POGO Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario

POGO Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario Childhood cancer is a devastating diagnosis that affects both the child and the entire family.

POGO ensures that all children, youth with cancer, survivors of childhood cancer, and their families in Ontario are given equal access to state-of-the-art cancer care. At POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario) we give kids with cancer and their families the support they need – not just during the difficult time around therapy, but for years after – when they can face complications from the very treatments that saved their lives. Each year in Ontario, 400 children are diagnosed with cancer and about 4,000 families are currently going through active treatment or follow up care. Many of these families are accessing POGO’s financial assistance program for the unexpected out-of-pocket costs associated with a childhood cancer diagnosis. While 82% of children survive, many will face significant late effects from their disease and treatment. Survivors of brain tumours and other cancers may face learning challenges later in life. POGO counsellors across the province work with these young people to help them match their abilities with their aspirations and take the necessary steps to move on to college or university. POGO also maintains an aggressive research agenda through the POGO Research Unit (PRU). We are asking the types of questions that will benefit these young cancer patients, their families and survivors - in Ontario and around the world – today and well into the future. POGO is committed to putting equity at the heart of everything we do. At the heart of POGO’s mission is our commitment to work in collaboration across Ontario and beyond to ensure everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to deliver on this mission, and that to achieve our vision of excellence requires an environment in which everyone feels welcomed and valued, including our team, and those we serve and with whom we work. We are taking action to:

- Have our organization reflect the diverse community we serve
- Empower people from all backgrounds to do their best work in support of our mission
- Reduce barriers to our programs and services
- Be a positive voice to address inequities in the broader childhood cancer system
- Educate ourselves on issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity and inclusion to help us be positive agents of change

04/09/2026

On World Psycho-Oncology Day, we recognize the invisible work parents do when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with cancer.

Parents are constantly navigating what it means to be a “good parent,” acting from a deep compass that pulls them toward what’s in their child’s best interests. But in the world of childhood cancer, that compass can feel harder to follow.

Uncertainty, vulnerability, competing priorities, and relentless demands can cloud the path forward.

When a child is in cancer treatment, care that includes mental, social and emotional well-being offers families something powerful. It helps parents explore different paths, understand their choices, and make decisions that feel right for their child and for themselves.

Ceilidh Eaton Russell spoke at a past POGO Symposium and we can’t wait to share the details with you about what’s coming in November for this year’s event!

The experience of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer is unlike cancer at any other stage of life.Each year, ...
04/08/2026

The experience of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer is unlike cancer at any other stage of life.

Each year, more than 6,200 Ontarians aged 15–39 are in active cancer treatment while navigating pivotal milestones in their lives. For AYAs, cancer brings distinct medical and financial challenges that can disrupt personal development, affect fertility, sexual health, strain relationships and mental well-being, and shape long-term outcomes.

That’s why AYA cancer care must be different. It requires specialized, age-appropriate approaches that address not just the disease, but the whole person.

Together with eight Ontario hospitals and provincial government partners, we are expanding access to AYA cancer care that will provide fertility supports, counselling, and referrals to expert services, regardless of where adolescents and young adults live.

With support from the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Health, this work is strengthening equitable access to high-quality, developmentally-appropriate care for AYAs, supporting their futures during and beyond cancer.

Read POGO’s media release: https://www.pogo.ca/pogo-strengthens-cancer-care-for-adolescents-and-young-adults-aya-across-ontario/

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)
Hamilton Health Sciences
Waterloo Regional Health Network - WRHN
Southlake Health
The Ottawa Hospital - L'Hôpital d'Ottawa
Adolescent and Young Adult Program
William Osler Health System
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Today, on Oncology Nursing Day, we recognize the incredible nurses who provide compassionate, expert care to children an...
04/07/2026

Today, on Oncology Nursing Day, we recognize the incredible nurses who provide compassionate, expert care to children and their families, adolescents and young adults affected by cancer.

Within the POGO network, you’re collaborating across disciplines, supporting one another as committee members, and championing new and innovative approaches. You continually demonstrate how shared expertise and collective purpose strengthen oncology nursing practice and improve outcomes.

Thank you for the knowledge, empathy, and dedication you bring to this work each day 🙏

POGO is proud to lead a province-wide effort to improve access to care for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cance...
04/06/2026

POGO is proud to lead a province-wide effort to improve access to care for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, ensuring AYAs receive care designed for this pivotal stage of their life.

Each year, more than 6,200 Ontarians aged 15–39 are in active cancer treatment, including over 3,200 newly diagnosed patients. This age group is often finishing school, starting careers, buying homes, and building families. A cancer diagnosis during this time can have far‑reaching effects on education, employment, mental health, fertility, relationships, and long‑term well-being, creating care needs that differ from those of children or older adults.

