Island Kids Cancer Association

Island kids cancer association provides practical support for children young adults and their families affected by a childhood cancer diagnoses on vancouver island including the gulf islands. The care 4 kids program strives to enhance the quality of life raise awareness and provide outreach to kids and families through all aspects of this journey throughout the year. Working closely with the victoria general hospital's pediatric oncology clinic local community businesses partners and fellow charities and foundations enables pediatric oncology kids and families to receive the speicic care and support they require community programs have been developed to give families monthly opportunities to connect with other oncology families and focus on fun family based activities. Mental health support and resources are given to families in need through the hospital social worker. Support within the pediatric oncology clinic at victoria general hospital is critical providing families with fuel and food vouchers through emergency assistance and materials books and games are provided to the child life specialist. Long and stressful clinic appointments can be a little easier with games toys and a snack cupboard that is also provided by island kids cancer association. The escape programs of adolescent young adults in active cancer treatment and post treatment gives this special group opportunities to connect during fun outings every couple of months.