OPACC Holiday Sponsors

At age 3 Israel was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma. Since then he has had six rounds of chemotherapy, two bone marrow transplants, a major surgery, twelve rounds of radiation, six rounds of immunotherapy, and is currently taking a maintenance drug to prevent relapse. He continues to be strong, brave, and a blessing throughout his journey.

Domenic was diagnosed with ALL leukemia when he was 6 and had to undergo treatment for many years. His 3 brothers were always around supporting him: his twin brother Peter, who’s 14 now, 13-year-old Antonio, and 12-year-old Nino. He went through many years of medication and chemotherapy fighting and trying to live a normal child's life. Now he is in remission and enjoys working out, boxing, playing with his brothers, spending time with the family, and enjoying life.

My daughter was diagnosed last November 26th with AML. She had a very tough treatment: nine months in multiple hospitals and air lifts in helicopters. Danielle’s kidneys failed and she was in active heart failure for some time. I have personally found myself off work taking care of Danielle and being by her side. We have been home for a couple of short months, with weekly hospital clinic visits and ensuring she stays safe.

Ruhi was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023, a moment that changed our lives forever. Since then, she has bravely undergone surgery, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation. Her journey didn’t end there—countless physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy sessions have become a part of her everyday routine. Through it all, her strength, resilience, and spirit have been truly inspiring, reminding us every day of her incredible courage.

Our family’s life changed forever when our son was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia at just one and a half years old. He is now four years old and continues to receive ongoing care, including follow-up appointments with his oncologist at SickKids every three months and monthly visits to the POGO clinic. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed the extraordinary dedication of the medical teams who care for him, and we are deeply grateful for the support we have received so far. As we continue to navigate his treatment and long-term care, we are seeking additional support to help us manage the emotional, medical, and financial challenges that come with his diagnosis. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in ensuring that he continues to receive the best possible care. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time.

Seasons Greetings from Ryan the Lion and family! Ryan is a T21 warrior and two time cancer survivor. He was first diagnosed at 2 yrs old with AML, then had a rare relapse on his 8th birthday. Thank God his brother was a 100% bone marrow match, which has engrafted. Ryan is recovering, but still has a lot of work to do. He is at home with his two brothers and that's where he's happiest, with his family. He is our inspiration and he shares his love to everyone. This year we thank God, and everyone who has helped in a way with bringing a smile to our boys' faces.

Joel is a 12 year old boy who was diagnosed in 2022 with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. He had five intense rounds of chemo and thankfully went into remission. Last year Joel's mom was diagnosed with the same cancer. It's been a whirlwind few years. Thank you.

My daughter was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2018. We found this out in her 10th birthday, and we were devastated to learn about the disease and the treatment. With God’s blessings, she conquered it in 2019. She has been cancer free for about 6 years now.

​At 4 months old, Avery was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH is a rare, fatal, cancer-like disorder in which the white blood cells attack other blood cells and organs in the body. Temporary treatment for HLH is chemotherapy but the cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.  Thankfully, his two-year old sister, Gabrielle, was found to perfect match and at 8-months-old Avery had a bone marrow transplant. Avery was monitored closely by Sick Kids hospital and over the years, there was a notable decrease in the amount of Gabrielle's donor blood cells. In January 2025, almost 9 years after he was first diagnosed, HLH came back. Avery was again hospitalized and underwent the same process as before - tons of medication, multiple rounds of chemo and then another transplant from his sister at the end of April 2025. Though still not back at school, we thank God that Avery is doing much better. After the year that it's been, we intend on making this Christmas very special and in the New Year, our goal is to spend more quality time making special memories together as a family.

On August 18th 2025, our world changed forever. A 4 cm tumor was found in Emilia’s brain. I remember needing to see the scans because I couldn’t wrap my head around it — this couldn’t be real. I remember trying to hold back tears, forcing myself to stay present so I could hear every word the doctors were saying. Everything happened so fast. On August 19th, Emilia went in for brain surgery. It was the longest, most terrifying day of my life. And then, on August 20th — her 2nd birthday — she spent the day in the PICU, mostly asleep, surrounded by wires and machines. It broke my heart. The official diagnosis came on August 22nd — one day after my birthday: ATRT — an aggressive and rare brain cancer. That’s when I realized I had been in survival mode since August 17th. Every day since has been filled with questions I never imagined asking, fears I never wanted to face, and a future that suddenly became very uncertain. The 40% survival rate haunts me. Some days, the intrusive thoughts creep in and pull me down — the what-ifs, the unknowns, the worst-case scenarios. But every morning, I try to start the day by saying, “Today is going to be a good day.” This journey is not easy. But it’s made me stronger than I ever thought I could be — because my daughter needs me to be. She is so brave, so full of light, even in the darkest moments.

