Gilda’s Toronto and Childhood Cancer Canada are thrilled to announce a new partnership that provides vital mental health support for families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Together, the organizations are ensuring that caregivers, siblings, and children across Canada have access to free, compassionate programs designed to reduce isolation, manage anxiety, and foster resilience during an unimaginably difficult journey

This collaboration fills an important gap in pediatric family support, combining Gilda’s Toronto’s expertise in delivering personalized, innovative, and evidence-based cancer support programs with Childhood Cancer Canada’s deep commitment to helping families throughout every stage of the childhood cancer experience.

“At Gilda’s Toronto, we understand the profound impact that cancer has on the entire family — especially when it’s a child who is affected,” said Tory Hagerman, Family Support and Outreach Manager. “Through this partnership, we’re able to extend meaningful, evidence-based support to the parents, caregivers, and siblings across Canada who are facing pediatric cancer, ensuring that no one has to navigate this experience alone.”

The program’s impact has already been felt by dozens of families. In 2024–25, 103 participants — including caregivers, children specialized programs. Participants consistently share that being part of the group helps them feel seen, understood, and less isolated.

“It’s very difficult for a young child to understand and cope with their emotions of fear and uncertainty about their sibling’s diagnosis,” shared Dorothy Erickson, whose son participated in Kids Talk Out, a children’s support group offering for siblings of oncology patients. “That group provided something that was just for my son. At his first session, he came running out of his room 10 minutes in and said, very excitedly, ‘Mom, there are three other kids here whose siblings have the same cancer as my sister.’ He knew he wasn’t alone.”

The collaboration reflects a shared belief in the power of partnership to create stronger, more compassionate systems of care.

“Families navigating childhood cancer often face emotional, financial, and psychological challenges that extend far beyond treatment,” said Jennifer Hooper, National Programs Director, Childhood Cancer Canada. “By working with Gilda’s Toronto, we’re ensuring that families have access to emotional support programs led by mental health professionals that build resilience and hope.”

For more information on the pediatric family support program, please visit our programs page⁠.

For more information on this partnership, please contact: Gilda’s Toronto at info@gildasclubtoronto.org⁠ or Childhood Cancer Canada at info@childhoodcancer.ca⁠.