Shaping My Career Path: My Internship Experience at First Avenue and EMBLEM
When I reflect on summer 2024, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to have interned with POGO corporate partners First Avenue and EMBLEM. As a childhood cancer survivor and POGO Ambassador, my journey has been anything but predictable, and every step—every hurdle—has led me to where I am today.
When Your Brain Tumour Can’t Be Cured: Watch Maryam’s Story
From day one, my experience was defined by the incredible people I worked alongside. Each interaction provided me with advice, support and insight that have been both emotionally fulfilling and invaluable for my career.
This internship gave me a chance to expand my professional skills in unexpected ways. My projects ranged from marketing to office operations to event organization. I learned how to refine contact lists, update business continuity plans and contribute to the introduction of AI tools in the workplace, like Copilot. I created budgets and plans for summer social activities, and I was particularly pleased to support the inaugural annual fundraiser, Pickleball for POGO—an organization that has been invaluable to me in my cancer journey.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this internship was the chance to explore new areas and grow as a professional. I improved my communication skills, learned to navigate new technologies and gained a better understanding of work-life balance. As someone managing personal health commitments alongside a full-time role, this balance was a challenge—but one I learned to navigate with the support of my teams at First Avenue and EMBLEM.
Finally, I want to thank POGO, First Avenue and EMBLEM, and everyone who made this internship possible. The experience was transformative, and I left with deeper confidence in my ability to thrive in professional settings.
To future interns: take every opportunity to grow, connect and learn. You never know where it might lead!
Maryam Khraishi is a POGO Ambassador and proud first intern of the First Avenue and EMBLEM Internship Program. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 intern.
In 2024, First Avenue Investment Counsel and EMBLEM Developments pledged $100,000 to POGO. Their commitment to childhood cancer care extended beyond their financial commitment to include an annual fundraising event, Pickleball for POGO, and an annual summer internship for a youth who has survived cancer and benefitted from POGO support. The First Avenue and EMBLEM Internship Program provides invaluable work experience and aims to help bridge the educational gap caused by childhood cancer. Interns receive one-on-one mentorship, gain office experience and business skills, get to work on a value-added project in an area of interest, and receive the opportunity to present their project to leaders at the end of their internship.
How Jules's Stomachache Led to Childhood Cancer Care at a POGO Satellite Clinic
Our daughter Juliana, or Jules as we call her, seemed perfectly fine until one day at the park, she suddenly doubled over in pain while running. She lay with me for about 15 minutes, crying and telling me her tummy hurt. Later that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, so we went to the emergency room where they ran a few tests and set an appointment for an ultrasound and x-ray the next day. I was worried it might be her appendix.
It was early in the pandemic and my husband, Tom, wasn't allowed to come with us to the appointment. Jules seemed fine—full of energy, even jumping around in the room. But when the radiologist asked if anyone in the parking lot was waiting for me, my heart sank. They asked Jules to go colour at the nurses' station. I got Tom on speakerphone, and then they told us—our little girl had a growth on her kidney. They said it was most likely a Wilms tumour, which was later confirmed. We were immediately referred to SickKids in Toronto. I was told to return to our home in Georgetown, pack a bag, and get to the hospital for Jules to be admitted and wait for the next steps.
We quickly arranged for my parents to take care of our other two children, James and Emma, while we headed to Toronto. We met with the surgeon two days later, and three days after that, Jules was in surgery to remove the tumour along with one of her kidneys and some lymph nodes.
After the surgery, Jules started weekly chemotherapy and a few days of radiation treatment. Once settled into her chemotherapy regimen, our oncologist suggested we continue her treatment closer to home at the POGO Satellite Clinic at Credit Valley Hospital. This meant we only needed to return to Toronto every three weeks. At first, we were nervous about the change. But the oncologist reassured us that we would love the POGO Satellite Clinic—and we did.
It wasn’t just about being closer to home, though that made a massive difference for our family. The POGO Satellite Clinic became a place where we felt supported and cared for. The staff—especially Jose, Lindsay and Alex—became like family. They were always willing to do whatever was needed, including staying late when Jules had a fever. They even rescheduled one of her treatments so she could start Senior Kindergarten on the first day with her classmates. That small gesture meant the world to her.
