In Canada, an average of 943 cases of cancer are found in children each year. Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes. With this prevalence, LifeLabs wanted to show our support for those who are helping children living with cancer, and their families. In 2017 we announced a community partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). POGO works to support children with cancer and their families by providing equitable access to health care and support services.

Hearing the words “your child has cancer”, changes the lives of families in an instant. Access to best possible care – from state-of-the-art diagnosis, to the most advanced treatments and systematic follow-up through – helps to ensure that children with pediatric cancer have the greatest prospects for survival with an optimal quality of life. 

Moved by the passion and impact of the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), in November 2017, we announced a four-year commitment to support POGO in achieving their mission of providing equitable access to cancer care for kids across Ontario.

As the presenting sponsor of the Pajamas and Pancakes program, POGO’s new fundraiser, LifeLabs is donating $200,000 in addition to the funds raised by our employees in their communities. Our first Pajama Party was held November 9, 2017, and staff across the organization – from the labs, to the Patient Service Centres, to our couriers – wore pajamas to work to show their support and shared a pancake breakfast, raising over $6,000 in support of POGO.

On November 29, 2018, we will be celebrating two milestones of our partnership.

The first milestone is the impact our first year of financial support provided:

  • Support for families utilizing POGOs Financial Assistance Program
  • Support for survivors through POGOs Successful Academic and Vocational Transition initiative
  • Support of POGOs research unit

The second milestone we are celebrating with out employees across Canada is their outstanding effort to raise over $12,000 in support of POGO through our national giving initiative supporting Pajamas and Pancakes with our 2nd annual Pajama Party.

To learn more about POGO, please visit their website.