POGO is working in collaboration with eight Ontario hospitals and government partners to ensure access to equitable, expert care no matter where in Ontario adolescents and young adults live.

This work advances Ontario’s Childhood Cancer Care Plan and would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Health. Thank you for your commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for adolescents and young adults with cancer across the province.

Read POGO’s media release: https://www.pogo.ca/pogo-strengthens-cancer-care-for-adolescents-and-young-adults-aya-across-ontario/

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)
Hamilton Health Sciences
Waterloo Regional Health Network - WRHN
Southlake Health
The Ottawa Hospital - L'Hôpital d'Ottawa
AYA Program at Princess Margaret
William Osler Health System
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

04/03/2026

You showed up. You gave. You made it magical.

Take a look back at POGO PJ Party: Riviera Reverie 2026 🎥 The night that raised $390,000 for families across Ontario and reminded us all why this community is so special.

So what do we do next? We do it all over again.

📅 SAVE THE DATE: February 25, 2027. More details coming soon.

POGO AfterCare Education Day 2026 is coming and this year's program is one you won't want to miss! 👇Join us on May 8 for...
04/01/2026

POGO AfterCare Education Day 2026 is coming and this year's program is one you won't want to miss! 👇

Join us on May 8 for a full day of evidence-based sessions, expert insights, and lived-experience perspectives shaping the future of survivorship care across Ontario.

NEW this year: the AfterCare Community Dinner & Dialogue. Kick off the event the evening before with a collaborative gathering designed to connect attendees and help shape priorities for survivorship care in Ontario.

This year's program includes:
📌 A tribute to parents featuring survivor Emily Burtwistle
📌 Cardiac & Lipid Monitoring in Survivorship — Dr. Louise Guolla
📌 Fertility After Childhood Cancer — Dr. Stéphanie Dufour
📌 Trauma-Informed Care — Dr. Brooke Russell
📌 Late Effects After CAR-T Therapy - Dr. Joerg Krueger

Learn more and register here: https://reg.eventmobi.com/POGOACE2026

To the dedicated   caring for children and youth with cancer and their families thank you for the immeasurable support y...
03/27/2026

To the dedicated caring for children and youth with cancer and their families thank you for the immeasurable support you provide.

You are integral members of the healthcare team, showing up at every stage of the journey from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, offering resources, a listening ear, and endless compassion.

Your tireless efforts are valued!

  in the POGO network are clinically trained to support children, youth, and families through the stressful experience o...
03/22/2026

in the POGO network are clinically trained to support children, youth, and families through the stressful experience of a diagnosis. Through play and other therapies, these experts in child development help everyone cope.

Thank you to the child life specialists who champion with us and for all the incredible work you do.

During  , we’re recognizing the incredible pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who provide expert, evidence-based care ...
03/19/2026

During , we’re recognizing the incredible pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who provide expert, evidence-based care that strengthens our system.

To everyone across the POGO network and beyond — thank you for the vital role you play in supporting young patients, survivors, and their families every step of the way. Your knowledge, dedication, and compassion truly make a difference. 💊💙

03/16/2026

Don’t miss out! Scholarship season begins March 1 🗓️

Our updated survivor scholarship list is available through your POGO School and Work Transitions Counsellor.

Your POGO counsellor can help you plan ahead so application deadlines don’t sneak up! Reaching out early makes all the difference.

For additional contact information, please visit the POGO website. Chat soon!

https://www.pogo.ca

Want to make a real difference for kids with cancer?Host a community, school, or workplace fundraiser in support of POGO...
03/13/2026

Want to make a real difference for kids with cancer?

Host a community, school, or workplace fundraiser in support of POGO – or add a fundraising component to an event you’re already planning. It’s easier than you think, and every dollar raised helps support families across Ontario when they need it most.

Turn your bake sale, tournament, PJ day, office challenge, or celebration into impact ✨

Make a difference. Start something meaningful.

Help us fundraise using this link! https://www.pogo.ca/how-you-can-help/fundraise-for-us

03/12/2026

Riviera Reverie did not disappoint ✨

From the roaming photo booth to the excitement of the silent auction, the 2026 POGO PJ Party was filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable moments. And the fashion?

Let’s just say everyone understood the assignment. Riviera-inspired looks brought effortless coastal glamour to the room.

A heartfelt thank you to our POGO Ambassador Mel, whose powerful story reminded us why this community shows up year after year. And to Layne the Auctionista, our incredible emcee, who captivated the room and led an inspiring Fund-A-Need in support of kids with cancer and their families.

To everyone who joined us, donated, bid, dressed up, and celebrated with us — thank you. Your support helps ensure children with cancer across Ontario receive the care they need for now, for life.

More photos coming soon 📸

Address

480 University Avenue Suite 1014
Toronto, ON
M5G1V2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14165921232

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