POGO's support went beyond medical care. Our POGO Interlink Nurse offered to talk to Jules’s class about her cancer. Ultimately, they arranged a virtual meeting with her school administrators and teachers to discuss how to best support her, including helping with sunscreen since chemotherapy made her more sensitive to the sun.
Jules is doing well today. She loves school, playing with her friends and Taylor Swift. Her check-ups have stretched from every three months to every six; eventually, they'll be yearly. She will be monitored for life at a POGO AfterCare Clinic. We're grateful every day for POGO's support. They turned a terrifying experience into something more manageable, always making sure we felt supported along the way.
Victoria Hagens Joins POGO Team as Director of Strategy
Victoria Hagens brings extensive experience in healthcare to the new and pivotal role of Director of Strategy, Programs and Partnerships. As a member of POGO's Senior Leadership Team, Victoria will have strategic oversight for POGO strategy and programs, and responsibility for deepening relationships with partners. Her leadership of Ontario’s new five-year Childhood Cancer Care Plan will include managing, measuring and monitoring the achievement of strategic priorities.
Victoria has worked in Ontario's healthcare system since 2008, in the areas of strategy, program implementation and system performance. Most recently, she served as a Senior Advisor at Ontario Health, Interim Director at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, and as a consultant with POGO. Prior to her freelance work, Victoria spent 14 years at Cancer Care Ontario, collaborating closely with Regional Cancer Programs and provincial clinical programs. As Group Manager, Regional Programs and Performance Management, she led a high-performing team in supporting implementation of provincial initiatives and local quality improvement efforts. She earned a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University.
"I am honoured and excited to be part of an incredible group of smart, dedicated, and collaborative people who demonstrate every day how creativity and partnership can help drive meaningful change,” she says. "I look forward to working with childhood cancer care teams and partners to make a lasting impact for children, youth and families."
POGO Welcomes Dr. Donna Johnston as New Medical Director
After a comprehensive recruitment, POGO welcomes Dr. Donna Johnston as the incoming Medical Director, starting Monday, March 3rd.
Reporting to the POGO Board of Directors, the Medical Director helms the overall strategic clinical leadership across POGO’s programs and portfolios, and in partnership with POGO's CEO, Lauren Ettin, is responsible for the achievement of POGO’s vision and mission, identifying strategic and transformational opportunities to advance childhood cancer care in Ontario.
Donna will continue her clinical role at CHEO, where she has worked as a pediatric oncologist since 2001. From 2012 – 2024 she was Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and, in that role, served as a member of the POGO Board. In 2021, she was appointed as Vice-Chair, Clinical Operations of the hospital’s Department of Pediatrics.
Donna is a full professor at the University of Ottawa; a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute; and the author of over 200 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters and has presented her work at many national and international conferences.
Donna shares her passion for advancing the field of pediatric oncology avidly, through her leadership contributions to such organizations as the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ronald McDonald House in Ottawa, among others.
She says that “Since joining the POGO Board in 2012, it’s been my dream to be the Medical Director – a role that is pivotal in ensuring the best care for our childhood cancer patients, survivors, and their families. I look forward to joining the exceptional POGO team, to work in partnership with Lauren, and to be part of the work as leaders in childhood cancer care, provincially, nationally and internationally.”
Congratulations to Dr. Donna Johnston! We have no doubt that in her new role she will continue to make exceptional contributions to the childhood cancer community in Ontario and beyond.
A message from James Scongack, Chair, POGO Board of Directors and Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, Vice-Chair, POGO Board of Directors
Paid Summer Internship for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Are you a childhood cancer survivor who is looking to gain valuable work experience in the financial or real estate industry? The First Avenue & EMBLEM Internship Program is open to young adults who have survived childhood cancer and are looking to experience one-on-one mentorship from leaders who care about and support their development.
First Avenue Investment Counsel (First Avenue) is a Canadian firm specializing in investment management and multi-family office services. Our pension-style investment approach, inclusive of equities, fixed income, and exclusive alternatives, assists clients in achieving their unique financial goals. As trusted partners, invested alongside our clients, we align their financial success with their values and long-term aspirations. Committed to excellence and a personalized approach, we guide clients with clarity and confidence through their wealth planning. We cultivate a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to pursue their ambitions and positively impact the communities we serve.
