My team
My Story
In October 2024, our world changed forever when our daughter, Dominique, was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just 9 years old. In an instant, childhood was interrupted by hospital visits, treatments, uncertainty, and fear. Dominique—once vibrant, carefree, and full of life—became understandably shut down as she tried to process a reality no child should ever have to face.
Over the past 16 months, one organization has helped bring our daughter back to herself: Campfire Circle.
From the very beginning, Campfire Circle wrapped Dominique—and our entire family—in their beautiful philosophy of "healing through play". They understand, better than anyone, what children like Dominique and families like ours are going through. They don’t just treat illness; they nurture joy, confidence, and emotional healing in the midst of it.
While still actively in treatment, Dominique attended her very first sleepaway camp last summer. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t just a patient—she was a kid again. She laughed, explored nature, made friends, and soaked up all the magic of camp, all while continuing her medical care safely in the Med Shed. It was extraordinary to see her rediscover happiness and independence during such a difficult chapter of her life.
Campfire Circle didn’t just support Dominique. Her brother was also able to attend sibling camp, giving him his own space to feel seen, supported, and connected. Knowing these programs and services will be available to both of our children until they turn 18 brings immense comfort and hope to our family.
Dominique still has more than a year of treatment ahead. Her body and her life have changed on a dime, and she has so much to navigate at such a young age. But thanks to Campfire Circle, she now has confidence, courage, and motivation. They helped her see that she can do this thing called treatment—and still be a child, still find joy, and still live a full, meaningful childhood.
Campfire Circle has been instrumental in helping Dominique move forward, not just surviving, but living. We are forever grateful—and we hope you’ll help us support this incredible organization so they can continue changing the lives of children and families like ours.
Description
Bring Joy, Friendship, and Connection to Kids Who Need It Most Every day, thousands of kids across Ontario face cancer or serious illness – and miss out on the moments that make up childhood. Laughter, friendship, and adventure are replaced with hospital visits and isolation. For 42 years, Campfire Circle has brought healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families. Through our in-hospital, community, and overnight camp programs, we create opportunities for children to build friendships and social skills, develop self-confidence and resiliency, and improve their overall well-being. By providing play-based experiences, we empower kids to take back their childhood, regardless of their medical diagnosis. Today, more than 40,000 children in Ontario are living with serious illnesses. With your help, we can reach even more of them. Our goal is to serve 10,000 kids by 2030, and when you donate to the Sporting Life 10K, you join a circle committed to that vision. Your generosity ensures every medically fragile child can experience Campfire Circle’s life-changing programs when they need it most, at no cost to their families. Together, we can grow our circle of care and help deliver healing through happiness to more kids and families across Ontario. |
Achievements
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 08 | Oliver Howard | CA$54.24 |
| May 08 | Stampatori Family | CA$54.24 |
| May 08 | Joanne Radcliff | CA$107.91 |
| May 07 | Verica Pavkovic | CA$54.24 |
| May 07 | Lucy Gizzo | CA$161.58 |
| May 06 | The Pimentos | CA$107.91 |
| May 06 | Neagle Family | CA$54.24 |
| May 05 | Janice Owen | CA$50.00 |
| May 02 | Mikayla Fabbroni | CA$50.00 |
| Mar 15 | Susan Balboni | CA$107.87 |
