FOR THE FAMILIES, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS OF KIDS CANCER CARE FOUNDATION OF ALBERTA
Editor: Ashlee Guise
Nothing’s impossible
Camp & Community
regain what was taken from him. Four years later, with the support of his family, Stephen trained hard to ride 25 kilometres a day in Tour for Kids, proving again that nothing’s impossible.
“B ecause nothing’s impossible.” Three little words that make one big statement about Stephen Radu and how he lives his life.
And it’s the reason Stephen and his father Richard embarked on an incredible journey through the Rocky Mountains July 16 to 18 to raise money for children with cancer. A cancer survivor himself, the 17-year-old teenager from Lacombe traded in his wheelchair for a recumbent bike (named Bentley) to ride in Tour for Kids Alberta, a three-day cycling tour organized by the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. Now in its fourth year, the epic cycling event raised money to send young people like Stephen to summer camp. Stephen and his sister Lara have experienced first-hand the benefits of fundraising events like Tour for Kids. They have been going to KCCFA camps for three years: “It’s just good to be around kids who accept you completely,” says Stephen. “Camp is a great place.” At 13, Stephen’s world was turned upside down. He was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and, as a result of the intensive treatments, he lost all movement and speech. Never giving up, Stephen spent hours in physiotherapy and speech therapy determined to
FALL 2010
Riding alongside Stephen were two more childhood cancer survivors, Taylor Wheatley (21) of Calgary and Adam Fedosoff (16) of Barrie, Ontario. These two have also fought difficult battles with cancer and were just as determined to finish the tour. With 110 cyclists cheering them on, the three accomplished their goals and made the weekend one to remember. Hoping to make a difference while doing something they loved, Team Radu raised an incredible $7,220 and were among the top 10 fundraising teams on the ride. They helped bring the grand total raised that weekend to $287,000! “Partnering with Kids Cancer Care and seeing them create Camp Kindle, partly through funds raised by Tour for Kids, is a dream come true,” said Jeff Rushton, volunteer founder of Coast to Coast Against Cancer. “It’s an amazing weekend, worth every saddle sore, just knowing you’re bringing smiles to Alberta children living with cancer. And, it’s a lot of fun.” The true meaning and spirit of Tour for Kids was captured Sunday as Stephen and Richard led the cyclists across the finish line. Those who know Stephen can’t help but be in awe of his unwavering courage, humble wisdom and laugh-out-loud sense of humour. Seeing these qualities in a 17-year-old teenager who has been through so much is nothing short of inspiring. Above: Stephen shares his reasons for riding in Tour for Kids on a banner created to motivate cyclists on the three-day ride.
Research Clinical Support Scholarship
Inside… On page 3
In the lab
On page 9
Corporate goes to camp
On page 10
SunHaven offers comfort and hope
kidscancercare.ab.ca kidscancercare.ab.ca 1
Message from our CEO
W elcome to the 2010 fall issue of hand prints. The stories in this issue demonstrate how
active we’ve been this past summer. As you know, it has been a time of tremendous growth for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCCFA). And, we have our friends in the community to thank for this. Jack Perraton is one of the many friends in the community who strives to improve the lives of children with cancer. As chairman of the board of directors for the last eight years, he has been at the helm of much of our growth and he has been a tremendous leader. This is Jack’s final year as chairman and we’ll miss him dearly. But, if I know Jack, he will continue to work behind the scenes to help advance our work. I am, and will remain, deeply grateful to Jack for everything he has done for Kids Cancer Care. He has been both a cherished friend and mentor.
Jack and Christine share a laugh before addressing the crowd at Parents’ Quest for a Cure.
The courage and strength of a
TANK.
