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
Childhood Cancer is a Lifelong Journey
Appearing in Metroland publications, September 17, 2024
While more kids are being diagnosed with cancer, more are surviving. Ontario’s childhood cancer survival rate is now 85 per cent — up from about 70 per cent in the mid-1980s. And while surviving cancer is certainly the goal, the impacts of childhood cancer can last a lifetime.
Richard Lautens Toronto Star file photo
By Lauren Ettin and Dr. David Hodgson
Lauren Ettin is the chief executive officer of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Dr. David Hodgson is the medical director and chair in childhood cancer control for the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, a radiation oncologist and clinician scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and associate staff at The Hospital for Sick Children.
Life for the Pugliese family changed forever when six-year-old Giacomo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For three years, they made countless trips to McMaster Children’s Hospital, watching their once-energetic little boy endure the challenges of cancer treatment, with interruptions to school and play dates.
Now 17, Giacomo’s treatment is behind him, but he is monitored regularly at the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) AfterCare Clinic at McMaster Children’s Hospital for secondary cancers and heart issues — risks from his cancer and treatment. The clinic staff also emphasize the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. His family is reassured that Giacomo will receive this crucial care for the rest of his life.
POGO’s network of clinics across Ontario play a vital role in the ongoing care of childhood cancer survivors, becoming an essential part of their lifelong health journey.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight stories like Giacomo’s, which are increasingly common in Ontario.
While more kids are being diagnosed with cancer, more are surviving. Ontario’s childhood cancer survival rate is now 85 per cent — up from about 70 per cent in the mid-1980s. This is thanks to decades of clinical innovation, improvements in diagnostics and treatments, and approaches to addressing some of the related side effects.
While surviving cancer is certainly the goal, it is not where the journey ends. The impacts of childhood cancer can last a lifetime.
Childhood cancers are distinct from adult cancers in significant ways. For one thing, these cancers don’t result from lifestyle or diet. They come suddenly — and some are more likely to strike at a specific age. Typically, childhood cancers require intensive treatments, at major teaching hospitals, with highly specialized protocols. Consequently, care teams may be larger and include parents and caregivers as key decision makers.
A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family. One parent is often forced to give up work to manage the daily practicalities of their child’s care. Often, extensive travel or temporary relocation is required, uprooting families for months or sometimes years. This disruption reverberates, impacting extended family members, friends, teachers, classmates, work colleagues and communities.
Childhood cancers strike during a critical phase of development, when children and adolescents are marking key physical, mental and social milestones. As a result, two of every three survivors are at increased risk of at least one long-term side effect resulting from their cancer or its treatment, including heart disease, second cancers and cognitive challenges.
To address the unique complexities, ripple effects and long-term impacts of childhood cancer, POGO and its partners have built a system that provides wraparound care and support for children and families at every stage of the journey. Considered among the best in the world, Ontario’s childhood cancer system goes beyond diagnosis and treatment. Families are paired with nurses who help navigate the transition from hospital to home, and they can also access mental health services, financial supports, and programs that help survivors thrive into adulthood.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the tremendous progress made in childhood cancer care. But there is more we can do to ensure kids not only survive, but thrive.
It is vital that children with cancer and their families have access to the best evidence-based treatments and supports, closer to home. This requires strong, ongoing collaboration between care teams, hospitals, nonprofits, government, regulatory bodies, industry and others.
Over the past decade, we have also seen an increasing need for mental health services, a need that is urgently felt among the many who are impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis. These priorities and others will be key components of Ontario’s Childhood Cancer Care Plan 2024-2029, a road map developed by POGO and its partners to be published later this month.
Ontario must continue strengthening its world-class childhood cancer system so that survivors like Giacomo can count on having the treatments, resources and supports they need today — and for life.
Let's Raise Awareness of Childhood Cancer all Month Long
Meet the Funk family. When young Christopher was just a year old he was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour. After an intense surgery and several months of chemotherapy, the family was relieved to move his treatment to a POGO Satellite Clinic closer to home, where he still receives weekly chemotherapy. This transition not only reduced the time his parents had to spend away from work but also allowed Christopher and his sibling, Alexander, to spend much more time together.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM). In Ontario and beyond, many are raising awareness of both the progress and ongoing challenges in childhood cancer care. Every day, POGO collaborates with hospitals, families, survivors, government, and donors to champion this cause.
Here’s how you can get involved:
GIVE
Support childhood cancer care by making a donation, becoming a monthly donor, learning more about legacy giving, or contributing in honour of someone affected by childhood cancer.
