CKF North York Blog - Happy Halloween!

Mackenzie Law | October 31, 2021

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From the spooky costumes and decorations to the free candy, Halloween has always been one of my absolute favourite days of the year. Each year, as soon as the school year begins, so does my countdown to October 31st. The joy that Halloween continues to bring kids like me can be lost on families with pediatric cancer patients, though.

Oftentimes, parents of children are stressed and worried about their child’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s natural to be focused on what concrete actions you can take to save your child’s life and to long for the time when your child’s life will return back to “normal”. Kids battling cancer shouldn’t miss the opportunity to have a fun, spooky Halloween, though. That, among other reasons, is why Cancer Kids First strives to help kids with cancer experience a better childhood.

Cancer treatment, extended hospital stays and unpleasant side effects can all impede Halloween traditions (like trick-or-treating), especially in a year as tumultuous as this year. However, making time for celebrations like Halloween are great opportunities to help children and their families momentarily take their minds off the challenge of cancer.

With the help of partnering organizations – like CKF or Spirit of Children – and donors (like you!), children’s hospitals across North America organize Halloween celebrations. Toronto’s SickKids, for instance, generally runs activities like costume contests in the Atrium, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunts, and trick-or-treating within units. They even offer virtual opportunities for patients unable to leave their rooms to get in on the Halloween fun.

Thanks for reading this month’s blog post and supporting our chapter! Trivia Night was pushed to November 6th, so don’t forget to sign up using the link in our Instagram bio (@cancerkidsfirst.northyork)! If you’re interested in learning more, making a donation, or joining the team, follow our instagram or email us at cancerkidsfirstnorthyork@gmail.com for more information. Happy Halloween!