Stroll & Dash is Still Going Strong After 23 Years

Be Part of a Fun, Family Event That Raises Money to Improve the Lives of Young Cancer Patients and Their Families at the MUHC

Having a child diagnosed with cancer is every parent’s worst nightmare. “Our lives were transformed overnight. We were terrified and overwhelmed,” says Lorena Cook, whose daughter Sarah was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2000, at the age of eight and was treated for months at the Hematology-Oncology Division of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. “But, when Sarah began to recover, we knew we wanted to give back. We wanted to ensure that other families facing a similar situation had access to the same support and love that had helped us navigate our most challenging days. This is why we started Sarah’s Fund,” she adds.

“For nearly 25 years, Sarah’s Fund for Cedars has been raising funds for Sarah’s Floor, and we are very grateful to the Cook family for their dedication and support” – Catherine Vézina, Director of the Hematology-Oncology Division at the Children’s.

Making young patients feel special on Sarah’s Floor

Since 2001, Sarah’s Fund for Cedars has been fundraising to improve the experiences of children being treated for cancer at the Hematology-Oncology Division of the Montreal Children’s Hospital and to provide vital support to their families. It has allowed for the creation of numerous programs and enabled state-of-the-art upgrades to treatment rooms and research labs. In recognition of Sarah’s Fund’s generosity and commitment, the paediatric hematology-oncology unit at the Children’s was named Sarah’s Floor.

“For nearly 25 years, Sarah’s Fund for Cedars has been raising funds for Sarah’s Floor, and we are very grateful to the Cook family for their dedication and support,” says Dr. Catherine Vézina, Director of the Hematology-Oncology Division at the Children’s. “The funding we receive allows us to go the extra mile and to deliver the highest quality of care possible. It makes a tremendous difference,” she adds.

Thanks to Sarah’s Fund, Sarah’s Floor is able to offer families free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen stocked with snacks, as well as toys, books and games for its family lounge. It also funds programs like pet therapy, clown therapy, and music therapy, and provides families with gift certificates to buy essentials, and to highlight special occasions, like birthdays and finishing treatments.

In addition, Sarah’s Fund raises money for programs designed to help parents cope with their child’s illness and hospitalization. One such program is called H.O.P.E., which stands for Hematology-Oncology Psychotherapy and Education. Established in 2023, H.O.P.E. provides psychological support to parents whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer at the Children’s.

“We know how it feels to have a child with cancer, and no one should have to go through that alone.” – Lorena Cook

“There’s nothing that can prepare you for something like that. It’s devastating,” says Dr. Connie Scuccimarri, leader of the H.O.P.E. program. “We want to ensure that parents who are struggling emotionally get the support they need, so that they, in turn, can better support their sick child and their other children. Data shows that when parents are better supported and feel stronger and more empowered, their children have better outcomes,” she adds.

Participants get ready at Stroll & Dash 2023

Sarah’s Fund for Cedars was immediately on board when they were approached to provide funding for the H.O.P.E. program. “We know how it feels to have a child with cancer, and no one should have to go through that alone,” says Lorena Cook. “It’s hard to be strong for your child when you feel like your world is falling apart. That’s why Sarah’s Fund committed to providing $365,000 to support H.O.P.E. We want the program to grow and live on for many years to come,” she adds.

On Sunday, October 6, families, friends and businesses can show their support by participating in the 23rd edition of Stroll & Dash: the main annual fundraising activity for Sarah’s Fund for Cedars. All proceeds raised at this year’s event will go to the H.O.P.E. program.

“It’s a really fun day for families to participate in together,” says this year’s event co-chair, Casey Tabah. “There are walking and running races, face-painting stations, dancing, bouncy castles, arts & crafts, fun snacks and so much more. I bring my kids every year, and we always look forward to it,” she adds.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the young cancer patients being treated on Sarah’s Floor,” explains Stroll & Dash’s other co-chair, Jessica Lutfy. “There’s a special race just for these heroes, who get to wear superhero capes and do a lap around the track while being cheered on by hundreds of participants. It’s very moving.”

“Raising funds to improve treatment, care and quality of life of cancer patients of all ages, and supporting their families, is what Cedars is all about,” says Jeff J. Shamie, President and CEO of the Cedars Cancer Foundation. “We’re very proud to have hosted Splash & Dash, now Stroll & Dash, for 23 years and we encourage people to help us raise funds for the H.O.P.E. program by joining in the fun or by making a donation. Every amount makes a difference.  We’re also very thankful to CN, which has been a major sponsor of this event for over a decade.”

To find out more and to register for this year’s edition of Stroll & Dash, visit strollanddash.ca.