My adorable 6 year-old son (he'll be 7 in January), Benjamin (Benji) Jason-Alboim, was diagnosed with life-threatening, rare cancer (hepatoblastoma liver cancer) on his first birthday. My husband, Jesse, has had cancer himself and several major surgeries and is waiting for further investigation into new issues that have suddenly developed. Because Benji's and Jesse's immune system have been compromised, we had been mostly isolating at home for a long time, so Benji was unable to go to preschool, socialize, or go out much to have fun. He is beyond excited (but also somewhat anxious) to have started grade one this past Fall! Benji has been an absolute super hero - bravely fighting cancer and the side effects of surgeries and harsh chemotherapy (some of which are unfortunately long-term/permanent), having Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a recent diagnosis of autism, anxiety, and all the stress and upheaval with my husband's health, while being the most fun-loving, charming, engaging, sweet, affectionate, adventurous, curious, quirky, hilarious, and endlessly creative little boy. He's also been even more resilient, as we are still continuing to deal with the aftermath of a major house flood. Our family faces significant financial barriers - we haven't been working due to the cancer struggles for both Benji and my husband, so we would be incredibly grateful for anything.

Ellie was diagnosed with High risk B-cell ALL in 2022 on her fourth birthday - two weeks before Christmas. This forced us to spend that Christmas separated in the hospital, because Ellie was only allowed to have one person stay with her. She is currently suffering the late effects of the high-dose chemotherapy she received in front-line treatment when she did not reach remission in the required time frame. Ellie struggles with recently diagnosed ADHD and Dyslexia- having already missed 1.5 years of schooling, this is becoming very distressing and difficult for her to catch up and learn at the pace of her classmates. Ellie is trying her hardest to get back to a more “normal” kid life. Her younger brother Weston (4) spent over half of his life in the Ronald McDonald House and in and out of hospitals while we tried our best to juggle between both of their individual needs, appointments, and working when possible to pay the bills. Ellie and Weston do not remember a life without medical appointments, medicines, and fever protocols. We are going to do our best to make this the best Christmas yet, though any Christmas spent outside of the hospital is a dream come true nowadays.

Krystal was diagnosed with High Risk Leukemia at just 6 months of age. Her battle has been long and incredibly challenging. Years later she continues to battle the side effects of chemotherapy from going completely deaf (was implanted with bi-lateral cochlear implants at just 5 years old), to her current and new diagnosis at 15 years of age with severe lung disease. It's been exceptionally difficult this past month as her best friend (soul sister), passed away from cancer in October 2025. Having to say goodbye in hospital to her other half, witnessing my daughter share how much they loved each other, was truly heartbreaking. Krystal's been deeply affected by this experience. She is trying her best to stay upbeat and bury her sorrow through the dramatic arts and writing, but we would love nothing more than to give Krystal an amazing Christmas. We would love to give Krystal a Christmas to remember. Thank you for taking the time to read her story and thank you for your consideration. Your generosity is truly inspiring.

We were an average, happy family, living in a small village in Ontario, when Olive was diagnosed with standard risk B-ALL when she was three, on April 1st, 2020. She fought through it like a champ, and for five years, she got to live life as a relatively normal kid. When she was almost six, she got the little sister she wanted, Poppy, and two puppies, Roger and Clementine. However, when Olive was eight, her leukaemia relapsed. She went through a very tough month of chemo, but it, unfortunately, didn’t work as well as the Sick Kids oncologists expected, so Olive had to have a stem cell transplant on August 18th, 2025. Her bone marrow is now over 99% her Mom’s! During this, Olive’s Mom and Dad (Sarah and Mike) also had to move. Soon, Olive will be able to leave Ronald McDonald House in Toronto and finally see her new home for the first time - right in time for Christmas! We’re grateful for anything - just want Olive to have the perfect Christmas this year. Thank you!