#LINKEDForLife Campaign
Vibrant paper chains will hang in the halls of POGO partner hospitals throughout Ontario, showcasing our collective commitment to support young cancer patients and their families, survivors, healthcare teams, and those who left us too soon. Donate to add your name and help grow our chain!
Get Your Company Involved
Engage your company with fun activities like office fundraisers, a pajama day, raffles, or building a #LINKEDForLife chain.
Register for an Event that Supports POGO
Stay active and support childhood cancer care by participating in the PUMA Toronto Women’s 8K/5K on Saturday, October 5, 2024 or the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 5K on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Register and fundraise for POGO.
Let’s work together to make a difference!
Related Content
Gaming Through Cancer Without Cheat Codes
Author: Jason Truong
It started out as a lighthearted December night. A short break to relax before I prepared for another day of school. On my laptop was an old video game that me and my sister were playing. Then the phone rang. The call from my doctor was devastating.
"Throughout my life video games have helped me when times were rough..."
In the dead of the night, my dad and I were on our way, stepping through puddles of rain in a dark alley. I went from place to place, and after trials and tribulations, I ended up in the emergency room at the Children’s Hospital in London, Ontario, hooked up to an IV and watching old cartoons on Nickelodeon. I cannot clearly recall the series of events—it was as if I was in a daze the whole night. In the end, I was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a relatively rare cancer in children. I was 14 years old.
The first days of my hospital stay were without rest. However, this all changed when a support program at the hospital called Youth CoRE gave me the opportunity to play Nintendo Switch games with an opponent. With this, my days seemed brighter and flew by.
After returning home from 10 days in hospital, I went back to my daily routine of online school. I fondly remember finishing my homework as soon as I could to boot up my laptop, and diving into an exciting game. The shining highlight of my first and second years of high school was the immersive experience of those games, worlds vibrant and inexhaustibly explorable far and wide, together with unique storytelling, music and art direction.
As time went on, online classes became harder to bear. One day, I just couldn’t see the point anymore. For my 11th year, I returned to in-person learning. My first day back at school was disheartening. I knew nobody. I felt like I didn’t even know myself. I lost sleep and I noticed I was rarely playing video games, if at all.
Eventually, I tried to make time to start playing again. My first title was NieR:Automata, which I had been anticipating for many years. This game’s narrative explores philosophical themes within a narrow context: the search for the meaning of existence, the reason to keep on fighting, and the subject of identity loss, all amidst a war and chaos. It resonated with me deeply. Rediscovering my passion for video games allowed me to reconnect and have fun with my friends, even as all of us got busier.
Throughout my life video games have helped me when times were rough; not only by playing them, but I have also been creating my own since the age of nine. Inspired by the dedication of game developers to their work, I have always thought, “I could be like them someday.”
After finishing a computer programming course in my final year of high school, I decided to take it on as my chosen field of study. In fall 2024, I am bound to start Computer Programming at St. Clair College to help widen my range of programming knowledge. For those who may be living through tough times, I want to inspire them to create, like many games and developers have inspired me.
Bio: Jason Truong is an 18-year-old CML survivor, still undergoing treatment. Here is a game that he created, inspired by Mario. Jason is also interested in sci-fi, anime and wildlife, including sharks and gentoo penguins.
- Castle Crashers
- Chocobo Racing
- Dragon Quest 11
- Final Fantasy XIII
- Muse Dash
- NieR:Automata
- Pokémon Black and White
- Resident Evil 4
- Scribblenauts
- Undertale
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami (much less explicit, equally violent as first)
My Fertility Journey
Author: Cassandra Watson
Living with a chronic condition can feel like riding a never-ending roller coaster—minus the fun parts, of course. My journey started with a spinal tumour diagnosis in 2009 (myxopapillary ependymoma, if you are into those fancy medical terms) which led to several surgeries and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, I ended up with chronic pain to manage, but I have to say these treatments made a significant difference. While this experience wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, it motivated me to advocate for others facing similar challenges, especially around fertility preservation. I’ll dive into that part soon!
Photo above: Left: Cassandra after first spinal surgery. Right: Cassandra now.
"Could my past medical experiences have an impact on my ability to have biological children in the future?"
Transitioning from pediatric to adult care has been quite a journey, and it is still challenging at times. I went from having a dedicated team supporting me in every aspect of my life to feeling like I was navigating my health on my own. I was familiar with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from my radiation treatment, but the whole experience was pretty overwhelming. I made sure to ask my POGO Aftercare Clinic Nurse lots of questions, everything from learning how to check for lumps in my breasts? to understanding the potential impact of my past treatments on my body. One particularly important question I had was about my fertility: Could my past medical experiences have an impact on my ability to have biological children in the future?