EMBLEM Developments is one of the most active real estate development firms in the GTA, known for its investment-driven approach and high-quality residential communities. EMBLEM Developments has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking developer with meticulous attention to design. EMBLEM’s investment in suite layouts, finishes and building design has positioned the company to achieve record sales pricing at each project launch. The EMBLEM portfolio continues to grow, with over 4,588 residences representing $3.6 billion of development value.
Job Description
The intern will have the unique opportunity to work alongside and support First Avenue or EMBLEM in one or some of the following departments of their choice.
First Avenue:
- Client service and support
- Portfolio management and equity research
- Marketing and Communications
- Operations
EMBLEM Developments:
- Sales and marketing
- Planning and development
- Development and construction management
- Operations
What will you need to succeed?
Must-have:
- Time management and organization skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft, PowerPoint and Excel
- Interest in trying new tasks
- A collaborative, team-player mindset
- Interest in working in a business setting
Nice-to-have:
- Knowledge of the financial or real estate industry
Requirements
This position is for a 2-month summer placement (July to August 2025). To be eligible, you must be:
- A survivor of childhood cancer
- Able to work in Toronto for the duration of the internship
- Available to work in office full-time (some exceptions may be granted)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- You must also meet one of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in college or university
- Have graduated from college or university within the last two years
Inclusion Employment
We are committed to building inclusive teams and providing accessible working experiences. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided at each stage of the recruitment process and throughout the internship. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation, please notify us so we can make arrangements in advance.
What’s in it for you?
The opportunity provides candidates with:
- Industry Exposure: You will be immersed in the world of finance and real estate, gaining first-hand experience of day-to-day operations, client interactions and industry practices.
- Networking Opportunities: You will be working alongside professionals who are experts in their field, allowing you to build deep connections to open doors for future opportunities and mentorship.
- Skill Development: You will be building on different technical capabilities depending on the departments that you’re working in–expanding your existing skill set and giving you a chance to put your theoretical knowledge to the test.
- Exploring Career Paths: You will be able to work with and learn from professionals from all walks of life. With leaders who are committed to supporting and fostering your development, you will be challenged with multi-faceted learning opportunities to give you clarity on what type of career you want to pursue.
- Pursuit of Excellence: Our businesses are collaborative, innovative and supportive of your pursuit of excellence. This means you will be working with and have access to best-in-class facilities and technologies to empower you to be the best version of yourself – one that is continuously growing and learning.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to complete the application and upload their resume and cover letter through the online form here.
We gratefully appreciate all interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Job Details
*Please note this role is in-person and you will be required to be in person five days a week from 8am to 5pm.
Address:
1819 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4S 1X8
Work Hours/week
37.5
Job Type:
Internship
Pay Type:
Salaried
Length of Internship:
Two months (July 2nd, 2025, to August 29th, 2025)
Application Open:
Friday, January 3, 2025
Application Deadline:
Sunday, January 26, 2025
2025 Recruitment Process and Timelines
| Activity | Details |
| How to Apply | Application Submission (January 3, 2025, to January 26, 2025) Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Applicants are required to complete the online application and submit a cover letter and resume. |
| Selection Process | Application Screening (January/February 2025) Applications are reviewed and assessed against criteria that reflect the skills and knowledge that are required for the position. Interviews (February 2025) The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know candidates better and allows candidates to showcase their qualifications. Interviews will be conducted between Monday, February 3, 2025, and Thursday, February 13, 2025. Intern Selected (February 2025) Conditional job offer presented to selected candidate by Friday, February 14, 2025. |
| Onboarding Process | Placement Notification (May 2025) The successful candidate will be notified of their placement, manager, and additional details. Placement Begins (July 2025) The successful candidate will commence their internship on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. |
Spotlight on Tanya Hobson: A Dedicated Advocate for Pediatric Oncology Families in Northern Ontario
Introducing Tanya
For Tanya Hobson, a POGO nurse based at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, caring for young patients with cancer goes far beyond clinical responsibilities. As both a pediatric oncology Satellite Clinic nurse and AfterCare Clinic case manager, Tanya provides essential support for families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer treatment and survivorship in Northern Ontario.