By now, many of you will have received a copy of our fall fundraising appeal from Jack. In it, Jack talks about a little boy named Shaine, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at one. Shaine is one of our campers and he’s affectionately known as TANK because he’s gone through so much and just keeps on motoring. The courage and strength of a TANK. If you haven’t already done so, please heed Jack’s call in the letter and make a donation to our annual fundraising campaign. We need your help more than ever. Not since the early ’90s has KCCFA experienced such challenging financial times. Our revenue was down 24 per cent in 2009 and 2010 has proved just as demanding. Housing prices and stock markets may rise and fall but, in good times and in bad times, children are diagnosed with cancer. Childhood cancer doesn’t obey any rules—financial or otherwise—except its own. And it certainly isn’t polite. It doesn’t ask permission or for a better time to hit families. It just hits. And hard. Although survival rates have improved in our lifetime, cancer itself hasn’t changed. These children need effective treatment. They need care. And they need community. And, perhaps most of all, they need hope. And the basic truth remains: we cannot change childhood cancer without you. We need you. Please help children with cancer by making a donation today. As Jack says in his letter, it doesn’t take much, just a bit of imagination and a donation from you today. Sincerely,
Christine McIver, M.S.M., CFRE, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
All photos provided courtesy of KCCFA unless otherwise indicated.
PS. If you haven’t seen Jack’s letter and the story about Shaine, please visit us at kidscancercare.ab.ca to read about Shaine and find out why his friends and family call him the little TANK. And, while you’re there, please donate. kidscancercare.ab.ca
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News
Reovirus promising for ALL dergraduate studies at McGill University three years ago, she says she “had zero interest in research.” But things have changed. “Most students don’t know enough about research,” explains Alex. “They think it’s dull or boring but they just don’t know.” A fourth year anatomy and cellular biology student at McGill, Alex was one of five students last summer to gain hands-on experience in a lab through a $6,000 KCCFA summer student research grant. It was like winning the science-student lotto for Alex, who was able to work with University of Calgary cancer researcher Dr. Randal Johnston. Alex’s work in the lab was anything but dull. In fact, it may well change the course of her life and, perhaps, the lives of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The point of Alexandra’s research was to investigate whether or not reovirus could be used to kill cancer cells in pediatric ALL. A naturally occurring virus, reovirus first made headlines in 1998, when U of C cancer scientist Dr. Patrick Lee reported its remarkable ability to kill adult cancer cells in cancers such as breast, prostate, skin, brain and others. Relatively common in children, reovirus often spreads like the common cold, but it has minimal symptoms. Half of us have had the virus at one time or another, but may not even have known it. Given its characteristics, Dr. Johnston hypothesized that reovirus may also be ideal for targeting and killing childhood cancers, including pediatric ALL because: 1. 2.
It’s already showing promise in advanced clinical trials for some adult cancers; and It has no serious side effects, a key concern when treating children.
Alex’s job was to carry out the experiments that would prove or disprove the hypothesis. What the 20-year-old science student didn’t know when she walked into the lab, was how
many experiments a researcher carries out on a single project— even when the first experiment seems to support the hypothesis.
“I really, really enjoyed working in the lab.” —Alex U of C cancer researcher Dr. Randal Johnston and KCCFA summer research student Alex McManus discuss the mechanics of targeting ALL with reovirus.
In her experiments, Alex used reovirus, in varying concentrations, to treat three different ALL cell lines in Petri dishes. The results of these experiments were conclusive: the cells consistently and rapidly died, suggesting reovirus may be effective in treating ALL in children. But, as Alex discovered, it isn’t enough to simply observe that cells are dying. In order to move the study into clinical trials, the researcher must know the precise means by which the cells are dying, so they can replicate it outside the controlled environment of a lab. And so, the study continues. As Alex settles into life in Montreal and her final year at McGill, a student in Calgary picks up the torch and begins another study on reovirus in Johnston’s lab. Investigating the question from yet another angle, these experiments will try to pinpoint exactly how this virus kills ALL cells—information that could be pivotal in the quest to find less invasive treatments for children with ALL. More than a passing interest in research today,, Alex is positively pumped about it: “I really, really enjoyed working in the lab,” she says. “Dr. Johnston was amazing. He’s so open to exploring new ideas, and from so many angles. I can’t wait to see what happens with this study and I’ve made them promise they’ll keep me up to date on the findings.”
