My team
My Story
I was visiting for the holidays when the surgeon called with news from the biopsy. As I stood in the kitchen, I heard him say 'cancer' - you could hear defeat in his voice. Until that point, Scarlett's surgeon was sure that the mass in her liver was nothing more than a cyst, and her surgery, routine and common. In that moment, I heard my sister collapse to the floor. I am not a parent, but I felt the depths of her despair as if Scarlett were my own.
Meanwhile, my sweet 5-year old niece sat in the living room, recovering from an invasive liver surgery just days before, oblivious to what the next 7 months would bring. I went over and gave her a hug, shifting her attention away from the commotion long enough to give her parents the time they needed to compose themselves. As I sat with her, trying to act normal, every part of my being was afraid; afraid for her, afraid for my sister and brother-in-law, and afraid for my other niece (then only 6-months old) who would go on spend the next several months tolerating me as her primary caregiver as her parents swapped shifts at Sickkids.
Childhood cancer is the pits, folks. Nothing will make you appreciate how ridiculous your worries, complaints, and annoyances are until you stand by and watch a child fight an unimaginable fight, knowing there is next to nothing you can do to ease her pain.
My niece, Scarlett, is braver than most folks I know, and so are her parents. Campfire Circle not only gives these kiddos a chance to just be kids, but also gives their parents the opportunity to connect with other parents who "get it". It's a place where families get a chance to turn something awful into lasting friendships and memories.
In May 2023, it will have been exactly 2 years since Scarlett’s last chemo treatment. And although in late November 2022, she underwent yet another surgery to remove a lesion the doctors couldn’t definitively rule out, May 2023 will also mark Scarlett’s two-year anniversary of being CANCER FREE!
With this exciting news, I humbly ask that you take a minute and make a donation, or (if you’re in Toronto) join us for the run, or simply share this page to bring awareness to the incredible work nonprofits are doing to make cancer just a little less crappy for the little ones battling it.
<3 Scarlett's Aunt P
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 08 | KL - from Jane | $27.41 |