Behind the Care: Tanya’s Daily Impact
In her dual role, Tanya fills her days with clinical duties like, chemotherapy administration and assessments, as well as emotional support that carries into AfterCare. "During treatment, our focus is on helping children manage side effects and supporting families through the process," she says. Post-treatment, her work shifts to help survivors address the long-term effects of cancer treatment, with a special emphasis on maintaining health and well-being for years to come. Reflecting on her work, Tanya shares, “We make a real difference to these families—our work is so valued."
A Unique Path to Pediatric Oncology
Tanya’s path to this role reflects her passion and deep commitment. Initially pursuing medical school, she shifted to nursing to seek a more hands-on, patient-focused career. She gained valuable experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto for over a decade before moving to Sudbury and discovering her true passion in pediatric oncology. Since then, she has built lasting connections with patients and families in her community, something that she finds deeply rewarding.
Overcoming Challenges in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario’s vast geography presents unique challenges for healthcare access. Some of Tanya’s patients live up to seven hours away, making trips to the clinic daunting. This distance, coupled with sometimes unpredictable weather and limited access to immediate healthcare resources, requires tailored care that Tanya and her team strive to deliver with dedication.
Addressing Mental Health in Pediatric Oncology
One pressing issue in pediatric oncology, Tanya notes, is the growing need for mental health support. As childhood cancer survival rates improve, families and survivors grapple with the psychological impact of a cancer journey, often extending beyond the treatment phase. Tanya believes integrating mental health support into standard of care is crucial, starting at diagnosis and continuing through survivorship.
Proud Achievements and a Lasting Impact
Reflecting on recent meaningful experiences, Tanya is proud of her recent Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification in Oncology and completion of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Course. Both credentials affirm her commitment to best practices and a high standard of care for her patients. But her greatest achievement, she shares, came when a former patient recently told her he was pursuing nursing because of the care he received from her. “It was lovely to hear the impact we make,” Tanya says, smiling.
Closing Reflections
In her 10 years in Sudbury, Tanya remains inspired by the resilience of her patients and families. Each day, she brings a compassionate approach to a field she feels called to, embodying POGO’s mission to ensure children with cancer and their families receive the best possible support—no matter where they live.
Reflective Practice IS Nursing Practice
By: Arvinder Aulakh, Jessica Brooks
“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses…we must be learning all of our lives.”
Clearly, Florence Nightingale had early insights into the importance of continual professional growth and development. Reflective practice is foundational within pediatric hematology/oncology nursing, enhancing team collaboration, improving care standards, and supporting nurses’ emotional well-being. This offers multifaceted benefits for nurses, their young patients, and the families they care for.
Pediatric hematology/oncology nursing is a profession that embraces collaboration through reflecting on shared experiences and challenges. Reflective practice allows nurses to contribute to the collective knowledge base by critically evaluating their current practices to drive evidence-based practices. Engaging with nurses with different experiences allows for dialogue that contributes to holistic patient care, team learning, and improved communication.
Patient care outcomes are improved through reflective practice. Personal values and beliefs can indirectly and unknowingly affect patient care. Reflective practice provides insights into nurses’ strengths and challenges contributing to better clinical acumen, empathetic communication, and emotional resiliency. Through this, professional growth and development are achieved, allowing for higher standards of patient care.
It is well understood through literature and lived experience that caring for seriously ill children can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. Reflective practice empowers nurses by enhancing their self-awareness through professional reflection, facilitating peer support through group discussion, and promoting empathy and compassion by providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. Supporting nurses’ well-being through group self-reflection promotes enhanced job satisfaction.
There are many guidelines and frameworks that can be used when doing a reflective practice. When engaging in reflection, nurses should consider these key aspects:
- Description of experience: Recall the important events and features by giving a clear, non-judgmental and comprehensive account of the experience. Experiences may include describing a challenging patient interaction, a successful teamwork experience, or any other significant event.
- Evaluation: Take a “look back” and think about the importance of that experience. What went well? What were the challenges? How did these moments impact patient care, team dynamics, or your personal feelings about work?
- Analysis: An opportunity to critically think about the experience using theory and research. This could include analyzing communication strategies, ethical dilemmas, or case studies that highlight successes and challenges.
- Future action: The experience is summarized to help gain personal insights and determine any next steps. What will you continue to do? What will you change? Setting specific and measurable goals can guide your growth.
