Blog
Friendships Through it All
Author: Patrick Evans
I was just 15, living a pretty average teenage life. I played sports. I was lucky to have a great group of friends who made everything better, and that became even more apparent with what was about to happen next.
When we got that call from the hospital, my stomach dropped. Even before the doctor got to the point, I was already panicking, wondering what my next few months would look like. I was told I had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer that primarily affects the lymphatic system.
I knew I wasn’t doing this alone…
Hearing the word “cancer” out loud felt unreal. I didn’t know if I was going to be okay, how serious it was, or how my life would change. On top of this, it was May, a month before school ended and my friends and I had plans for parties, camping, bike rides, and staying out late. It was supposed to be the best summer ever. Instead, it felt like it was about to be the worst.
After that, things moved very quickly. I was going to the hospital almost every day. The first month was brutal. I was tired and didn’t even feel like myself anymore. Thankfully, there was one thing that kept me going.
My birthday was coming up. My hair had already started falling out, and it was stressing me out more than I thought it would. I decided to take control and buzz it off, but what happened next changed everything.
A few of my friends showed up to surprise me for my birthday. That alone made my day. But then they all took off their hats—and every one of them had shaved their heads too. I was speechless. It brought me to tears because for the first time in a while, I felt genuinely happy.
From that day on, something changed in me. My spirit and sense of hope were higher than ever. I still had tough days, but I had this new kind of energy in me. I knew I wasn’t doing this alone, and that made all the difference.
During treatment, my friends helped bring back some much-needed normality to my life. There were even nights when I forgot I was sick. Those moments were everything to me. When I think back on that summer, yeah, I remember the chemo, the needles, and the exhaustion, but more than that, I remember those nights with my friends. That’s what I believe helped me get through it all.
Looking back now, I don’t just see cancer. I see my friends stepping up in a way I’ll never forget. I see a version of myself who kept showing up every day, even when it was hard. I see how love and loyalty can help you through the darkest times. What I went through changed me. But it also showed me just how powerful friendship can be.
And honestly, I think that’s what saved me.
Creative Corner with Varun
Author: Varun Sayal
Age of diagnosis: 17
Diagnosis: Ependymoma. Fortunately, it was benign. Most of the tumour was removed surgically, and the rest through radiation therapy.
Photography has not only become a creative outlet, but it has also served as my reminder to continue exploring. To continue pushing myself to my limits. To keep learning. But of course, reality kicks in, and health issues can challenge my ability to stay consistent. If there is one thing I have learned, as a photographer and through this whole journey, it is to make the best of whatever is in front of me.
Whether I am standing around and photographing a beautiful sunset sky with little to no effort or sitting down and placing the camera on my foot to get a better image of Lake Louise, this “playing the cards you have been dealt” approach certainly applies to my art.
Paid Summer Internship for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Are you a childhood cancer survivor who is looking to gain valuable work experience in the financial or real estate industry? The First Avenue & EMBLEM Internship Program is open to young adults who have survived childhood cancer and are looking to experience one-on-one mentorship from leaders who care about and support their development.
First Avenue Investment Counsel (First Avenue) is a Canadian firm specializing in investment management and multi-family office services. Our pension-style investment approach, inclusive of equities, fixed income, and exclusive alternatives, assists clients in achieving their unique financial goals. As trusted partners, invested alongside our clients, we align their financial success with their values and long-term aspirations. Committed to excellence and a personalized approach, we guide clients with clarity and confidence through their wealth planning. We cultivate a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to pursue their ambitions and positively impact the communities we serve.
EMBLEM Developments is one of the most active real estate development firms in the GTA, known for its investment-driven approach and high-quality residential communities. EMBLEM Developments has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking developer with meticulous attention to design. EMBLEM’s investment in suite layouts, finishes and building design has positioned the company to achieve record sales pricing at each project launch. The EMBLEM portfolio continues to grow, with over 4,588 residences representing $3.6 billion of development value.
Job Description
The intern will have the unique opportunity to work alongside and support First Avenue or EMBLEM in one or some of the following departments of their choice.
First Avenue:
- Client service and support
- Portfolio management and equity research
- Marketing and Communications
- Operations
EMBLEM Developments:
- Sales and marketing
- Planning and development
- Development and construction management
- Operations
What will you need to succeed?