Summer research grants The KCCFA annual summer student research program provides essential funds to childhood cancer research projects in Alberta, while providing scientists with muchneeded help in the lab and exposing promising students like Alex to the field. In 2010, KCCFA awarded five grants of $6K each for a total of $30K. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Stefani Doucette Dr. Aru Narendran’s lab Ian King Dr. Paul Beaudry’s lab Alexandra McManus Dr. Randal Johnston’s lab Marie-Katrina Lee Dr. Ki-Young Lee’s lab Kyung Oh Min Dr. Sung-Woo Kim’s lab
kidscancercare.ab.ca www.kidscancercare.ab.ca 3
Unique Perspectives Artistic Photography
W hen Alexandra McManus first started un-
Camp & Community Mark your Calendar November 20 Graceful Arts Kulinary Kids 28
Family Program Cool Yule: A Christmas Carol Theatre Calgary
L ast summer, amid eager anticipation, Alberta children experienced their first summer at Camp
Kindle. Here’s a snapshot of the fun they had and their inspiring thoughts on summer camp 2010.
The first summer!
December 12 Teen Night Hitmen Hockey January 22 Family Program Ski Day
“Camp is a time to forget all the hard times you’ve gone through or are going through. Camp is the best place to laugh and make new friends.”
February 5 Graceful Arts Loose Moose Theatre Hansel and Gretel 18-21 Young Adult Conference March 19 SunDance Outdoor program April 9 Graceful Arts Art class May 8 Family Program Mother’s Day Brunch 14
Teen Night Roller Derby
June 5 Survivor Day To register for a community program, please contact Amber McDermott at 403.984.1229 or mcdermott@kidscancercare.ab.ca. kidscancercare.ab.ca 4
Camp & Community
What was your
magical moment
“The inspiration and friendships are indescribable. People here amaze me in so many ways. I see things I never thought possible. Coming home from camp, I feel like I can defy gravity.”
camp?
at
“Standing at the top of the hill, looking at the waterfall was very magical.” “Seeing my friends.” “The hike up to the falls (was challenging) but it was worth it.”
“The SunSeeker program has made me a stronger person. It made me realize anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
“Camp has taught me a lot of life lessons: to relax, be a leader, not a follower, work hard and have fun.” “The best part of camp is getting away from everything and being a regular kid. And camp for sure did that this year for me!”
Unique Perspectives Artistic Photography
kidscancercare.ab.ca 5
Community Friends Students and teachers at Bishop O’Bryne High School came out in droves to support cancer survivors Jennifer and Braiden. Both Jenn and Braiden are active members of the KCCFA community.
Friends in the community make great things happen for KCCFA kids and families! We thank our friends who raised funds on our behalf through head shaves and community initiatives.
Cancer survivor inspires alma mater This wasn’t the first time students at Bishop O’Byrne organized a shave, but it was definitely the most successful, with more than 30 students and staff sacrificing their hair in support of KCCFA. Their enthusiasm for the event was unmistakable, with large banners and posters, all handmade by students, adorning the gymnasium walls.
Received by
thunderous applause,
Jenn’s touching speech recounted the effect cancer had on her young life and the respite she found in KCCFA programs.
T he atmosphere was electric. The bleachers were overflowing and the crowd was spilling onto the floor. The roar produced by some 700 excited high school students was deafening. That is until KCCFA spokeskid, Jenn, stood up to speak. Suddenly you could hear a pin drop. The crowd fell silent, captivated by Jenn’s moving speech about her cancer journey. Received by thunderous applause, Jenn’s touching speech recounted the effect cancer had on her young life and the respite she found in KCCFA programs. A graduate from Bishop O’Byrne High School, KCCFA camper and spokeskid, Jenn Murdock, was ecstatic to speak at her alma mater.
But Jenn wasn’t the only one in the gym that day with a connection to cancer, KCCFA and Bishop O’Bryne High School. Young Braiden, a Bishop O’Bryne student, cancer survivor and KCCFA camper, was there too. It was enough to take students and their support to a whole new level. No longer were they simply supporting nameless kids with cancer; they were helping a friend and peer. As each shavee stood up sporting their newly shaved heads, the applause rose in volume. Also deserving of a serious applause is the $28,000 that staff and students raised. Shave events like Bishop O’Byrne’s go far beyond impacting simply the shavees. When a large group of people unite in support of a single cause, the impact becomes far greater. Long forgotten are the cliques, age groups and usual divisive high school stereotypes. The sole focus becomes the cause. Braiden and Jenn were there as living testaments to the importance of KCCFA programs and a tangible reminder that cancer can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Shave season wrap-up The Shave Your Lid for a Kid® program had a busy season with lots of friends in the community motivated to lose their locks before the heat of summer. There was much excitement from our KCCFA families, who made their way to Camp Kindle to cheer on their friend, and former KCCFA camp coordinator, Kelly Kerr, as she shaved her head in support of National Cancer Survivor Day. Following summer and heading into fall, many schools continued the tradition of celebrating Terry Fox Day with a head shave event. Most notably, O.S. Geiger Elementary held their third consecutive shave, raising more than $2,300 and bringing their school total over three years to $6,016! kidscancercare.ab.ca 6
Community Friends Golf galore
O ur community partners raised an incredible amount for KCCFA kids last summer!
