partnership with POGO's CEO, Lauren Ettin, is responsible for the achievement of POGO’s vision and mission, identifying strategic and transformational opportunities to advance childhood cancer care in Ontario.
Donna will continue her clinical role at CHEO, where she has worked as a pediatric oncologist since 2001. From 2012 – 2024 she was Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and, in that role, served as a member of the POGO Board. In 2021, she was appointed as Vice-Chair, Clinical Operations of the hospital’s Department of Pediatrics.
Donna is a full professor at the University of Ottawa; a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute; and the author of over 200 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters and has presented her work at many national and international conferences.
Donna shares her passion for advancing the field of pediatric oncology avidly, through her leadership contributions to such organizations as the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa, among others.
She says that “Since joining the POGO Board in 2012, it’s been my dream to be the Medical Director – a role that is pivotal in ensuring the best care for our childhood cancer patients, survivors, and their families. I look forward to joining the exceptional POGO team, to work in partnership with Lauren, and to be part of the work as leaders in childhood cancer care, provincially, nationally and internationally.”
Congratulations to Dr. Donna Johnston! We have no doubt that in her new role she will continue to make exceptional contributions to the childhood cancer community in Ontario and beyond.
A message from James Scongack, Chair, POGO Board of Directors and Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, Vice-Chair, POGO Board of Directors
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.
Paid Summer Internship for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Are you a childhood cancer survivor who is looking to gain valuable work experience in the financial or real estate industry? The First Avenue & EMBLEM Internship Program is open to young adults who have survived childhood cancer and are looking to experience one-on-one mentorship from leaders who care about and support their development.
First Avenue Investment Counsel (First Avenue) is a Canadian firm specializing in investment management and multi-family office services. Our pension-style investment approach, inclusive of equities, fixed income, and exclusive alternatives, assists clients in achieving their unique financial goals. As trusted partners, invested alongside our clients, we align their financial success with their values and long-term aspirations. Committed to excellence and a personalized approach, we guide clients with clarity and confidence through their wealth planning. We cultivate a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to pursue their ambitions and positively impact the communities we serve.
EMBLEM Developments is one of the most active real estate development firms in the GTA, known for its investment-driven approach and high-quality residential communities. EMBLEM Developments has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking developer with meticulous attention to design. EMBLEM’s investment in suite layouts, finishes and building design has positioned the company to achieve record sales pricing at each project launch. The EMBLEM portfolio continues to grow, with over 4,588 residences representing $3.6 billion of development value.
Job Description
The intern will have the unique opportunity to work alongside and support First Avenue or EMBLEM in one or some of the following departments of their choice.
First Avenue:
- Client service and support
- Portfolio management and equity research
- Marketing and Communications
- Operations
EMBLEM Developments:
- Sales and marketing
- Planning and development
- Development and construction management
- Operations
What will you need to succeed?
Must-have:
- Time management and organization skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft, PowerPoint and Excel
- Interest in trying new tasks
- A collaborative, team-player mindset
- Interest in working in a business setting
Nice-to-have:
- Knowledge of the financial or real estate industry
Requirements
This position is for a 2-month summer placement (July to August 2026). To be eligible, you must be:
- A survivor of childhood cancer
- Able to work in Toronto for the duration of the internship
- Available to work in office full-time (some exceptions may be granted)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- You must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in college or university
- Have graduated from college or university within the last two years
Inclusion Employment
We are committed to building inclusive teams and providing accessible working experiences. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided at each stage of the recruitment process and throughout the internship. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation, please notify us so we can make arrangements in advance.
What’s in it for you?
The opportunity provides candidates with:
- Industry Exposure: You will be immersed in the world of finance and real estate, gaining first-hand experience of day-to-day operations, client interactions and industry practices.
- Networking Opportunities: You will be working alongside professionals who are experts in their field, allowing you to build deep connections to open doors for future opportunities and mentorship.
- Skill Development: You will be building on different technical capabilities depending on the departments that you’re working in– expanding your existing skill set and giving you a chance to put your theoretical knowledge to the test.
- Exploring Career Paths: You will be able to work with and learn from professionals from all walks of life. With leaders who are committed to supporting and fostering your development, you will be challenged with multi-faceted learning opportunities to give you clarity on what type of career you want to pursue.
- Pursuit of Excellence: Our businesses are collaborative, innovative and supportive of your pursuit of excellence. This means you will be working with and have access to best-in-class facilities and technologies to empower you to be the best version of yourself – one that is continuously growing and learning.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to complete the application and upload their resume and cover letter through the online form here.
We gratefully appreciate all interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Job Details
*Please note this role is in-person and you will be required to be in person five days a week from 8am to 5pm.
Address: 1819 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4S 1X8
Work Hours/week: 37.5
Job Type: Internship
Pay Type: Salaried
Length of Internship: Two months (Thursday July 2, 2026, to Monday August 31, 2026)
Application Open: Monday, January 19, 2026
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026
2026 Recruitment Process and Timelines
| Activity | Details |
| How to Apply | Application Submission (January 19, 2026, to February 15, 2026) Applicants are required to complete the online application and submit a cover letter and resume. |
| Selection Process | Application Screening (February 2026) Applications are reviewed and assessed against criteria that reflect the skills and knowledge that are required for the position. Interviews (March 2026) The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know candidates better and allows candidates to showcase their qualifications. Interviews will be conducted between March 9, 2026, and March 20, 2026. Intern Selected (March 2026) Conditional job offer presented to selected candidate by March 31, 2026. |
| Onboarding Process | Placement Notification (May 2026) The successful candidate will be notified of their placement, manager, and additional details. Placement Begins (July 2026) The successful candidate will commence their internship on Thursday, July 2, 2026. |