Consider incorporating reflective practice into staff meetings, evaluations, and group discussions. Through this, professional development is enhanced because reflective practice IS nursing practice!
About the Authors
Arvinder Aulakh and Jessica Brooks are POGO Interlink Nurses working at SickKids. Learn more about the POGO Interlink Nursing Program.
Highlights from the 2024 POGO Symposium: Through a Nurse’s Lens
By Denise Mills
This year, the POGO Multidisciplinary Symposium on Childhood Cancer took an exciting road trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, where Ontario’s pediatric oncology community gathered to connect, collaborate, and learn. POGO partner hospitals were well represented, including the five centres with specialized childhood cancer programs and eight POGO Satellite Clinic locations. Over 60 nurses participated in this impactful event! While we can’t relive the Symposium, here are a few key takeaways from the sessions.
Lee Dupuis: The Power of the Patient's Voice in Symptom Management
Lee Dupuis delivered a powerful closing presentation on the critical role of the patient’s voice in improving symptom management. She explained how we define the "patient's voice," how to elicit it from pediatric patients, and why it’s essential to listen and respond effectively to improve care. Lee shared compelling results from a recent trial conducted in the US and Canada, which randomized symptom screening against usual care.
The findings were clear and will be shared in an upcoming publication. For more insights into symptom assessment tools, explore SSPedi and Spark here: Symptom Assessment Tools.
Lee also emphasized the importance of implementing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in our clinical practices, such as the Spark Clinical Care Pathways. For more information on CPGs, visit the POGO Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Nicole Culos-Reed: Exercise and Fatigue Management in Pediatric Oncology
Nicole Culos-Reed's session highlighted POGO’s updated CPG recommending physical activity as an effective intervention for fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer. Nicole explored the benefits of exercise during treatment, such as protecting muscle strength, improving immune function, and managing common side effects. She also discussed the long-term importance of physical activity after treatment, including its impact on cognitive function, cardiac health, bone mineral density, and the risk of metabolic syndromes.
To learn more about her POEM program (Pediatric Oncology Exercise Manual) and the IMPACT intervention for physical activity during treatment, visit POEM & IMPACT.
Agnes Wong: The Art and Science of Compassion
Agnes Wong led an inspiring session that guided us through the components of compassion, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional training for healthcare providers. Agnes also underscored the need for self-compassion as a prerequisite for effectively caring for others. She challenged us to consider how compassion training should be integrated at a systems level, in institutions, and in professional training programs.
For those interested in further developing their compassionate practices, Agnes shared a valuable resource: the Mindfulness & Compassion Training Program at the Sarana Institute.
We hope you find these highlights inspiring and insightful. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of the 2024 POGO Symposium!
Evaluating Healthcare Simulation Escape Rooms as an Educational Tool in Nursing Continuing Education: A Fellowship Journey
By: Brennah Holley
Fellowship Overview
Brennah Holley, Clinical Nurse Educator at CHEO in Ottawa (and former Co-Chair of the POGO Nursing Committee), recently completed an Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF) through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and is now conducting an exciting research project (directly related to her fellowship) to explore the potential of Healthcare Simulation Escape Rooms (HSER) as an innovative educational tool in nursing. With the nursing profession facing pressing challenges such as staffing shortages and varied learning needs, her research aims to assess whether HSERs can enhance knowledge acquisition among nursing staff.
“HSERs merge gamification with traditional learning, creating engaging team-based experiences,” Brennah explains. As defined by Anderson et al. (2020), HSERs infuse healthcare themes into interactive escape room settings, offering a fresh platform for education and assessment.
Research Objective and Methodology
At the heart of Brennah’s research is the objective to evaluate HSERs' effectiveness in nursing education. The study, which began in early 2024, will investigate whether engaging in an HSER focused on anaphylaxis leads to better knowledge retention and application compared to traditional lecture formats.
In a randomized controlled trial, nurses at CHEO will be divided into two groups: Group A will receive a lecture, while Group B will experience both the lecture and the HSER. “This approach allows us to gather vital data on the impact of immersive learning,” she notes.
Learning Experience and Skill Development
Brennah’s journey through the fellowship has been rich with learning. She acquired essential skills in research design, ethics submissions, and statistical analysis. Working alongside the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at CHEO, she navigated the complexities of ethics applications, completing necessary training and developing vital documentation like consent forms.