Photo courtesy of Tour for Kids
These tournaments were not only fun but they also raised money for KCCFA kids!
Thanks to our community friends! Strathmore Poker Run Rangeland RV NHL Fights Cancer
$11K $10K $10K
Photo courtesy of Astral Media
Making air waves with Astral Media
KCCFA campers Quinn (right) and Aiden got behind the mic with veteran DJs during Astral Media’s National Day of Caring for Kids. The event raised more than $90K for the Foundation.
Bon Ton Meat Market Golf Tournament - $7K Enerflex, (formally Toromont Energy Systems) Charity Golf Classic - $65K
A record 110 cyclists pedaled hard on the annual Tour for Kids weekend.
Tour for Kids Alberta $287K Post Hotel Wine Summit $57K Rogers Chomp & Stomp $50K
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors; Tough Times - $53K
I f you turned your dial to an Astral radio station on April 29, you would have heard Alberta families sharing their heartwarming stories about their experiences with childhood cancer. KCCFA was the proud beneficiary of the 2010 Astral Media National Day of Caring for Kids Radiothon, where beloved Astral hosts such as Red Dawg and Miss Ange set up at Chinook Centre and raised more than $90,000 for the Foundation. Thank you to our new friends at Astral Media, to the families who shared their stories and to those who gave so generously.
Cargill Meat Solutions – Fred Free Charity Golf Classic - $30K CRG Charity Golf Classic – $9K A special thanks to our friends at Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors and congratulations on 25 years of hosting the Tough Times golf tournament.
Photo courtesy of Willow Park Golf & Country Club
Willow Park Charity Golf Classic T he Willow Park Charity Golf Classic was not only a one-time initiative for KCCFA, but it was also a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The week-long event had memorable moments, including 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Jon Montgomery showing off his live auction skills amid laughter and cheers from thrilled guests. Through the generosity of the owners, management and members of Willow Park and through the support of sponsors, players and volunteers, the tournament raised $435,000 for Camp Kindle! (L-R) KCCFA spokeskids Cassandra and Madison with Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery at the Willow Park Charity Golf Classic.
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Our People Captain Tractor and Betty Crocker take on Camp Kindle N ext time you head out to Camp Kindle,
you’ll likely find Kris Lashmore and Michele Keys holding down the fort. They’re KCCFA’s amazing duo that works year-round at camp.
Michele Keys, KCCFA’s camp kitchen manager, ensures our campers are eating delicious and healthy meals.
Meringue Puffs Bring the delicious tastes of camp home with Michele’s famous Meringue Puffs!
Kris, otherwise known as “Tiny,” stands a mere 6’3” and he’s our camp maintenance manager. A local boy living just down the road from camp, Kris loves the outdoors and life in the country. And it warms his heart to see kids so happy: “It’s a very fulfilling job,” explains Kris. “And it’s a double payday to see the kids find enjoyment from my work.” A hike up the hill will take you to the camp kitchen where you’ll find Michele. She’s our very own Betty Crocker and, as camp kitchen manager, she’s responsible for developing the menu, hiring and overseeing kitchen staff and developing meals for children with special dietary needs. “I thought it would be a lot of fun working with kids,” she explains, “and I love
knowing that the kids like the food and we’re doing a good job.” So next time you make your way out to Camp Kindle, be sure to give Kris a wave, when you spot him driving his tractor, and stop by the kitchen to sample one of Michele’s yummy creations.
Kris Lashmore with his daughters Abbie (left) and Kaidence (right).