Must-have:
- Time management and organization skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft, PowerPoint and Excel
- Interest in trying new tasks
- A collaborative, team-player mindset
- Interest in working in a business setting
Nice-to-have:
- Knowledge of the financial or real estate industry
Requirements
This position is for a 2-month summer placement (July to August 2025). To be eligible, you must be:
- A survivor of childhood cancer
- Able to work in Toronto for the duration of the internship
- Available to work in office full-time (some exceptions may be granted)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- You must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in college or university
- Have graduated from college or university within the last two years
Inclusion Employment
We are committed to building inclusive teams and providing accessible working experiences. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided at each stage of the recruitment process and throughout the internship. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation, please notify us so we can make arrangements in advance.
What’s in it for you?
The opportunity provides candidates with:
- Industry Exposure: You will be immersed in the world of finance and real estate, gaining first-hand experience of day-to-day operations, client interactions and industry practices.
- Networking Opportunities: You will be working alongside professionals who are experts in their field, allowing you to build deep connections to open doors for future opportunities and mentorship.
- Skill Development: You will be building on different technical capabilities depending on the departments that you’re working in–expanding your existing skill set and giving you a chance to put your theoretical knowledge to the test.
- Exploring Career Paths: You will be able to work with and learn from professionals from all walks of life. With leaders who are committed to supporting and fostering your development, you will be challenged with multi-faceted learning opportunities to give you clarity on what type of career you want to pursue.
- Pursuit of Excellence: Our businesses are collaborative, innovative and supportive of your pursuit of excellence. This means you will be working with and have access to best-in-class facilities and technologies to empower you to be the best version of yourself – one that is continuously growing and learning.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to complete the application and upload their resume and cover letter through the online form here.
We gratefully appreciate all interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Job Details
*Please note this role is in-person and you will be required to be in person five days a week from 8am to 5pm.
Address:
1819 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4S 1X8
Work Hours/week
37.5
Job Type:
Internship
Pay Type:
Salaried
Length of Internship:
Two months (July 2nd, 2025, to August 29th, 2025)
Application Open:
Friday, January 3, 2025
Application Deadline:
Sunday, January 26, 2025
2025 Recruitment Process and Timelines
| Activity | Details |
| How to Apply | Application Submission (January 3, 2025, to January 26, 2025) Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Applicants are required to complete the online application and submit a cover letter and resume. |
| Selection Process | Application Screening (January/February 2025) Applications are reviewed and assessed against criteria that reflect the skills and knowledge that are required for the position. Interviews (February 2025) The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know candidates better and allows candidates to showcase their qualifications. Interviews will be conducted between Monday, February 3, 2025, and Thursday, February 13, 2025. Intern Selected (February 2025) Conditional job offer presented to selected candidate by Friday, February 14, 2025. |
| Onboarding Process | Placement Notification (May 2025) The successful candidate will be notified of their placement, manager, and additional details. Placement Begins (July 2025) The successful candidate will commence their internship on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. |
Evaluating Healthcare Simulation Escape Rooms as an Educational Tool in Nursing Continuing Education: A Fellowship Journey
By: Brennah Holley
Fellowship Overview
Brennah Holley, Clinical Nurse Educator at CHEO in Ottawa (and former Co-Chair of the POGO Nursing Committee), recently completed an Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF) through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and is now conducting an exciting research project (directly related to her fellowship) to explore the potential of Healthcare Simulation Escape Rooms (HSER) as an innovative educational tool in nursing. With the nursing profession facing pressing challenges such as staffing shortages and varied learning needs, her research aims to assess whether HSERs can enhance knowledge acquisition among nursing staff.
“HSERs merge gamification with traditional learning, creating engaging team-based experiences,” Brennah explains. As defined by Anderson et al. (2020), HSERs infuse healthcare themes into interactive escape room settings, offering a fresh platform for education and assessment.
Research Objective and Methodology
At the heart of Brennah’s research is the objective to evaluate HSERs’ effectiveness in nursing education. The study, which began in early 2024, will investigate whether engaging in an HSER focused on anaphylaxis leads to better knowledge retention and application compared to traditional lecture formats.
In a randomized controlled trial, nurses at CHEO will be divided into two groups: Group A will receive a lecture, while Group B will experience both the lecture and the HSER. “This approach allows us to gather vital data on the impact of immersive learning,” she notes.