That single question changed my life.
"The emotional toll is substantial, especially since, despite all my efforts, there is no guarantee of success."
Left photo: The daily medication injections for egg-freezing process
I learned that my AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) levels were low, indicating a low egg count, which led me to Mount Sinai Hospital’s fertility clinic. At 22 years old, the news that I didn't have much time was a shock. I had to weigh my options: have a child soon, freeze my eggs, or consider alternatives like egg donation or adoption. In the end, I chose egg freezing, which significantly shifted my life plans. The treatments were tough and the costs made things even more complicated. The emotional toll is substantial, especially since, despite all my efforts, there is no guarantee of success.
My radiation treatment affected my fertility, which is a topic that doesn't always get the attention it deserves. While fertility preservation is starting to come up more frequently in discussions with younger patients, it wasn't something that was brought up in my discussions with my health team. I feel this gap in communication and resources is an important issue that deserves more attention.
Navigating my fertility journey has been quite an eye-opening experience. It is understandable that when you’re focused on managing an illness, fertility can sometimes take a back seat. But for many, the ability to have children is a big deal. It can be frustrating to miss out on preservation opportunities simply because of a lack of information. It feels a lot like missing the boat. And who wants to miss the boat?
These experiences have inspired me to become a voice for others in similar situations. Advocacy goes beyond just pushing for medical advancements; it is also about making sure patients have the information and support they need to make informed choices about their futures. By sharing my story at events like the 2024 POGO AfterCare Education Day and through this article, I hope to encourage others to ask the right questions, seek the information they need and stand up for their own needs. If there is one lesson I have taken away, it is that you sometimes must be your own best advocate.
Recognizing that my experiences can help others has truly changed how I view my health challenges, seeing them not just as a burden, but as opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. Through advocacy, I aim to bridge the gaps in care and ensure that the next generation of patients has access to comprehensive support, particularly when it comes to fertility awareness. As I continue on this advocacy journey, I am genuinely excited to see what the future holds. My journey has shown me that while medical treatments are crucial, so is the support for the emotional and future aspects of life, like fertility. As health care continues to advance, let’s make sure to include these important conversations, making sure every child has the chance to lead a fulfilling life, both during and after treatment.
Creative Corner with Cartoonist Erica
Author: Erica DiVincenzo
Diagnosis: Ewing's Sarcoma (right arm).
I am a cartoonist. This is how I see the world in my mind. This is how I see people and animals. As early as Kindergarten, almost any attempt I made at art appeared as cartoons. This tendency became more obvious when I was 7 and spent a year at McMaster Children’s Hospital for cancer treatment. To make the time pass, I would draw. Almost always cartoons. I am very thankful that the doctors saved my drawing arm, which had bone cancer in it. I am still making cartoons every day and finding unique ways to use them in my career as an artist. Cartoons bring a lot of humour and joy to life.
Navigating Ontario’s Accessibility Act as a Childhood Cancer Survivor
As a childhood cancer survivor, I often think about the distinction between being “disabled” and living with a disability. Personally, I see myself as someone with a disability rather than being defined by it. My own journey involves various ailments and impairments resulting from treatments, and while some of us might use assistive devices like hearing aids, canes, prosthetics, walkers, or wheelchairs, others face invisible disabilities.
Regardless of whether a disability is visible or not, many of us encounter significant barriers and discrimination in everyday life—be it in customer service, access to information, employment, transportation, or even within natural and constructed environments. Often, these barriers stem from a lack of adherence to The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) of 2005. It’s important to remember that it isn’t simply about visual appearance; a brief scan doesn’t ensure adherence to the "Customer Service Standard" of the legislation.
I’ve always had an interest in public transit, so, I’ll use that as an example:
Imagine a TTC driver shouting at you to “use the back door!” While it’s generally advisable for passengers to use the back door to facilitate smoother boarding, those with disabilities should have the option to use the front door if needed. Disabilities aren’t always visible, and drivers should be cautious not to judge based on the presence of assistive devices alone. After all, the devices are just tools; the person’s disability is what matters.
Our experiences with accessibility can vary widely, and I encourage you to reflect on your own encounters with barriers and challenges. If you’re not yet familiar with The Ontario Human Rights Code and The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, I strongly recommend taking the time to review these important pieces of legislation.
Not so Alone After all
Author: Sara Payne
The future can be terrifying, but planning for mine gave me hope. When I got sick, I tried to take it one day at a time because I quickly learned how unpredictable life can be. However, I still planned for my future: graduate high school, go to college, become a paramedic and be happy. I never knew if I was going to achieve those things, but holding onto that picture in my mind helped me a lot.
