Newsletter September 2020
A Message From Denise
Dear Friends,
As we anticipate our 20th anniversary year, I am delighted to share some important news with you.
On September 1st, 2020 we took our first steps as a newly independent registered charity, with a registered charitable number from the Canada Revenue Agency. I am confident this important change will open doors as we continue with our work and that great opportunities lie ahead.
As we mark this transition, please join me in celebrating our new name and image:
Meagan’s HUG: Creating a Circle of Hope.
Through the years, our friends and colleagues at SickKids Foundation have been a pillar of support and strength, helping every step of the way. Meagan’sWalk has been proud to support their vision of a healthy life for every child. And now, as Meagan’s HUG, we look forward to continuing and nurturing this mutually beneficial and respectful relationship, sharing our dreams, our goals.
We are going to continue doing the same sorts of things. All our fundraising endeavors, our “Kids Helping Kid” school program, our community partner efforts in support of Meagan’s HUG, will share the same vision, and continue, as they have in the past.
Our efforts together will continue to support the “bench to bedside” philosophy that guides the remarkable work of the Brain Tumour Research Centre. Research discoveries translate into tangible benefits for young brain tumour patients throughout the world.
I imagine a world full of possibilities and greater achievements, as researchers and clinicians around the globe work in collaboration to make their dreams reality.
Meagan’s HUG moves forward. With our steadfast and determined spirit, our vision remains strong.
Be well! Keep safe! And with abundant thanks,
Around the world there are countless organizations that make a special effort during September to heighten awareness about childhood cancer. When a child becomes seriously ill, life is turned upside down, and everything is out of order. No parent should have to worry about their child’s life being threatened and compromised by cancer.
So why should we raise awareness about childhood
cancers in particular?
Well, it’s because…
- Childhood cancers are often different from the types of cancers found in adults. And the causes of childhood cancers are often unknown;
- In kids, cancers appear in different parts of the body. And in a child’s growing body, a cancer may behave differently than in that of an adult, and treatments often need to be specific to a child’s needs and age to be effective and safe;
- While cures for cancers sometimes seem far away, understanding cancer and how it works can help provide better care and healthier lives for our kids.
We can all help to make change happen!
Go Gold! Gold is the colour to wear during September, and wearing a gold lapel ribbon is an easy way to shine a light on childhood cancers, and can give you an opportunity to share what you know about children and childhood cancers.
Inform yourself! Do a little research and learn about childhood cancers.
Did you know that cancer is the most common cause of disease-related death in children? Some cancers, like leukemia, are more likely to develop in children than in adults.
In Canada, there are around 1700 new diagnoses of childhood cancers each year. Some types of cancer have effective treatment regimes, from which many children survive. However, long- term side effects are commonplace, and are varied.
Start talking and spread the word! Tell your contacts - friends, family, colleagues - about childhood cancer, and help them understand the seriousness of the illness and its impact on families.
Take steps…to raise funds for research! Get involved and invite your friends and neighbours to do the same.
Because, even in these physically distanced times, we can all take steps to make a difference for kids with
cancer.
Community Partners
As Meagan’s HUG takes its first steps as an independent charity, we are happy to announce a new partnership with Pizzaville. And in celebration, Pizzaville is launching a special campaign to raise awareness and funds for Meagan’s HUG.
From September 8 – 30, 2020 order Meagan’s HUG Pizza & Popper special from Pizzaville to help support
Meagan’s HUG. $1 from every special purchased will be donated to Meagan’s HUG. Order online at pizzaville.ca, on the Pizzaville APP, or by phone – dial #3636 from your cell phone to order for pick-up or delivery.
Pizzaville’s number one priority remains to provide their customers with the highest quality food and service, while ensuring food safety, customer protection and peace of mind. Pizzaville offers contactless delivery and pick-up! Read more about Pizzaville’s COVID-19 best practices online at www.pizzaville.ca/page/covid19
Fiercely Canadian, Authentically Italian, Pizzaville looks forward to serving you.
Thank you, Pizzaville, from your friends at Meagan’s
HUG!
The beauty queens at Pretty Little Secrets Lash and Brow Bar, Ontario’s best brow bar and Toronto’s #1 lash bar are looking forward to enhancing your lashes and brows!
This award winning beauty studio aims to enhance one’s natural beauty, and provides customized design and services, perfected through years of training and experience.
And the Pretty Little Secrets team is particularly proud of the care and help they give to clients who have experienced changes and hair loss due to serious health challenges and treatments.
Learn more at www.prettylittlesecrets.ca. Shop online
for all your lash and brow needs at www.prettylittlesecretsbeauty.ca
For the months of September and October, Pretty Little Secrets, through its sister company, Pretty Little Secrets Beauty, will donate a portion of sales from each “You Look Good Toronto” protective face mask to Meagan’s HUG.
To purchase your mask, you can email info@prettylittlesecrets.ca or call (416) 962-2313
Don’t forget to follow and like them on Instagram and Facebook! Links found on their website.
Thank you, Pretty Little Secrets for being such good friends and neighbours for Meagan’s HUG!
Hero Story
Meet Milo
“He’s the happiest kid,” says Alexandra of her seven-year old son, Milo, who loves swimming, biking and playing games with his friends. He’s growing stronger every day since enduring a brave medical battle in 2019.
It started with the words that caused Alexandra’s heart to stop. “Brain tumour,” the doctor had said, cautioning Alexandra about what she’d hoped to rule out after running a few tests on Milo, who’d been vomiting for 12 days straight.
But an MRI scan revealed a five-centimetre pilocytic astrocytoma that was causing Milo’s brain stem to haemorrhage into his spine and triggering hydrocephalus. The next day, Milo was taken for surgery. Nine hours later, the operation was complete and the tumour—completely gone. Fortunately, Milo hasn’t needed radiation.
For Milo, the tumour is something that came—was fought—and went, and through ongoing therapy, he’s regaining his energy and mobility. What won’t be gone any time soon are the friendships Milo has made through Meagan’s HUG and the special bond that forms while spending time with someone who’s been through the same experience.
“One of the reasons my son is doing so well is because of Meagan’s HUG,” shares Alexandra. “Receiving the best care in the world comes from the best research, and a lot of that is due to the fundraising done by Meagan’s HUG.”
GET LOUD!
Are you planning to GetLoud this September at SickKids annual event?
Did you know that for the first time this year you will be able to direct your fundraising efforts. To make sure that your fundraising dollars go to benefit
paediatric brain tumour research send us an email at info@meaganshug.com with your team name and we will take care of all the details for you.
Meagan’s HUG Charitable Info
Registered Charitable Business Number
774077473 RR 0001
Canada Revenue Agency:
CONTACT US
3273 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1E2, Canada
Thank you to Meagan’s HUG newsletter volunteers,
Debbie Tong, Anna Muir, Blair Day