Learning Experience and Skill Development
Brennah’s journey through the fellowship has been rich with learning. She acquired essential skills in research design, ethics submissions, and statistical analysis. Working alongside the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at CHEO, she navigated the complexities of ethics applications, completing necessary training and developing vital documentation like consent forms.
Addressing knowledge gaps in statistical analysis was a significant focus for Brennah. By collaborating with a co-investigator from CHEO’s CRU, she enhanced her research capacity. “This partnership has been instrumental in refining my project,” she emphasizes.
Brennah also developed her skills in survey design and literature reviews, both critical for creating effective educational tools.
Outcomes and Future Directions
Data collection for her research will extend until early 2025, with plans to draft a manuscript by fall 2025. The implications of Brennah’s research could be profound, providing evidence to support the integration of HSERs into nursing curricula and continuing education programs. “Ultimately, we want to enhance patient care through improved educational strategies,” she states.
Reflections
Reflecting on her ACPF experience, Brennah describes it as transformative, filled with opportunities for professional growth. Presenting at international conferences and collaborating with nurse educators worldwide have enriched her journey. As she begins her master’s in Nursing, she is eager to further explore innovative educational methodologies, with HSERs leading her efforts to improve nursing practice.
In summary, Brennah Holley’s fellowship at CHEO highlights the promise of innovative educational approaches in nursing, paving the way for advancements in continuing education and enhanced patient care.
“We are on the brink of a new era in nursing education,” she concludes, optimistic about the future.
To learn more about Brennah’s fellowship experience or research endeavours, feel free to reach out to her.
Improving the Experience: Innovating the Standard Blinatumomab Medical Backpack at SickKids
By: Alia Petropoulosand Lisa Honeyford
Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers. Its administration necessitates a continuous 28-day infusion delivered on an outpatient basis that families typically can manage at home. Although a standard medical-grade bag is provided to families to hold the device, our clinical team at SickKids identified several design flaws, including poor fit and function for children, along with a distinctly “medical” appearance that can be stigmatizing.
To address these challenges, a grant proposal was submitted to the Garron Family Cancer Centre (GFCC) to improve the experience for families caring for children receiving blinatumomab. Our goal was to understand the challenges families faced going home with a 28-day blinatumomab infusion. We knew that the right carrying bag design could make a significant difference in the daily lives of these patients and maximize the activities they are able to participate in while receiving the medication
Once the project was successfully funded, a dedicated team was assembled, comprising of nurses, an oncologist, a child life specialist, and an industrial designer. Our approach included comprehensive desktop research, product testing, and personal interviews with families to understand their experiences with the current medical bag. The insights gathered after interviewing patients, families, and healthcare providers, led to the creation of a list of criteria for the ideal medical bag. The team then collaborated with an industrial designer to develop a blueprint for a prototype and secured a vendor to produce it for testing.
The new prototype bag was created as a backpack and tested with 10 pediatric patients receiving blinatumomab. Half of the participants began with the standard bag while the other half started with the prototype backpack. The team gathered feedback from frontline nurses and families who completed surveys assessing comfort, function, acceptability, and preference. Remarkably, 9 out of 10 participants preferred the prototype backpack, citing improved fit, comfort, and functionality.
“It really helped my child feel more independent during daily activities,” shared one parent, highlighting the emotional benefits of a well-designed product.
This valuable input guided the industrial designer in creating a second-generation prototype, enhancing the fit, security, and accessibility of the medication and pump, as well as improving how families could set up and wear the bag.
Looking ahead, the project team* is working to secure funding and create a process that will allow the backpack to be accessible to any Canadian child receiving blinatumomab. Canadian sites will be contacted when this step is complete, and backpacks are available for distribution. Future efforts will focus on expanding the availability of the backpack internationally.
[Watch the video The Blina Backpack: Changing how we deliver paediatric immunotherapy treatments]
*Project Team includes Alia Petropoulos, Chantal Campbell, Registered Nurse (RN), Lisa Honeyford and Sue Zupanec, Nurse Practitioner (NP).
About the Authors
Alia Petropoulos and Lisa Honeyford are Interprofessional Education Specialists at SickKids.
Editorial Team Note
Congratulations to the project team who were recently recognized for their innovative intervention, the Blinatumomab Backpack, by way of a SickKids President’s Award. The President’s Award was introduced in 2011 to recognize staff, teams, students and/or volunteers who demonstrate superior leadership and collaboration resulting in major contributions to the organization.