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Candlelighters Canada, as the national voice for families living with childhood
cancer and the only organization actively involved with all paediatric oncology
centres in Canada, has a unique and important role. It has been especially
gratifying to Candlelighters to have organizations dealing with childhood health
issues and various levels of government actively request Candlelighters' input.
Collaboration with other organizations to ensure the wellbeing of the child and the
family is paramount and has been one of the underlying philosophies of
Candlelighters. Our relationship building tradition continues with organizations
across Canada.
Issues that have been addressed or are ongoing relate to caregiver allowances
and Unemployment Insurance, input into the establishment of national camp
guidelines, out-of country medical insurance, education issues, life insurance for
survivors, home support, financial support, school re-entry programs, public
awareness of the effects of childhood cancer on the family and of the impact of
late effects on survivors and many others.
Health Insurance for Children with Cancer Travelling out of Canada
Education Resources for Children with Cancer
Life Insurance Is Getting It A Problem for Survivors?
Traveling out of Canada
Parents Please Take Note
Candlelighters Canada recently benefitted from the work of Angela Lasci who
with a political science and palliative care background tackled the national issue
of health insurance for children traveling out of Canada for treatments, or
vacations. The project was commissioned by the Advocacy Committee of the
Board of Directors.
For children with cancer who leave the country the coverage in each province
varies from virtually none to quite reasonable. Many parents are unaware of the
coverage their child may have. Such phrases as "no change in treatment for 90
days," may render a policy invalid.
We urge all parents who are considering leaving the country with their child with
cancer, for whatever reason, to carefully check their current provincial coverage,
supplemental and group insurance. If the child is traveling on a Wish parents are
advised to check with the Wish organization concerning their position regarding
out of country medical coverage should the child require care. Candlelighters
Canada will be informing all treatment centres of the issues parents face when
planning to leave the country and the vital role the oncologist or haematologist
plays in providing supporting documentation.
Candlelighters Canada will be working with health insurance companies to
alleviate this problem and we will keep you informed of progress.
Summaries of the report will shortly be made available to all treatment centres
and parent groups.
Problems parents face attempting to ensure ongoing educational resources for
their children with cancer has been brought to the attention of Candlelighters
Canada. Over the past few months an extensive survey was conducted by Aviva
Wittenberg in conjunction with the Advocacy Committee of the Board. Aviva is a
graduate in the Health Sciences from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario
and brings considerable experience to this project.
Parent Groups, professionals and Ministries of Education were contacted to
determine the resources available in each province. The report has been
completed and will be made available shortly.
In the interim, provincial representatives are being asked to comment on whether
the resources available match what we have been given to understand are
available for every child with cancer. This is a very important part of this project
and we would greatly appreciate your assistance in completing the information,
should you receive the questionnaire, and returning it to the National Office. There
are several recommendations in the report which Candlelighters will be acting on
once this additional information had been returned.
Survivors?
It has been brought to the attention of the Advocacy Committee of the Board of
Directors that survivors may encounter difficulty obtaining life insurance at
reasonable rates. Candlelighters was fortunate in having a study examining the
issues around insurance completed by Tim Nichol, a student at the University of
Toronto.
The study showed very clearly the importance of maintaining accurate and current
health records throughout all stages of the child's cancer. Follow-up care is
essential and must be documented. To assist with this record keeping
Candlelighters Canada will be publishing a "Personal Health Record" developed
by Helen Yoon a graduate of the Ryerson University Nursing Programme.
You will notice that this issue of Contact includes a flier for survivors who would
be willing to share their life insurance, or group insurance, experiences with us.
This information will provide the necessary background to Tim's study and will
enable Candlelighters to work with certain insurance companies on behalf of
survivors.
We would greatly appreciate your assistance in completing the flier and returning
it to us. The instructions are on the form. Thank you. We will keep you updated on
our progress.
