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Help Loreta raise money

For participating in PUMA Toronto Women's 10K/5K Spring 2025

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Help me make a difference in childhood cancer!

Ellie's Story

Description

Hello! 

This May, I’ll be lacing up for PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Spring 10k/5k to raise awareness and critical funds for an important cause: The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO).

POGO ensures that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best possible care and support—from a child’s diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. For now, for life. 

There are over 4,000 families in Ontario with a child in cancer treatment or follow-up care each year. More than 84% of children diagnosed with cancer in Ontario will survive, but many of these survivors will experience complications either due to the disease itself, complex surgical procedures, or the rigorous rounds of radiation and chemotherapy they were given during treatment.

  
Funds raised at the PUMA Toronto Women’s Run Spring 10k/5k will:

  • provide financial assistance to families so they can pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with their child’s treatment
  • support survivors with customized school and work counselling when their disease or its treatment has left them with learning challenges
  • fund promising research that examines the impact of childhood cancer and its treatment



Life Advice From Ellie - POGO Ambassador



'When I found out I had cancer, I didn’t tell anyone because I felt embarrassed. When I finally returned to finish Grade 6, I wore a wig, but that was uncomfortable, and I thought I looked weird. On the first day of Grade 7, I got the courage not to wear my wig, and I walked into school with my short hair. I got so many compliments 😊. Now I know. You should never be insecure; you just need to be yourself' - Ellie

Ellie was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at age 10. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare cancer that often starts in the head and neck. 

This is Ellie's Story



Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children and their families living with cancer!


Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Jan 18 Loreta Garretson CA$108.31