IKCA is proud to have supported hundreds of kids and families over the past 5 years. Beyond medical expertise and experience, families need to live and navigate their experiences, connect with one another, and receive access to supportive resources such as financial assistance and mental health and wellness support.  We also understand that a childhood cancer diagnosis is often a lonely and frightening experience that impacts everyone – including siblings and extended family members, and so we filled the gap.

All board members and staff have a distinct understanding of the childhood cancer journey and many have supported their own children through a childhood cancer diagnosis.  Each person combines their professional attributes and drive, with their own unique and valuable personal experiences, which in combination, brings extremely impactful and critical childhood cancer family support that Vancouver Island families need and deserve.

 As Founder and Executive Director of IKCA, my personal journey with my son gave me valuable insight to the gaps and critical needs that were not being met. My family was not the exception. In 2005, my son Jacob at the age of 5 led us on a long, winding path through childhood cancer and we had no choice but to learn everything we could about cancer and its effects on our son, our family, our ability to put food on the table and our mental health and wellness. Jacob unfortunately passed in 2019, but not before leaving a legacy of support through his journey.

Life can be unpredictable and when our children get sick we often feel helpless and lost. IKCA walks with families, helping them navigate through uncertain times. 

Susan Kerr

Executive Director

Island Kids Cancer Association