Istahil M. (She/Her)
Age at Diagnosis: 10
Type of Cancer: Hodgkin Lymphoma
A: My favourite movie at the moment is “Interstellar” directed by Christopher Nolan and my favourite book(s) are from the Harry Potter series (The Prisoner or Azkaban is my favourite from the bunch, but I like them all).

Facilitator
Kayla R. (She/Her)
Age at Diagnosis: 11
Type of Cancer: Stage III Wilms Tumour
A: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig and “The Book of Two Ways” by Jodi Picoult. I value them both because they shed light on life’s mysteries, all the lives we might have had if we had made different choices, and the importance of accepting things as they are. Including, being thankful for the paths we have chosen that all choices or paths we take shape who we are, known and unknown.

Topic Advisor
Aryan Esgandanian (She/Her)
Aryan has obtained two Master’s degrees in Adult Education and Community Development from OISE, University of Toronto and in Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently completing a training program with the CREATE Institute and working towards becoming a registered psychotherapist in Ontario. Aryan works in a postsecondary institute supporting community members who have gone through sexual violence. 

Facilitator
Leah L.
Age at Diagnosis: 29
Type of cancer: Stage 3 Colon Cancer
A: I am a nerd and love to learn anything dealing with health, life sciences or business. One of my favourites currently I would say is “When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress” by Gabor Maté. I tend to have a very holistic approach to health, so anything dealing with the mind-body connection is fascinating!

Topic Advisor
Daniel Stolfi (He/Him)
Daniel Stolfi is an established actor, comedian, and cancer patient advocate. He is a Graduate of the University of Guelph Theatre Program, The Second City Conservatory Program and has studied comedy in New York City with the Upright Citizens Brigade. In March of 2008 Daniel was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Through his ongoing battle with the disease, Daniel created his simultaneously heart warming and hysterical, Canadian Comedy Award winning one-person show, “Cancer Can’t Dance Like This.” Daniel also wrote, “The Comedian vs Cancer – The Show Must Go On,” a memoir about his experience with cancer.

Facilitator
Imo A. (He/Him)
Age at Diagnosis: 9
Type of Cancer: Liver Sarcoma
A: “The Dark Knight” and “Avatar” are my favourite movies of all time because I like superhero and sci-fi movies.

Topic Advisor
Benita Yi, MSW, BSW, RSW (She/Her)
Benita is a Social Worker at the Hospital for Sick Children, supporting patients who have completed cancer treatment and their caregivers. She graduated with her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto specializing in health and mental health.

Facilitator
Cole F.
Age at Diagnosis: 10 months
Type of Cancer: Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma Alveolar
A: I think one of my favourite movies is probably the action rom-com “Mr. Right” with Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick. It has just the right amount of camp and Rockwell is absolutely hilarious. Also, I wish I could dance as well as him.

Topic Advisor
Theia Jamal-Sunderji, MACP
Theia Jamal-Sunderji is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a focus on providing mental health support to individuals navigating the challenges of cancer and oncology. Her personal journey as a cancer survivor has shaped her professional path, instilling in her a unique understanding and empathy for those facing similar battles. Now a part of the Everwell team, Theia is devoted to leveraging her education and lived experience to offer tailored support to her clients.