Resources – Fight Like Mason Foundation

Resource Overview

Supporting childhood cancer families

No parent is prepared to hear the words “your child has cancer”. With those four words entire families’ lives are turned upside down.

In the haze, which follows that terrible news comes a sometimes frantic search for information and resources.

The Fight Like Mason Foundation is doing its part to provide valuable current information to those who are seeking answers.

Childhood Cancer Cards

Created by Childhood Cancer father, artist and advocate Angus Oslen.
Check out more of his work at idrawchildhoodcancer.com and his Instagram
The following are many of the different types of childhood cancers affecting children everywhere.

Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
FAQ
Blog
Media

The leading cause of non-accidental death in children

Every year approximately 17,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Canada and the United states combined.
The average age of children diagnosed is six.
Children’s cancer affects all ethnic, gender and socio-economic groups.
More than 40,000 children undergo treatment for cancer each year.
12% of children diagnosed with cancer do not survive.
Childhood Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in Canada and the United States .
60% of children who survive cancer suffer late-effects, such as infertility, heart failure and secondary cancers.
ONLY 4% of all the National Cancer Institute, USA government cancer funding, goes to Childhood Cancer (5% for Canada).

How is childhood cancer treated?

Children’s cancers are not treated like adult cancers. Children face unique issues during their treatment for cancer, after the completion of treatment, and as survivors of cancer. For example, children may receive more intense treatments. These cancers and their treatments have different effects on growing bodies. than adult bodies, and they may respond differently to drugs that control symptoms in adults. Paediatric oncology is a medical specialty focused on the care of children with cancer.

There are many types of cancer treatment available and the types of treatment that a child with cancer receives will depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Common treatments include: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell trans-plant.

Learn more below about all the childhood cancers from the NCI website.

Going Gold in September

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. The goal of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness and understanding about childhood cancers, raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer and to honour those that are currently ﬁghting, have fought and have yet to ﬁght. By participating in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, you are showing your support and becoming a beacon of hope for families affected by childhood cancer.

Join the Fight Like Mason Foundation in standing up for Childhood cancer. It’s time we come together to defeat the villain for good!

DONATE

Every donation made to our charity helps support all of our programs designed by us to directly help children and families effected by childhood cancer. You also do us the amazing honour of helping carry on our Mason’s legacy

Monetary donations are the backbone of our charity. It may seem like a small gesture to you, but to us… it is everything.

Thank you so very much for considering us for you donation ! All donations over $20 receive an official tax receipt as well!

Go Gold

The Fight Like Mason Foundation encourages businesses, organizations and individuals within our communities to Go Gold to show your support. You can decorate your space with gold ribbons and lights, create and display support banners and purchase your very own Fight Like Mason Foundation lawn sign.

Our lawn sign campaign runs throughout all of September

Mason’s Monday

On the third Monday of September we encourage individuals, organizations, schools and companies to participate in Mason’s Monday by making a $2 donation and wearing your favourite Fight Like Mason or Superhero shirt. We encourage everyone to share their #Mason’sMonday photos to show the community you support the young superheroes who are currently or who have fought childhood cancer.  

Educate

Knowledge is power. By sharing information and statistics about childhood cancer, we will collectively expand awareness levels and understanding for the harsh reality of childhood cancer.

Fight Like Mason Foundation advocates all year round, but this month places a spotlight on childhood cancer within the community. It also allows us to provide education and knowledge about this very important issue.

Educating our youth in a relatable way can remove the stigma and fear of talking about cancer with children.

Fundraise

Helping others is contagious. Consider organizing a third-party fundraise event in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There are many ways you can fundraise!
From bake sales to activity workshops, car washes, donation jars, raffles etc. Approach your boss to match the funds raised by your coworkers to help increase participation and totals!

Donate Blood

Almost ALL children with childhood cancer, at one point, will receive blood and/or blood products throughout the course of their treatment. Blood and blood products are absolutely CRITICAL to aiding in a child’s treatment. You truly can save a life for 15 minutes of your time.

Fight Like Mason Foundation hosts the annual blood drive in Belle River every September for childhood cancer awareness month.

If you are interested in donating, check your eligibility to donate in the link below ! If you would like to organize a company or group donation in our name please contact Marisa Gatfield

FAQ

Mason PowerPole Questions

Where can I buy a Mason Power Pole ?

Mason’s Power Poles are not for sale. Our poles are exclusively donated to children in our community for home use and paediatric floors. If you are a Hospital in Canada and wish to enquire about becoming one of our Community Avengers, please read and complete our inquiry form and contact fightlikemason@gmail.com.

I have a child that requires tube feeding, or infusions at home, can I use a Mason Power Pole ?

YES! Please contact your nurse case manager through our local LHIN and they will put the request in to us and we will get you a pole !

I live outside Windsor-Essex, can I get a Mason Power Pole?

Unfortunately no. Our organization works with the local LHIN (Formerly CCAC) to provide our Power Poles throughout the Windsor-Essex Area only.

SuperSolider Questions

Can I get a superhero at my child’s birthday party?

Unfortunately no, even for a donation. Our Mason’s SuperSoldiers are first and foremost, reserved for visiting sick children fighting the big battles in the hospital. We do not loan, rent or supply costumed heroes.

I have a child with childhood cancer ( or chronic illness) and think they would benefit from a SuperSoldier visit, can we have a visit?

Yes! Please fill out a supersoldiers inquiry form and we can find a day either in hospital or special home visit that can be arranged.

I would like to volunteer at an event, can I dress up as a superhero?

No. Our Mason’s SuperSoldier’s who step into our suits at our events have a direct connection with our family and Mason.

I have a costume, can I visit the hospital with you?

No. There are specific and proper channels you must go through to go in and visit children in the hospital. There are privacy, confidentiality and medical concerns when it comes to walking into patients’ rooms. Hospital volunteers have to go through a strict screening process prior to starting.

My company or workplace is having an event, can we have a superhero come for a donation ?

No. Our SuperSoldiers are out and about with us at different events throughout the year, but it must be a good fit in order to bring awareness to our causes.

Fundraising Questions

I am holding a fundraiser and I would like to donate to Fight Like Mason, how should I go about it?

Thank you for supporting us & raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer!

Please contact us at fightlikemason@gmail.com and let us know. For large group fundraisers and events please enquire by filling out our fundraising request form.

I am Interested in holding a fundraiser, but do not know what to do or how to begin.

Get creative! There are many different ways to fundraise. Car washes, bake sales, recreational sports tournaments, donations in lieu of gifts, etc ! Local businesses can also have fundraising opportunities.

Be aware that you are not permitted to write any official tax receipts for donations or sponsors. If you have a question about tax receipts please contact us.

It is always good to make sure you have any charities’ or non-profits’ permission or blessing prior to starting. You are representing them and their causes! Some charities may not comfortable with certain.

Can we sell your Fight Like Mason merchandise at our event?

No. Our shirts and merchandise are only sold by us in person or at our shop. If you would like to place a large group order for your company or team please check the stock on our shop, it is always up to date!

Charity Questions

I would like to start a foundation or charity, how do I go about doing that ?

Beginning and starting a charity from the ground up is no easy feat. We applaud you on your ambition!

You also do not need to be an official registered charity in order to provide support to a specific cause. There are thousands of registered not-for-profit organizations that operate effectively and are making a difference every single without having to be a registered charity.

Go to CRA Website to learn about not-for-profit organizations, the differences between a not-for-profit and a registered charity, starting and applying for charitable status and all other info relating to rules and regulations about charities!