Tristan was diagnosed with leukemia on his 2nd birthday back on September 6, 2025, a moment that changed our family’s world in an instant. Since then, both Mom and Dad have stepped away from work to be by his side through every step of this journey, while doing our best to keep life feeling as normal as possible for his big brother, Jayden, who just started school. The holidays have always been an important and joyful time for our family, and even in the midst of this challenging season, we’re hoping to hold onto that sense of magic and togetherness for our boys. With the rising cost of living, especially groceries for two growing kids - any support to help make this holiday special for Tristan and Jayden would mean more than we can express.

Qais’s cancer journey has been one of incredible strength, patience, and faith. From the moment of diagnosis, his life changed in ways no one could imagine, filled with hospital visits, treatments, and long days of uncertainty. Through every challenge, Qais showed quiet courage and resilience, holding on to hope even on the hardest days. His journey has been painful, but it has also revealed an extraordinary spirit, reminding everyone around him of the power of love, prayer, and perseverance in the face of illness. The wishlist he has shared includes simple things he needs for school and a few dreams we are unable to afford, but that would mean the world to him.

Gabriel was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor on his left kidney. He had surgery after. This happened when he was one and half years old. He is following up with his oncologist at SickKids annually. Thank you for your generous support.

April was diagnosed with infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia one week before turning 6 months old, right during the height of COVID. There was only one parent allowed in the hospital during her whole treatment. Despite all the adversities April went through, she is in remission and doing okay now.

Elektra’s cancer journey began in the Summer of 2022. After several months of severe stomach symptoms that were dismissed by another doctor, we were advised by a family counselor to take her to our local hospital. On September 8, 2022, at 10:37 pm, after several tests and scans, we were taken to a small room and told that it looks like cancer. After a flurry of questions and words, Elektra was transferred to SickKids for a biopsy and start of treatment. On September 11, 2022, we received confirmation that Elektra had metastatic Stage IV Wilms tumor. We then started what would be an up and down rollercoaster of a ride of surgery, sepsis, NG tubes, Chemotherapy, and Radiation. Elektra completed her radiation treatment the day after her 12th birthday, December 8th 2022, and rang the bell for Chemotherapy on June 7, 2023. As she continues to be monitored by her team at SickKids quarterly, her activities now include dancer, model, Grade 10 student, and big sister to her little brother aged 3 years (born 3 days after her surgery) and her 1.5-year-old sister.

My name is Reo, and I’m 17. I survived brain cancer after two surgeries, chemo, and radiation in 2019, but the treatments left me with permanent disabilities: double vision, memory loss, and a damaged growth hormone. I recently learned there is a new growth forming on my brain, but it’s still growing slowly, and I’m trying to stay hopeful. I’ve worked incredibly hard to start my first year of university despite these challenges, and my mom has carried our family through years of medical and financial struggles. A Christmas wishlist may seem small, but it would truly help with the essentials I need for school and daily life.. Thank you for supporting families like mine, it means more than you can imagine. God Bless you all, Merry Christmas :)

Bentley's Journey began in February of 2019, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell sarcoma of the kidney at 2-and-a-half. Bentley went through chemotherapy, kidney removal, radiation, stem cell transplants and he was always smiling, always happy and just a bright light in any room he walked into. Bentley loved his two sisters so very much and always wanted them to be with him. He was always strong and he fought so very hard. Bentley passed away in my arms on August 15th 2022, 9 days after his 6th birthday. He is so very missed and his death really took a lot out of our whole family. Life is slowly starting to come back together without Bentley here, but we know he will always be with us.

Sam was diagnosed with high risk B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was only 2.5 years old. Our world flipped upside down. Our lives have shifted back-and-forth, between periodically living at Ronald McDonald House, long hospital stays, and trying to have normalcy when at home. We are now a year and a half into our fight, with 10 more months until Sam is done treatment. Sam had many setbacks during frontline treatment, and a secondary medical diagnosis, Noonan Syndrome, putting his heart at an even greater risk due to his syndrome and the chemotherapy. He is currently in maintenance treatment, receiving chemo at home daily, hospital visits for bloodwork, and for other chemotherapy drugs. Sam is such a strong wee warrior!