Addressing knowledge gaps in statistical analysis was a significant focus for Brennah. By collaborating with a co-investigator from CHEO’s CRU, she enhanced her research capacity. “This partnership has been instrumental in refining my project,” she emphasizes.
Brennah also developed her skills in survey design and literature reviews, both critical for creating effective educational tools.
Outcomes and Future Directions
Data collection for her research will extend until early 2025, with plans to draft a manuscript by fall 2025. The implications of Brennah’s research could be profound, providing evidence to support the integration of HSERs into nursing curricula and continuing education programs. “Ultimately, we want to enhance patient care through improved educational strategies,” she states.
Reflections
Reflecting on her ACPF experience, Brennah describes it as transformative, filled with opportunities for professional growth. Presenting at international conferences and collaborating with nurse educators worldwide have enriched her journey. As she begins her master’s in Nursing, she is eager to further explore innovative educational methodologies, with HSERs leading her efforts to improve nursing practice.
In summary, Brennah Holley’s fellowship at CHEO highlights the promise of innovative educational approaches in nursing, paving the way for advancements in continuing education and enhanced patient care.
“We are on the brink of a new era in nursing education,” she concludes, optimistic about the future.
To learn more about Brennah’s fellowship experience or research endeavours, feel free to reach out to her.
Improving the Experience: Innovating the Standard Blinatumomab Medical Backpack at SickKids
By: Alia Petropoulosand Lisa Honeyford
Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers. Its administration necessitates a continuous 28-day infusion delivered on an outpatient basis that families typically can manage at home. Although a standard medical-grade bag is provided to families to hold the device, our clinical team at SickKids identified several design flaws, including poor fit and function for children, along with a distinctly “medical” appearance that can be stigmatizing.
To address these challenges, a grant proposal was submitted to the Garron Family Cancer Centre (GFCC) to improve the experience for families caring for children receiving blinatumomab. Our goal was to understand the challenges families faced going home with a 28-day blinatumomab infusion. We knew that the right carrying bag design could make a significant difference in the daily lives of these patients and maximize the activities they are able to participate in while receiving the medication
Once the project was successfully funded, a dedicated team was assembled, comprising of nurses, an oncologist, a child life specialist, and an industrial designer. Our approach included comprehensive desktop research, product testing, and personal interviews with families to understand their experiences with the current medical bag. The insights gathered after interviewing patients, families, and healthcare providers, led to the creation of a list of criteria for the ideal medical bag. The team then collaborated with an industrial designer to develop a blueprint for a prototype and secured a vendor to produce it for testing.
The new prototype bag was created as a backpack and tested with 10 pediatric patients receiving blinatumomab. Half of the participants began with the standard bag while the other half started with the prototype backpack. The team gathered feedback from frontline nurses and families who completed surveys assessing comfort, function, acceptability, and preference. Remarkably, 9 out of 10 participants preferred the prototype backpack, citing improved fit, comfort, and functionality.
“It really helped my child feel more independent during daily activities,” shared one parent, highlighting the emotional benefits of a well-designed product.
This valuable input guided the industrial designer in creating a second-generation prototype, enhancing the fit, security, and accessibility of the medication and pump, as well as improving how families could set up and wear the bag.
Looking ahead, the project team* is working to secure funding and create a process that will allow the backpack to be accessible to any Canadian child receiving blinatumomab. Canadian sites will be contacted when this step is complete, and backpacks are available for distribution. Future efforts will focus on expanding the availability of the backpack internationally.
[Watch the video The Blina Backpack: Changing how we deliver paediatric immunotherapy treatments]
*Project Team includes Alia Petropoulos, Chantal Campbell, Registered Nurse (RN), Lisa Honeyford and Sue Zupanec, Nurse Practitioner (NP).
About the Authors
Alia Petropoulos and Lisa Honeyford are Interprofessional Education Specialists at SickKids.
Editorial Team Note
Congratulations to the project team who were recently recognized for their innovative intervention, the Blinatumomab Backpack, by way of a SickKids President's Award. The President's Award was introduced in 2011 to recognize staff, teams, students and/or volunteers who demonstrate superior leadership and collaboration resulting in major contributions to the organization.