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Programs and Services
NOFCC is an independent Canadian volunteer based registered charity established in 1998 by a group of parents of children with cancer. These parents wanted to provide help and support to families, which was not available through other programs. Being parents themselves, they recognized the particular difficulties involved in caring for a child with cancer and the geographic challenges of living in the north. NOFCC serves all families who have been touched by childhood cancer – families with a child on active treatment, those off treatment or receiving follow up care, and bereaved families.
NOFCC’s program and services are aimed at meeting the needs of the entire family and deal mainly with alleviating both the emotional and financial stress that families of children with cancer deal with on a daily basis.
In order to achieve its mission of enhancing the lives of children and their families coping with childhood cancer, NOFCC provides a variety of services, delivered through three core programs:
• Financial Assistance
• Educational supports
• Emotional Support and Advocacy
NOFCC helps families with some of their immediate needs through the following programs and services, subject to funding:
Financial Assistance Program
A daily per diem is available to those who need assistance to offset the costs of travelling for treatment. Families are eligible for these funds for days spent away from home, which is defined by +100kms from the place of residence.
HomeFAP
A daily per diem is available to those who need assistance to offset some of the costs incurred while remaining in city of residence for treatment (ie. Lost wages). Families eligible for these funds are receiving treatment within 100kms of their home.
Emergency Program
Funds are available for household, travel and personal emergency needs. Requests are assessed on an individual basis. Forms are available via the Interlink Nurse or upon request from the office.
Patient Amenities
Funds are available for medical related expenses. This is used for families without adequate medical coverage, or expenses not covered by OHIP or private insurance.
Desjardins Tutoring Program
An annual fund to provide assistance with a qualified tutor for children in need; on the advice of the Interlink nurse. This program is proudly sponsored by Desjardins.
Parking Program
Assistance with parking costs while receiving treatment at Health Sciences North, CHEO, Sick Kids, or any other treatment center. Tokens or parking passes are available for parking at Health Sciences North. Receipts can be sent to the office by mail or via the Interlink Nurse. For tokens, please speak with the Interlink Nurse.
Transit Program
Reimbursements are available for taxi’s, Uber’s, buses, subways, and other modes of transportation to and from treatment centres, airports, bus stations, and medical related appointments. Receipts can be submitted to the NOFCC office or via the Interlink Nurse.
Accommodation Support
NOFCC will cover the cost of hotel stays when the Ronald McDonald House is not available, and other arrangements are not possible. NOFCC covers the difference incurred after the deduction of the Northern Ontario Travel Grant.
Telephone Program
Long distance prepaid calling cards are made available to all families while they are away from home with their child for treatment, and sent with each financial assistance package monthly. Can be replaced by Tim Horton’s cards for those with all inclusive phone plans.
Palliative Support Program
Assistance with special support during the end-of-life period in a patient’s illness, to include the bereavement period. Such services as house maintenance and meals are provided to families. Funds are also available to assist in funeral costs.
Benevolent Fund
Supportive gift sent to grieving families.
Bone Marrow Transplant & Prolonged Treatment Protocol Patient Assistance
Once a patient begins preparations for transplant they will be eligible for assistance through a one-time grant.
Keep Connected Program
Laptop and tablet/iPad lending program allows children to keep up with their school work, as well as keeping in touch with friends and staying occupied during long hours of treatment.
Shine Bright Bursaries
Bursaries for post-secondary education for childhood cancer survivors, their siblings and siblings of children who have succumbed to cancer are available.
Special Events
The NOFCC organizes and hosts events to support children, teens and parents throughout the year, including an annual Christmas party and a Family Fun Day. Advocacy events occur in communities across Northern Ontario during September.
Communication Program
A newsletter is e-mailed to members and supporters several times a year. NOFCC also supports a website and a Facebook Page.
Support Group
Mike Squarzolo and Sarah Kennedy are both parents of cancer survivors. Mike and Sarah are available to any family for a one on one discussion. Group support sessions are available if the need is there. Please contact Mike at 705-929-4527 or Sarah at 705-690-8868 to set up an appointment or if you need support or advice at any time. Andrea Lamarche is a childhood cancer survivor and a pediatric nurse at Health Sciences North in the NICU, she is also a past NOFCC staff. Andrea is available to chat with any children or families needing support at anytime, Andrea can be reached at 705-358-7077.
Group setting support is offered as needed, as well as bereavement support groups. Please contact NOFCC for more information.
EMLA Patches
EMLA patches are available at HSN’s Northeast Cancer Centre for patients receiving care there.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are given to families who are away for extended stays out of town, to the discretion of NOFCC.
Fertility Preservation
Initial harvest and annual storage costs for sperm and ova preservation for children who will experience fertility complications due to treatment
House Keeping Program
Housekeeping services are offered to families on active treatment that are in need.
Therapy Program
Sessions are offered through out the year for music therapy, art therapy and similar programs.