My son Guneet was diagnosed with a spinal tumour in 2022. At a very young age, he fought and won the battle with a tumour after an 8-hour long surgery. But this win didn’t last long. Guneet was diagnosed again in 2023 and doctors sent him for proton therapy in the U.S. After this treatment, he finally won. I just hope he will always remain a winner over this pain. Recovery was slow, but every step reminded us: the tumour didn’t win, we did. Now he is trying to live a normal life. We wish every parent and child a good happy healthy long life.

Dominic’s journey began at just five years old, when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare brain cancer. Though the road was difficult, he never lost his spirit and continued to enjoy being a kid. On his 13th birthday, Dominic and his family faced heartbreaking news as the cancer returned. With incredible courage, he met the challenge head-on once again. Today, Dominic proudly celebrates being a two-time cancer survivor, now four years cancer-free. As the middle child of three boys, he fills his family’s life with laughter and love, inspiring everyone around him. This Christmas, Dominic’s heartfelt wish is for all families to share in a healthy, happy holiday filled with joy and togetherness.

Meet Ivy, a 4 year old girl who was diagnosed with AML in July 2025. This girl has been through so much for a 4 year old. We have been receiving treatment at CHEO. Each admission stay has been longer than 24 days at a time, with a short visit in between to go back home to Callander to see her sister Ava, who is 15 years old. This girl has been through so much in these short months, with all the testing, pokes, medication and chemo. Ivy is a very busy active kid who you will see running the hallways, hanging out with the friends we have met during our stay. She is such a strong and brave girl!

Grant’s journey has reshaped our entire world. He was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in 2024, the same day we were told he has an Optic Pathway Glioma and Plexiform Neurofibroma. Since his diagnosis he has faced battles no 11-year-old should ever have to fight, including painful complications like spinal epidural lipomatosis, endless MRIs, bloodwork, experimental medications and Neurosurgeon and oncology appointments, and the constant worry that comes with a condition that never takes a day off. Yet somehow, he remains kind, funny, and unbelievably brave, even when he’s exhausted or scared or hurting. His favourite thing to do after every monthly oncology appointment is go to Costco. He loves the simple things like being with his family (and Costco samples!). He also loves playing football and watching the Ottawa Sens. His strength is the heartbeat of our family, and we are so proud of the way he keeps moving forward with courage, with hope, and with more resilience than any child should ever have to show.

We moved to Canada in 2019 with the hope of giving our family a better, safer future. After the difficulties of the pandemic, life finally began to fall into place — we found steady work, welcomed our second son Hassan, became Canadian citizens, and bought our first home. But in the summer of 2025, our world changed overnight when Hassan was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. Cancer has touched every part of our family. Lubaina (Mom) has taken an extended leave from work to stay with Hassan, while Hunaid (dad) works remotely and manages hospital visits, overnight stays, and unpredictable emergencies. Our older son, Burhanuddin, has shown incredible bravery, even though he spends many days each month without us. With one income lost and constant medical demands, this journey has placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on us. Yet we continue to hold on to hope for Hassan’s full recovery.

My 5 year old son has Down Syndrome and had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He had to get chemotherapy for about 11 months, which was very hard on him. His father also had a brain tumour. It is so hard.

Alice is currently living with a brain tumour and undergoes regular MRI scans to monitor its growth. The treatments she has already endured, including chemotherapy, have caused her to develop secondary ADHD and several learning disabilities that affect her daily life and schooling. Her tumour is growing slowly again, and she will need further treatment in the future. She has her little sister and BFF, Aviv, with her supporting her all the time.

On Halloween of 2024, Claire began her fight against stage IV Wilms Tumour, suddenly becoming a warrior. The early stages were especially tough—she had to go through treatments and couldn't see her big brother as often as she wanted. Her ordeal included emergency surgery, radiation, and intense chemotherapy. The previous Christmas was particularly challenging for Claire, since isolation and strict visitor limits kept loved ones away during her first treatment cycle. Throughout it all, her single mother cared for both Claire and her brother, with great support from extended family. Recently, Claire has been in remission, thriving, and once again enjoying time with her big brother and their mother, embracing life with remarkable strength.

