Annual Report 2011-2012 Spreading hope Creating a future for families More than Commitment Support 70 employees Friendship Healing A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION The Relay Race Hope Health Physical When my wife and I met with the physician and learned that there was something wrong activity with our daughter, Anne-Sophie, then aged 12, we were faced with so many raw Mental health Reduce pain Reduce and stress emotions—emotions shared by all families who see their lives turned upside-down by a Leucan cancer diagnosis. Solidarity Luckily, in the province of Québec, a group of people who have been through the same Equity Generosity ordeal have decided to make every effort to foster recovery and to take an active role in the fight against leukemia and cancer. The result is Leucan, a vibrant association that has grown considerably over the last 30 years. Healthy eatingHealthy Leucan provided support to us from the very beginning, sometimes without even knowing Prevention it. When the nurse talked to me about treatment protocols to help Anne-Sophie fight Siblings Dedication her cancer, I had not the slightest idea that a major part of the research was financed by Respect Leucan. Yet, the Association is the primary source of funding for clinical research in the Smiles Mutual aid province, which is essential to improving the survival rate. Moreover, upon our return home, a comforting Family Services Agent told us about the different Leucan services. Life Nearly For the last three years, I have had the privilege to serve as President of the Association. It has been my honour to represent you and act as a protector of this noble cause. 2,000 Together with Leucan’s extended family, we have been striving to better meet the needs Services of families. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors, we can further embrace our volunteers mission to make cancer-stricken children and their families believe in a brighter future. The time has now come for me to pass the baton to the next runner. I strongly believe in Excellence the strength of the relay race because it will truly take us all further! Parents I would like to thank our families, employees, donors, partners, and precious volunteers: Academic achievement you make all the difference for people going through this difficult time. Making a difference More than 3,600 families Denis Caouette Mission: A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It was with great pride that I accepted the role of Executive Director of Leucan this past To help cancer-stricken December. Now, a few months in, I am in a strong position to say that our team is both competent and dedicated to the well-being of cancer-stricken children and their families. children and their Over the past year, we have approved a new action plan, which will apply to all areas of activity at Leucan in the upcoming year. Ambitious targets have been set—both for our families believe services to families and for our financial development—in order for Leucan to provide continuous support to our member-families. In light of this, it will be important for us to in a brighter future communicate more efficiently with various parties to raise awareness about Leucan and the many services we provide. To succeed, we must rally a great team around our cause. I hope this plan will lead to a Emotion greater feeling of community between the regional offices and the head office. This is imperative to our ability to work effectively together to achieve our common goals. Healthy lifestyles Ultimately, this is how Leucan will become a beacon for cancer-stricken children and Children their families. To conclude, I would like to thank all of Leucan’s employees for their excellent work and Partners the warm welcome they have extended to me. I also wish to acknowledge the commitment Determination of our volunteers, including the Board of Trustees and members of the regional School committees. Your dedication is the driving force that pushes our Association further. Break down down Break the isolation retention Together Demystify Sandro Di Cori the disease 03 WELCOME, EMOTIONAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES Our A cancer diagnosis shakes a family to its core. Through financial support and professional commitment in Québec’s pediatric oncology centres and in Ontario’s CHEO (for the purpose Outaouais clientele), Leucan has welcomed and provided emotional assistance and support services to the 231 families who received a pediatric cancer diagnosis this past year. “We bring the welcome kit everywhere. Every bit of its contents is precious: the comforting blanket, the specially-made clothing, the documentation, the Friendship bag... everything.” - Geneviève, mother of Louis-David, 18 months Comfort Solidarity More than Making a 3,600 families difference HOSTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES IN PLAYROOMS The long Cancer-stricken children spend long hours at the outpatient clinics of the pediatric oncology centres in the province awaiting treatment. In an effort to provide them with a warm and hours spent reassuring environment, Leucan has set up playrooms and lounges for teenagers where children can play and parents can meet. At CHU Sainte-Justine, two specialized educators Smiles at the employed by Leucan are available on a full-time basis. Leucan also provides hospitalized children with electronic equipment to entertain themselves during their hospital stay. This Children Support year, over 19,500 children and their entourages (siblings, parents, grandparents, etc.) hospital have visited the playrooms. In 2011-12, the playroom at the Centre mère-enfant of the CHUQ underwent a complete upgrade. Thanks to the financial support of Frima Studio, the new playroom is equipped with better lighting, is better adapted to the needs of children in the Québec City region, and provides the Association with a choice position in the hospital and parents with a friendly and reassuring environment. “I have been a Leucan child from the age of 13 months. Leucan has been there for me and my parents. The activities in the playroom made me forget I was sick. It is now my turn to help and to spread a message of hope.” - Catheryne, age 20 MASSAGE THERAPY In addition to medical treatments, Leucan provides children, their parents and their siblings with massage therapy services at the hospital centre, back at home, and as part of the activities the Association organizes. These services are rendered by a team of massage therapists specially trained for cancer-stricken patients. The primary purpose of massage therapy is to foster a sense of calm and relaxation to help reduce pain and stress and to restore immune function. Massage therapy also allows children to re-familiarize FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE themselves with being touched again, in an agreeable and enjoyable manner, despite The financial needs of families with a cancer-stricken child are numerous. They include undergoing treatment. travel, accommodation and meal expenses during the medical treatment and follow-ups, A complementary program for massage therapists treating cancer-stricken children, not to mention babysitting costs and the added pressure of a loss in work revenue. To this unique in North America, has been developed by Leucan. end, Leucan has created various funds and grant programs available at different stages of the disease to help families cope with unforeseen expenses. Over 8,900 massages have been administered in 2011-12. In 2011-12, $726,990 was awarded to families—a testament to the considerable financial “Every month, a massage therapist comes over to treat all members of the needs of families of cancer-stricken children. family. We all appreciate it so much, even the children. Gabriel always picks “Leucan provided continued support even after the long months my son spent the maple or chocolate massage oil.” hospitalized. I had to take a leave of absence to stay at my son’s side and saw - Annie, mother of Gabriel, age 8, leukemia relapse my family’s finances melt away. We received gift cards from Leucan to cover our needs; everything from gas to groceries.” - Manuel, father of Louis, age 2 04 05 Let’s forget about the disease THE LEUCAN INFORMATION CENTRE For nearly five years, the Leucan Information Centre has been providing cancer-stricken for a while children, their families, and the staff of pediatric oncology centres serving French-speaking “We recommend a visit clientele with information and documentation on cancer. The first centre of its kind in SOCIO-RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES (Regional, inter-regional and provincial) to the Leucan Information North America, the Leucan Information Centre employs a librarian with an uncommon Leucan’s activities encourage sharing and mutual aid between families while providing Centre to parents who have specialty in hematology-oncology. Located in the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau them with some moments of respite. A variety of activities are offered: summer camp, questions about the disease at the CHU Sainte-Justine, the Centre is open both to the general population and to the special camps for teenagers, a Christmas party and different outings. Recognizing the and siblings who need to medical and psycho-social staff of the province’s pediatric oncology centres: CHU Sainte- importance of children’s safety and the specific supervision they require, Leucan ensures Justine, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Centre mère-enfant du CHUQ and CHU de Sherbrooke. that a medical team is on site at all activities. The team ensures continuity in treatments and have cancer explained