POGO

  • Staff List
  • Contact Us

Main menu

Skip to primary content
Skip to secondary content
  • About Us
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Childhood Cancer Care Plan
    • POGO Land Acknowledgement
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
    • Our Donors
    • Privacy
    • Accessibility
    • Reports
    • Newsroom
    • Job Opportunities
    • Staff List
  • Programs & Support
    • Patient Care Programs
    • Financial Assistance
    • Survivor Care
    • Cancer Resources
    • Inspiring Stories
    • Clinical and Program Advisory Committees
  • Education
    • POGO Virtual Education
    • Indigenous Resource Guide
    • All Education Events & Conferences
  • Healthcare Practice
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Pediatric Oncology Nursing
    • Clinical Practice Guidelines
    • POGO Satellite Manual
  • Research & Data
    • 2020 POGO Surveillance Report
    • POGO Research Unit
    • POGONIS – Childhood Cancer Database
    • Data Reports
    • Data Requests
  • Get Involved
    • Pajamas and Pancakes
    • Birthday Parties for POGO
    • Events
    • Volunteer
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate
    • Monthly Donations
    • Gifts of Stock and Securities
    • Become a Corporate Partner
    • Gifts in Honour/Memory
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Shop Online/Earn Cash Back

Blog

POGO > Blog > International Childhood Cancer Day
[sharethis]

Tag: International Childhood Cancer Day


Childhood Cancer: A Mighty Purpose Adapted from Lia Goh’s speech at the 2019 POGO PJ Party

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Kelly Zorzi

My name is Lia Goh. I am 12 years old and I am a cancer survivor.

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I went through three years of treatments, including chemotherapy. I lost all of my hair; it almost grew back blonde!! And I received more blood transfusions than I can remember.

In fact, I don’t remember a lot about my cancer or its treatment.

Like how my parents had to take leave from work and my family rented an apartment in Toronto because I spent most of that first year in the hospital. Or how I was in isolation for a lot of that year. Or how I spent so much time in bed that my muscles atrophied, and my dad had to carry me everywhere.

I am old enough now to realize how lucky I am. I am lucky to have the support and love of family and friends. I am lucky that my parents had the freedom and the financial means to take the time off work to be with me. Many families don’t have that luxury. I am lucky to have benefitted, and I will continue to benefit, from the support of some incredible organizations, such as POGO.

And my dad always says that I am especially lucky to have benefitted from so many kids that came before me. From the research that has been done, and so many incredible services that have been created to support kids with cancer, their families and survivors like me.

From the time my brother and I were little, my dad would read a poem to us called “The Champion’s Creed.” In it, there is a line that has always stuck with me:, “Dedicate yourself to a mighty purpose.”

I can’t think of anything more mighty than helping to beat childhood cancer. So, I feel responsible to do as much as I can for all the kids who are fighting this battle now and all who will be fighting it in the future.

Watch Lia deliver her full speech here.  Video courtesy of Natasha McKenty.

 

Posted in Misc | Tagged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), childhood cancer survivors, International Childhood Cancer Day, POGO PJ Party

Donate

Blog

Education Portal
Survivor Conference
All Categories

Categories

Newsletter Sign-Up

Please leave this field empty

@POGO4Kids

March 17, 2023

OPACC is proud to present our next free virtual presentation: "An Introduction to the POGO School and Work Transitions Program" ft. guest speaker Helen from @POGO4kids! See poster for details & register at: http://tinyurl.com/opacczoom
#childhoodcancersurvivors

Reply on Twitter 1636831327281356800 Retweet on Twitter 1636831327281356800 2 Like on Twitter 1636831327281356800 3 Twitter 1636831327281356800

Follow @POGO4Kids

Quick Links

  • For Professionals
    • Read Cancer Care Plan
    • Review our Guidelines
    • Request Research Data
  • Families & Kids
    • Get POGO AfterCare
    • Meet with a POGO Nurse
    • Get Care Closer to Home
  • For Survivors
    • Find Local Resources
    • Set Goals for your Future
    • Educate Yourself
  • Get Involved
    • Host an Event for POGO
    • Volunteer with POGO
    • Partner with POGO
  • About Us
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Childhood Cancer Care Plan
    • POGO Land Acknowledgement
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
    • Our Donors
    • Privacy
    • Accessibility
    • Reports
    • Newsroom
    • Job Opportunities
    • Staff List
  • Programs & Support
    • Patient Care Programs
    • Financial Assistance
    • Survivor Care
    • Cancer Resources
    • Inspiring Stories
    • Clinical and Program Advisory Committees
  • Education
    • POGO Virtual Education
    • Indigenous Resource Guide
    • All Education Events & Conferences
  • Healthcare Practice
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Pediatric Oncology Nursing
    • Clinical Practice Guidelines
    • POGO Satellite Manual
  • Research & Data
    • 2020 POGO Surveillance Report
    • POGO Research Unit
    • POGONIS – Childhood Cancer Database
    • Data Reports
    • Data Requests
  • Get Involved
    • Pajamas and Pancakes
    • Birthday Parties for POGO
    • Events
    • Volunteer
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate
    • Monthly Donations
    • Gifts of Stock and Securities
    • Become a Corporate Partner
    • Gifts in Honour/Memory
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Shop Online/Earn Cash Back

©2022 Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario

480 University Avenue, Suite 1014 | Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V2, Canada | Charitable Registration Number: 871067245RR0001 |
1-855-FOR POGO (367-7646) | Contact Us | Website Privacy Policy | Website Disclaimer | Satellite Manual Disclaimer |