Our family’s childhood cancer journey began on November 28, 2020—the day before my birthday—when our six-year-old child was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. What we thought would be a normal day instantly turned into every parent’s worst fear. Within hours of the diagnosis, our child was rushed into intensive care. Those five days in the ICU felt endless as we watched monitors, listened to alarms, and prayed for stability. It was a level of fear and helplessness we had never known. Once our child was strong enough to begin treatment, we entered a new world filled with chemotherapy, procedures, and unpredictable challenges. Seeing a six-year-old endure so much was heartbreaking, yet their strength amazed us. Even in pain, they showed courage, found moments to smile, and reminded us to keep believing in better days. As a family, we learned to hold onto hope through the toughest moments. We adjusted our lives around hospital visits, leaned on each other, and accepted support from everyone who cared about us. This journey has changed us deeply. It has been incredibly hard, but our child’s bravery continues to inspire us every single day.

Wesley was diagnosed at age 2 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After completing 3.5 years of chemotherapy treatment he was cancer free. However, after one year in remission, his leukemia came back and he was given a bone marrow transplant. He is now cancer free and doing great! Lego really helped Wesley during his hospital stays and it continues to be something he loves. We'd love to be able to build a train for under the Christmas tree together as a family to enjoy!

Devin was just 15 last Christmas break when we received the news that he has stage 4 brain cancer, a DIPG tumor. His battle has been incredibly hard: he hasn’t been able to go to school, he’s undergone 30 rounds of radiation, and he also lives with autism. Devin’s wish this year is simple and full of love: to have a wonderful Christmas with his mom and his brother.

My son has a germ cell tumour cancer, he was in remission but unfortunately on our follow-up MRI they had seen a second tumor. He also went through a few surgeries in his head and it has been very difficult getting up to walk and doing daily activities, but he is slowly coming along in rehabilitation. It’s been a very difficult few years that we’ve been going through this. We are so thankful to have him here with us.

Hi there, first just like to say thank you so much for your support. My name is Joseph but everyone calls me Joey. Two weeks before my 2nd birthday, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lymphoma. My daddy noticed a swollen lymph node on my neck and a couple days later I was living at SickKids hospital and started my long 2-and-a-half year journey of chemotherapy. I know it sounds like a long time, but my mommy and daddy tell me I’m super strong and we just live/love life one day at a time. Everyone now calls me Super Joey and I’m very lucky to have so much support.

Our sweet Ted has been bravely fighting childhood cancer, a journey that began suddenly and turned our family’s world upside down. Over the past months, he has faced countless hospital stays, procedures, chemotherapy, and the challenges that come with being so little and so strong. Despite the weight loss, the nausea, and the tough days, Ted continues to smile, play when he can, and bring light to everyone around him. As a family, we are doing everything we can to support his healing, balancing hospital life, caring for his sisters, and managing the emotional and financial stress of being away from work. Ted’s journey is far from easy, but he meets each day with courage, and we are deeply grateful for every bit of love, hope, and support extended to him and our family. Thank you for taking the time to support Ted and our family. Your kindness means more than we can express.

​On April 24, 2025, our world was turned upside down when we heard the word no parent ever wants to hear: cancer. Our sweet 2-year-old daughter, Hailey, was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A month into treatment, we were hit with another blow — Hailey was reclassified as Standard High Risk after not reaching MRD-negative status. Since then, our lives have revolved around helping Hailey fight this battle. Her treatment requires her and her mom to stay near the hospital at a motel, (while the Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa is closed for expansion) — over 2.5 hours from home — while her dad travels back and forth each week to keep things afloat. Her mom has taken leave from work to be by her side every step of the way. Hailey has shown us what true strength looks like. She’s faced every poke, scan, chemo session, and challenge along the way with a bravery and grace that leaves us in awe. She’s our little warrior — full of light, laughter, and resilience. This Christmas, we want to bring some magic into her world by turning her stay away from home into a joyful, wonder-filled celebration. Your support, no matter the size, will help us create beautiful memories for Hailey and allow us to focus on surrounding her with the love and comfort she so deeply deserves. Thank you!

Rachel was diagnosed with medulloblastoma brain cancer a few days after her 8th birthday. Since that life-changing day, she has had multiple brain surgeries, radiation, and years of chemotherapy; a secondary growth on her thyroid, hearing loss, shingles, narcolepsy, cataplexy, and now battling stage 4 liver disease with a cyst in her pancreas. Rachel has been hit with every single after-effect from the life-saving treatments, wreaking havoc on her small body. The new "normal" can be a difficult journey to travel, but we must take it each minute-by-minute. Sending Christmas Blessings to our OPACC families and supporters!