My Story
September 17, 2020, was supposed to be Scarlett's first day back to school, an eager SK looking forward to being a mentor to her new JK classmates! It wasn't meant to be, instead she awoke that morning with considerable pain in her belly, enough pain that we knew it was serious enough to go to the ER. Later that afternoon we were advised to go to SickKids where we spent the next 10 days cooped up in a patient room, too nervous to go outside the room at the height of a pandemic. Little did we know this would not be the last 10 days we would spend there...
Following a number of visits back and forth to the hospital for various checks and procedures, it was December 4, 2020 we received the news that brought us to our knees; Scarlett had cancer! Scarlett was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer, and we were starting chemotherapy the following week. Everything happened so fast, it was all a blur, and sadly we soon realized that childhood cancer was far more common that we had imagined.
We would spend the next 5 months as regular visitors to SickKids, and if it wasn't for the youthful energy and support Scarlett received from the Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch) staff, it certainly would have felt much longer! Scarlett received many doses of therapeutic fun during her stays, and this undoubtedly contributed to her recovery. What amazes us most, however, is every time we return for routine surveillance, the staff immediately recognize Scarlett and greet her by name!
We'd come to realize that this therapy extended outside of the walls of SickKids too, through great virtual programs and overnight camping adventures. It is this dedication and support we received, that inspired us to participate in this year’s 2024 Sporting Life 10K run for Campfire Circle.
Our family would like to ask for your support to Campfire Circle for all of the wonderful work they do bringing laughter and joy to kids affected by childhood cancer.
Description
Help bring joy and laughter to kids affected by cancer or serious illness
A diagnosis of childhood cancer or serious illness changes life in an instant. For kids and families, their schedule suddenly revolves around medical appointments and hospital stays, with long absences from school. There is no time for simple joys like friendships, birthday parties or sport activities.
Campfire Circle is passionate about helping kids to just be kids, once again. By supporting their in-hospital, community and overnight camp programs, you will help bring joy and laughter to kids and families during their most challenging times, at no cost to them.
As part of the Campfire Circle community, you are helping to create opportunities year-round for kids to build friendships and social skills, develop self-confidence and resiliency, and improve their overall wellbeing.
More than a thousand kids were diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic—the need is greater now more than ever. Your support ensures that Campfire Circle’s critical camp-inspired programs will reach even more kids and families across Ontario. Your gift makes life-changing experiences possible.
Thank you for helping to build a world where children thrive and families heal.
Achievements
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Jun 07 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
May 04 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
May 04 | Val Martin | $107.91 |
May 04 | Michela Pirruccio | $54.24 |
May 03 | M. & L. Repczak | $54.24 |
Apr 01 | Chris Y | $22.03 |
Apr 01 | Rebecca & Family | $107.91 |
Mar 21 | Ken Gervais | $54.24 |
Mar 21 | Anonymous | $54.24 |
Mar 21 | Lind Nyman | $54.24 |