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Help Erin 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!

I'm proud to be running again in 2025 in support of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)!  Like me, POGO has been kicking around Ontario for over 40 years. POGO ensures that all the youngest cancer patients in this province have the best possible care and support from the date of their cancer diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, even into their adult lives. Their support ensures that families can focus on getting better and staying strong. 

I greatly appreciate any support you can lend to me and POGO as I take on my second 10K race (with much less training than last year, so moral support welcome as well!).

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 4,500 families in Ontario with a child in cancer treatment or follow-up care each year. More than 85% 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 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 POGO Ambassador Ellie 



'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 - Read More




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
May 14 Philip and Elaine La Chappelle Go Erin! CA$108.31
May 14 Caroline P CA$54.63
May 12 Kathi & Lee CA$108.31
May 12 Anonymous Good for you Erin!🥰 Undisclosed amount
May 10 Danielle Sanagan Undisclosed amount
May 09 Sandra Callery Have a great run and thank you for bringing awareness to a good cause. Undisclosed amount
May 09 Rose D’Amato Best of luck on your upcoming charity run for POGO. Your dedication to supporting such a worthy cause is truly inspiring. CA$54.63
May 09 Lana La Chappelle I know that you are incredibly busy these days so I’m proud that you are running this year for this wonderful cause. CA$108.31
May 09 Leila Canon-Ahern Happy to support! What a great cause. Run run run! CA$54.63
May 09 Ursula Solecki CA$161.98