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Help us raise money

For participating in 2023 Sporting Life 10K

Our Story

Our son Will was born on June 1, 2022. When he was 7 days old, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and began chemotherapy treatment when he was only 3 weeks old. The first 7 months of his life were spent as an inpatient at SickKids where he underwent 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 34 blood and platelet transfusions and countless other tests and procedures. 

Through it all, Will was unflappable. His default mood was cheerful and he quickly won over the nurses and other health care professionals on the oncology floor. If he had any complaints about the side effects of his treatment, he did not voice them, earning him the nickname "Chill Will". 

Will completed his treatment on January 9, 2023. Only a few weeks after his final discharge, he had his first camp experience. During the weekend of January 27-29, 2023, we all spent a weekend at Campfire Circle in Muskoka. This was the first time we had been able to spend any quality time together as a family. We do not have the words to properly convey how special that weekend was to us - the ability to introduce Will to the joys of camp and interact with other families that have been through similar challenges - all with the peace of mind that camp was equipped with state of the art medical facilities if anything were to happen - was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the most difficult year of our lives. We are already counting the days to family camp at Rainbow Lake this summer! 

Will will be 11 months old on race day and will be there cheering on our team. He is so lucky to be part of the Campfire Circle community and we plan on doing everything we can to support this amazing organization. 

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 participation in the Sporting Life 10K 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.

Team members

Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Apr 26 Emilie Nicholas Have the most well deserved fun at camp, little superhero! Undisclosed amount
Apr 26 Shona Sullivan So excited to meet you Will & Best of luck to team Will in the race! X Love from Galway, Ireland x $107.91
Apr 26 Hayley Undisclosed amount
Apr 26 Paul & Christine Filgiano Your family is an inspiration. You guys ROCK! Undisclosed amount
Apr 26 Dave and Cat $161.58
Apr 26 Larissa and Brad Vermeersch Way to go Will! We hope you all enjoy a wonderful few days at camp this summer. Thinking of you all. Undisclosed amount
Apr 26 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Apr 26 Adam Rozenhart Fly, you fools! $161.58
Apr 26 Marie-Sophie So happy to hear Will is doing well. Good luck with everything! $54.24
Apr 21 Margie Napolitano All the best to Will and your family. Undisclosed amount