Every family with a child in cancer treatment has a unique story to tell, and the Honeymans are no different. Yet, the exceptional care received at a POGO Satellite Clinic is a familiar one. In this issue, read their story, from symptoms to treatment and follow up care. Welcome two new members of POGO’s senior leadership team—our Medical Director and our first ever Director of Strategy, Programs and Partnerships. Read how the drug blinatumomab is transforming treatment for the most common childhood cancer. Learn how one of POGO’s corporate partners is helping survivors gain work experience. You’ll also get a recap of our 2024 POGO Symposium and a hint of our upcoming education event.
|
| Be a Champion: |
 |
 |
|
|
 How Jules's Stomachache Led to Care at a POGO Satellite Clinic
One moment, little Jules was running at the park. The next, she was doubled over in pain. What seemed like a stomachache turned out to be something far more serious—a tumour on her kidney.
Read about Jules’s unexpected diagnosis, her treatment, and the incredible care that helped the Honeyman family through it »
|
|
 Meet POGO's New Medical Director
With the appointment of Dr. Donna Johnston as POGO’s Medical Director, the childhood cancer system will have a champion in a new role ready to embrace new initiatives. Donna will join the POGO team in March, working in partnership with POGO CEO Lauren Ettin to provide strategic clinical leadership and identify opportunities to transform and advance childhood cancer care in Ontario. She’ll also continue her clinical duties as a pediatric oncologist at POGO partner hospital CHEO in Ottawa.
Learn more about Donna’s commitment and the Medical Director role »
|
|
 Welcoming POGO's Inaugural Director of Strategy, Programs and Partnerships
For this new and pivotal role, we’re thrilled that Victoria Hagens will be joining POGO’s Senior Leadership Team to have strategic oversight of our programs, responsibility for deepening relationships with partners and leadership of the Childhood Cancer Care Plan. Investing in this role recognizes how integral and critical our programs and relationships are across the system, underpinned by our short- and long-term goals and objectives.
Meet Victoria Hagens »
Read the Childhood Cancer Care Plan »
|
|
 Blinatumomab Clinical Trial Leads to Evolution in Childhood Cancer Care
A recent research study co-chaired by POGO Board member Dr. Sumit Gupta of SickKids shows that adding the drug blinatumomab to chemotherapy treatment significantly improves disease-free survival in patients newly diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This breakthrough in treating the most common childhood cancer is a major evolution in childhood cancer care. POGO and partners are committed to improving timely and equitable access to evolving drugs and therapeutics.
Go behind the scenes to learn how the team at POGO partner hospital SickKids turned a backpack into a medical bag, allowing kids to stay active over a 28-day infusion of blinatumomab »
|
|
 Survivors Gain Work Skills Thanks to First Avenue and EMBLEM Internship Program
In 2024, First Avenue Investment Counsel and EMBLEM Developments pledged $100,000 to POGO. Their corporate partnership includes a summer internship for a childhood cancer survivor—offering mentorship, office experience and business skills. This paid summer program provides invaluable work experience and aims to help to bridge the educational gap caused by childhood cancer.
Read Maryam's account of her transformative experience as the first intern »
|
|
 Catch up on the 2024 POGO Symposium and Save the Date for our Next Education Event
The 2024 POGO Symposium featured renowned speakers from across North America addressing the current and future landscape of childhood cancer care. Whether you missed it or want to relive it, we have some highlights. And, if you’re a healthcare provider, we invite you to save Friday, June 13 to be onsite for Satellite Education Day; more details coming to your inbox soon.
Watch video highlights from the 2024 POGO Symposium »
|
|
 There's Still Time to Make this Year's POGO PJ Party the Best Ever
POGO’s marquee fundraiser takes place February 27 and raises critical funds for childhood cancer care. You can do your part by bidding on silent auction items, buying tickets for our promotional draw and partying with us in your coziest PJs! Thank you to all our amazing sponsors for their generosity.
Bid and buy for a great cause, today »
|