Calgary communications maverick joins KCCFA board
2 egg whites /2 teaspoon vanilla
1
/3 cup sugar
2
M ost Calgarians know there’s no hotter ticket in town than
11/3 cups coconut Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla. Continue to beat for 5 minutes. Fold in 1 1/3 cups of coconut. As a variation, you can add 1 cup of chopped Skor bars. Make drop cookies and bake in oven for 20 minutes at 350F and voila!
KCCFA’s newest board member Darrell Graham is making things happen for the kids at KCCFA.
Rogers Chomp & Stomp. This one-of-a-kind event leaves no room for suits and ties and only those sporting their innercowboy are granted access. What most Calgarians don’t know is that one of the cowboys who started Chomp & Stomp and who’s helped raise more than $280,000 for KCCFA, is the Foundation’s newest board member, Darrell Graham.
“I first became involved with KCCFA through Chomp & Stomp,” explains Darrell, “and as I became more familiar with the charity and what they do, I wanted to make a bigger contribution.” As vice-president of sales for western Canada at Rogers Communications, Darrell knows the ins and outs of sales, marketing and promotions and plans to use those skills to help further KCCFA’s mission. He also encourages his staff to get involved. “This year, we had 30 staff go to Camp Kindle and help with a work day,” he says. “It’s great to share your passion and get other people involved.” The father of two healthy children (Katelyn, six, and Carson, three), Darrell is passionate about helping kids and families who aren’t as blessed. “I look forward to helping KCCFA reach its mission to find a cure.” kidscancercare.ab.ca
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O
Our Volunteers
Everything old is new again T he staff at Rogers Communications, Cardel
Homes and Hopewell Residential Communities helped make camp a magical place this past summer, when they pitched in and gave Camp Kindle a makeover just in time for our first summer season in Water Valley. Cardel got right to the heart of things and tackled the medical centre. The medi-centre is where the kids come for the smallest of scrapes and the gravest concerns, from nicks and cuts, to chemotherapy and even quarantine. Never a destination of choice for campers, with Cardel’s help, the centre is now both functional and comfortable for campers and staff. They transformed the interior with a fresh coat of paint, new lighting, new furniture and a completely renovated bathroom. They also made the centre wheelchair-accessible by building a new ramp and refurbishing the existing deck. Outside, the Cardel team built picnic tables and refurbished all the decks and staircases and tore down the old stables.
camp favourites such as the giant swing, climbing wall and high ropes, Camp Kindle was in need of stellar indoor programs and activities. A plum craft area and performing arts centre were just the ticket: “It was great to see these kids take centre stage and become the princess, knight or lion they truly are,” says Sharlene Coulter, KCCFA’s manager of volunteers. “What these companies have done for our families is immeasurable.”
manager of sales and marketing. “We could tell immediately that these rooms were where the kids would have the most fun,” agrees Colin Cyr, co-chair of the Hopewell Charitable Committee.
A big heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rogers Communications, Cardel Homes and Hopewell Residential Communities, whose generosity of spirit and hard work helped make camp a safe and magical place for our campers this year. Special thanks to the Alberta government’s Community Spirit Grant that helps make vital volunteer initiatives like this possible.
Hopewell turned its attention to the arts and crafts and performing arts areas. It didn’t take them long to decide where to throw their efforts: “We toured the camp and jumped at the chance to renovate the craft, costume and theatre centres,” says Scott Hamilton, Hopewell’s
“We could tell immediately that these rooms were where the kids would have the most fun.” – Colin Cyr
Thanks!
Thanks to the helping hands of Hopewell and Rogers Communications, Sara enjoys dress-up time.
Rogers took it outdoors. Thirty Rogers employees, including vice president of sales for western Canada, Darrell Graham, rolled up their sleeves and chopped and cleared acres of brush, so the kids could play the much-loved Animal Game. They also took over where Cardel left off in the medi-centre and fitted the building with brand new flooring. These generous efforts were part of an interim measure to tie things over at Camp Kindle until KCCFA embarks on its $8 million capital fundraising campaign. The campaign will fund a full-scale renovation with several new buildings, a climbing wall and pool.
