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OPACC Parent Liaisons:

Our Parent Liaisons Susan, Michelle, and Karen are still available to provide one-to-one support to parents who need it at this challenging time. Not only are they available via the usual methods of email, phone, text, and social media DMs, but also through face-to-face chats on Facebook video, FaceTime on Apple devices, or Zoom virtual meetings if desired. Please reach out to them on the method that you feel most comfortable with. Please visit our Parent Liaison page for their contact information.

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OPACC Financial Assistance:

OPACC is providing financial assistance to registered members through our Hospital Parking Program (apply online) and Gift Card Program. We have special programs in place specifically to help families through the pandemic located in the following areas: Innisfil, London, Niagara, Peel Region, and Simcoe Muskoka (please check under the "Programs & Services" menu for details on each of these programs).

 

Healthcare Resources:

• The government of Ontario has an online self-assessment tool to take if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it. You can use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care. Here is the link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
   

• Cover Health Virtual Walk-in Clinic: A digital clinic that's free for Ontarians (100% OHIP covered). Powered by the Ontario Telemedicine Network. Start a secure conversation with an Ontario doctor. https://cover.health/
   

• SilverCloud Health: Online stress management program offered through their digital mental health platform. Free using the access code: SHOPPERS https://shoppers.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/shoppers/stress/
   

• The Children's Oncology Group has developed educational documents regarding COVID-19 precautions for parents of children on active therapy, as well as for childhood cancer survivors.
   

• COVID-19 Cancer Patient Support Hub: For people in Canada living with cancer, caregivers, their families, and anyone else affected by cancer. https://covid19oncologyresources.ca
   

• For patients on active therapy, "COVID-19 and Your Child, Teen, or Young Adult with Cancer" documents are available on the Children's Oncology Group public website: http://childrensoncologygroup.org

  For childhood cancer survivors, "COVID-19 and Cancer Survivors: What Do I Need to Know?" documents are available on the Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines website: http://survivorshipguidelines.org
   

 

Kids Resources:

• Kids Up Front Toronto has posted lots of fun, kid-friendly, home-based activities and videos on their social media pages.
   

• UPOPOLIS is a free private online social support network available to youth 10-18 years with hospital experiences or chronic medical conditions. It provides youth living with a chronic medical condition access to peer support from other youth, access to a team of child life specialists seven days a week, and medical information created for youth and vetted from reliable sources. Learn more at www.upopolis.com and if your child is interested in signing up, have them fill out the sign up referral form through OPACC at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SVNYPPT
   

 

Other Resources:

 

• Presentation by Allison Starr from SickKids on "Considering COVID: Impact and Implications for Clinic" (October 28, 2020)
   

• The government of Canada also has a useful page with lots of trustworthy information on the disease, economic and financial support, travel advisories, etc. at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
   

• Childhood Cancer Canada/Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation has established a COVID-19 Emergency Fund for families across Canada who have a child in active treatment for cancer and who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  For approved applicants, $250 is provided per family as a one-time payment. Learn more and apply at: https://www.childhoodcancer.ca/Emergency-Fund
   

• Study on COVID-19 and Survivors of Childhood Cancer study. Purpose is to see how childhood cancer survivors are faring during the pandemic with a view to hopefully tailoring support to address any needs more effectively. Eligibility: Childhood cancer survivors who were diagnosed at least five years ago and/or off treatment for 2 years. It can be answered by survivors 15 years of age or older or by parents if under age 15. Learn more at: https://redcap.ucalgary.ca/surveys/index.php?s=7JMKFDERN4