Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation Canada

Foward to the Future
Conference '96 Update

The date was August 9-10-11, 1996

Over 400 children and teens with cancer and their families along with the professionals and volunteers who care for them attended a very high spirited conference in Calgary. Topics included new therapies, long term survivor effects, school re-entry, coping, siblings - a whole spectrum of childhood cancer related topics. Candlelighters conferences provide a unique opportunity for parents to mix with professionals and for each of them to hear what the other has to say. If you would like an abstract of the proceedings from the conference, please contact Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation Canada.

The parent groups of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Candlelighters Canada worked together on this very successful conference. The keynote speakers were all experts in childhood cancer and its impact on the family.

• The opening keynote address was given by Barbara Coloroso who authored the best seller 'Kids are Worth It'.
• Dr. Giulio D'Angio addressed the complex subject of late effects.
• Dr. Betty Davies spoke on sibling grief.
• Dr. Mark Chesler spoke on psychological long term aspects of childhood cancer and later in the conference, on the role of parent support groups.

Social Highlights - The Great Western Hoe-Down

Our special Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Calgary's own Paul Brandt. Paul is a talented young singer/songwriter fuelled by his own experience as a paediatric nurse formerly with the Oncology Unit at Alberta Children's Hospital. Paul now lives in Nashville and sees his musical mission as similar to the one he pursued in nursing. To him, it's all about making a difference. "My music is just another way for me to make a difference now, and I look at this whole opportunity as a responsibility. This is the gift I have been givern." Many thanks to Paul Brandt for his participation at the conference.

The children's programme ensured that children 4-12 years had a great time and lots of fun including story-telling, games and activities, music, western crafts, beach party and participation in the closing ceremonies.

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to all those parents, volunteers and professionals who worked so hard to organize this conference. The donors who provided supplies and the corporations who made donations attest to the support there is for children with cancer and their families.

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