Colin’s words couldn’t have been more prophetic. Hit with one of the rainiest summer seasons in history and without the standard
Hole in one! Over the past seven years, KCCFA volunteers have chipped in at the Professional Golf Association of Alberta’s (PGA) annual spring golf show. To thank KCCFA, the PGA has graciously donated more than $23,000 to the Foundation! A big thanks to the PGA for their ongoing support! Mark your calendar’s for next year’s show March 26-27, 2011.
kidscancercare.ab.ca 9
Mika was able to put aside her worry cup last August while at KCCFA’s new camp program SunHaven which supports children who have a parent with cancer.
Unique Perspectives Artistic Photography
Perspectives Mika’s worry cup
“W hat are your worries
Mika?” Linda Kurtz routinely asks her daughter at bedtime, while patiently waiting as sevenyear-old Mika drops penny after penny into their worry cup. It had become an all too familiar ritual in the Kurtz household.
“ You will never know what a
difference
you have made in our lives.” –Linda Kurtz
“I’m worried about Jenny’s dog,” Mika drops her 25th penny into the cup. “I’m worried about going into grade one,” another penny. After some time, Mika finally gathers the courage to drop her final penny into the cup. She’s been saving it for the greatest worry that both she and her mother Linda share: “I’m worried you’re going to die Mom.” In July 2009, Linda was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Being a single mom meant that Mika accompanied Linda to her many tests, treatments and appointments. Mika witnessed first-hand what cancer means and what it can do to someone you love. She watched her once vibrant and healthy mother transform into someone she barely recognized. And at six years old, Mika was faced with the unimaginable: a world without her mom. “It has been a difficult journey for my daughter and I,” explains Linda. “Since Mika is only seven, there are no programs available to her and she often felt isolated and alone during my treatments. She couldn’t believe there were other children who were having the same experiences and fears as her.” kidscancercare.ab.ca
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Knowing that many Alberta children feel the same as Mika, this past summer KCCFA introduced Camp SunHaven—the first residential camp program in Canada for children who have a parent with cancer. “We have long recognized the needs of children who have a parent with cancer,” said Christine McIver, founder and chief executive officer of KCCFA. “These kids go through so much. They’re kids with big worries and they need a chance to be kids again. Now that we have our own camp we’re finally able to help these kids.” The new camp program for children aged seven to 15 features fun-filled activities such as arts and crafts, hiking, campfire songs, wetland studies and animal games. The programs are designed to help children have fun and build a community of friendship and support, so they can put aside the anxiety that comes with a parent’s cancer diagnosis. For Linda and Mika, SunHaven was just what the doctor ordered: “My daughter LOVED camp,” says Linda. “SunHaven provided an excellent opportunity for her to meet other children going through similar experiences and to realize she is not alone. She was able to have fun and forget about the whole cancer thing and to feel like a seven-year-old child again.” And, while Mika was at camp, Linda was able to get some much-needed downtime: “The camp allowed me to have some alone time to reflect on my own journey. As a single parent my child is with me 24/7, 365 days of the year and to have a few days to rest, reflect and rejuvenate was a blessing.” A year after Linda’s diagnosis and things are looking brighter for the Kurtz family: “I’ll be done my treatment at the end of November and things are good,” says Linda. “I am very grateful to all the sponsors, counsellors and organizers for providing this safe, fun, camp, so my little girl could have a break from the stresses of living with a parent’s cancer. You will never know what a difference you have made in our lives.” As for the worry cup, it’s a little less full these days.
O
Our Supporters
A big thank you to our major event supporters. You played a major role in the success of our events!
Trail Appliances
F amily owned and operated since 1974, Trail Appliances is known for their huge selection of
Ride for a Lifetime
leading brand name appliances and award-winning service. They’re leaders in the industry and heroes to the many children they help send to camp. For the last four years, Trail Appliances has been a major sponsor of the Don & Joanne Golf a Kid to Camp tournament. Funds raised at the tournament directly support KCCFA’s Camp & Community programs, where children with cancer are able to escape the rigours of cancer treatment and enjoy being a kid.
Calgary Sun Continental Electric Motor Services Trico Homes Walt Healy Motorsports and Suzuki Carma Developers Ltd. Delta Construction & Siding Totem Building Supplies Boundary Technical Group Inc.