When I was in hospital, anytime I felt like giving up I would look outside and see my future self in an ambulance, helping others. I was healthy and happy in my uniform. I would also envision myself in my future apartment, decorated the way I want it and my cat lying by the window enjoying some sun.
There have been times I thought I wasn’t going to be able to achieve my dream. But knowing how badly I wanted it to become a reality made me work that much harder. I wasn’t going to let cancer take this away from me. One of my favourite quotes is, “You want it because your future self already has it.” It gives me motivation to work hard and keep going.
Music was another thing I held on to when I was sick. Music and lyrics are like a story that can be interpreted however you want and provide an escape. One song I regularly listen to nowadays is WITHOUT YOU by NCT U. It's about feeling alone and isolated, but it also shows that all it takes is one person to turn your life around and help you see better days. It makes me think of my friends who never left my side when I got sick and my mom who was with me 24/7.
I have a lot of good memories with my mom in the hospital. I also met some amazing people and even made some friends for life. Connecting with teens my age who went through the same thing I did and hearing their stories of survival helped me feel more at ease.
Regardless of what someone is dealing with, I think everyone has one thing they can hold on to even if they may not realize it. Maybe it’s a feeling, or a person or a small thing you do daily.
It can be hard to figure out what it is because our brain can get so filled with the stresses in life.
I think I’m now at a point where I’ve learned to enjoy my own company. I have a few solid friendships I wouldn’t trade for the world. I have good relationships with my cousins and even when I am physically alone, I don’t feel lonely.
Having cancer, and even being in remission, is such an isolating and lonely experience sometimes, but getting lost in daydreams about my future and listening to music makes me feel less lonely. I truly hope everyone has that one thing to comfort them and bring them joy, even if it's for just 10 minutes a day. I can’t say for sure things will get easier, but I think it’s still worth it.
Survive
Author: Kayla Russell
About myself: My name is Kayla Russell. I attend the University of Waterloo as an undergraduate student. I was diagnosed when I was 11 years old, and 2024 marks ten years cancer-free. I've always enjoyed writing and reading stories; I just can't get enough of them. I didn't always love poetry, though. I didn't start writing until a few years ago, and one of the things I wrote about was letting go of some pent-up feelings. Yet, the reason I will always continue to love poetry is because of the way we can relate to each other through our words. This is also the reason I wrote this piece, which was to show myself how I happened to think at the time. Nevertheless, I hope it is one that can be of some comfort to you.
"Survive, they said
But I’d rather stay in bed..."
Writing Process: I usually write my poems in a journal and then type them up on my computer just as a second copy or like an electronic diary, if you will. Sometimes I start writing something and then it ends up being completely different. A peaceful, cozy spot where I can curl up or sit comfortably is where I usually find myself writing. Writing is like my release. When I’m feeling sad or irritable, I write. I write to escape, or I write to find some answers. I started writing these poems to help create a safe space for myself to know that it’s okay to feel however I feel. Also to remind myself that there's no right or incorrect way to feel about what happened to me; it’s a journey.
Survive, they said
Survive, they said
But I’d rather stay in bed
All day long
Where my pillow
Sings sweet songs
Of rest here
But something inside me
Has a little more energy
Than I did yesterday
So, I make my way
Out of bed
And stand in front of the mirror
Surprisingly,
I don’t look as tired
But I'm worn out on the inside
Something inside of me
Says hide
But I wipe my tears
And walk away from the mirror
It will be okay
Tomorrow’s another day
Survive, they said
For every poison that wishes to
Kill me from the inside out
That is not the thing that will kill me
The cages of my mind with thoughts
That are locked behind
Bars, yelling the same thing
You’re not good enough
You will never survive this
They were right, you probably won’t make it
I am weak from the thoughts that drain the life
Out of me
Who is she?
Who is the one who’s done with life
Who is the one who doesn’t let strife
Come in between her and her dreams
Who will let me dream?
So, I have to take the prisoners
All of the emotions I’ve locked away
And say
It’s okay to feel
But I can’t complain
The comfortability from laying in a bed of fearTells me
Nothing can hurt me if I pretend it’s not real
I can just spiral in doubt
Until I fall asleep with the pain that
Lulls me away to the land of dreams
When I wake up, I know what they will say
Survive, they said
It’s only up
From here
Giants
You have beautifully risen
Despite all the bad
That has happened
Your triumph is a beanstalk
Reaching new heights
Tackling new giants
And still growing
Am I Still Dreaming?
A very scary
Dream of mine
Is for all
My nightmares to come true
Is it bad that I wish to
See how strong I can be
To fight off all
That haunts me?