“Over the years this camp has provided an out-reached hand of understanding and support into our lives, which really no one else in our community could fully understand.” ~ Parent “Finally our son has someone in his life (other than family or medical personnel) who understands and knows what it’s like living with cancer. And he doesn’t have to explain or talk about it.” ~ Parent “Camp is awesome! Camp just lets me be me and challenges me to be better.” ~ Camper
It’s a Wrap
Don & Joanne Golf a Kid to Camp Ride brings in the loot
O n the weekend of June 25
, motorcycle enthusiasts donned their do-rags and leathers and hit the road for the eighth annual Ride for a Lifetime. This year’s event included a scenic ride through Jasper National Park to beautiful Fairmont Hot Springs. Thanks to the dedicated riders, sponsors and volunteers, the 2010 ride raised more than $140,000 for KCCFA camp programs.
Unique Perspectives Artistic Photography
Sweet 16 T he 16th Annual Don & Joanne Golf a Kid to Camp tournament was truly a ‘sweet’ 16, raising a record $244,000 to send children with cancer and their siblings to summer camp. This sold-out event saw 216 golfers take to the course for a day of golf, prizes, camaraderie and more. The success of the event would not have been possible without the helping hands of the many volunteers, sponsors and donors who went above and beyond to make the tournament unforgettable. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Trico Homes.
th
Don and Joanne were all smiles at KCCFA’s 16th annual golf tournament, which raised a record $244K to send children with cancer to camp.
Trico Homes Lite 96 Cottonwood Golf & Country Club Calgary Jewellery Calgary Sun CTV Trail Appliances GLJ Petroleum Consultants Tag Advertising Delta West Academy Concord Ebel Plains Fabrication RedWater Rustic Grille Sterling Western Star Trucks Calgary Farmers Market Control Chemical Truman Insurance Agency Olympia Liquor Maguires Floor & Window Coverings Graham Group Kramer Mazda TD Waterhouse/ McQuiston Executive Wealth Group Leslie & Irene Dubé Foundation Betty Lou Munro
kidscancercare.ab.ca 11
Board of Directors Jack Perraton, CM., QC, Chair Jackie Altwasser, Chair, Finance & Audit Crispin Arthur, Secretary Dr. Christopher Brown Jennifer Crysdale Naveen Dargan Charlie W. Fischer Cindy Gibson Darrell Graham Barry Lee Don Schafer Brad Stevens Don Stevens Dr. Doug Strother
Fundraising Events
Join the secret legion of superheroes fighting childhood cancer on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Parents’ Quest for the Cure Gala. Be part of the cure. Order your tickets online
Staff Team Christine McIver, M.S.M., CFRE Chief Executive Officer Gail Corbett
Communication Manager
today at
Sharlene Coulter
Manager of Volunteers
kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Janessa Decoste
Nursing Coordinator
Jillian Edmonds
Event Coordinator
Karen Filbert
Manager, Individual and Corporate Gifts
Katherine Fortier Event Coordinator
Ashlee Guise
Communty Initiatives Coordinator
Michele Keys
Camp Kitchen Manager
Kris Lashmore
Camp Maintenance Manager
Mike MacKay
Director of Camp & Community
Candice Martin Manager of Community Initiatives
Trish Matheson, CFRE
Director of Development & Communication
Amber McDermott
Community Program Coordinator
Janice McLeod Administrative Coordinator
Jodi McNabb, CFRE Development Manager Jordan Miller Camp Program Manager
Parents’ Quest for the Cure gala Saturday, March 12, 2011 Calgary Westin $250 per person
Don & Joanne Golf a Kid to Camp Thursday, August 11, 2011 Cottonwood Golf & Country Club $500 per golfer
Ride for a Lifetime June 24-26, 2011 $600/rider; $500/passenger Calgary – Revelstoke – Vernon – Calgary
To take part in a KCCFA event as a sponsor, donor, participant or volunteer, please contact the Foundation at 403.216.9210 or staff@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Tour for Kids July 15-17, 2011 Rocky Mountains
Mary Phillipo Camp Administrative Coordinator
Tracey Stahn
Community Program Coordinator
We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you about KCCFA’s activities. If you wish to alter the amount or type of mail you receive, please call us at 403.216.9210 or email staff@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
Canadian Publications Agreement #40049602 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta 609 - 14 Street N.W., Suite 302 Calgary, AB T2N 2A1 P 403.216.9210 F 403.216.9215 Toll Free (Alberta) 1.888.554.2267