Annual report

A legacy of love and care

This year, we celebrate a truly remarkable milestone—30 years of compassionate, world leading pediatric palliative care. We honour the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who have given their time, talent, and hearts to Canuck Place children and families. Together, we built something special: a place where children can be children, where families find strength and respite, and hope lives on—even in the most difficult moments.

Among those who have helped shape this legacy is Camara van Breemen, Nurse Practitioner, Director of Community Care and Provincial Outreach. Since the day our doors opened, Camara has been a force in pediatric palliative care in BC and the Yukon. A visionary leader and tireless family advocate, she has driven innovation, ensuring children receive compassionate, specialized care—when and where they need it. Camara pioneered the Enhanced Community Care in-home program, supporting families in choosing where they receive care across BC and the Yukon. She adapted the adult serious illness tool and created the Serious Illness Conversation Guide – Pediatrics©, transforming how clinicians across Canada communicate with families navigating their child’s serious illness.

Through her expertise and mentorship, Camara has trained countless healthcare providers and continues to shape the field globally. She is a published clinician, University of British Columbia (UBC) clinical instructor, and active international volunteer and faculty with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, sharing her knowledge with pediatric care teams in low resourced countries. Camara’s deep commitment to children, families, and the Canuck Place team has left an indelible mark on our organization. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and community—helping families live fully with the time they have left together.

We are deeply grateful for Camara’s extraordinary 30 years of service.

Volunteering is a work of heart

Cora Boecker

Cora has been a joyful, generous presence at Canuck Place for three decades. From shaping the volunteer program to supporting events and
care at both hospices, Cora’s dedication has left a lasting impact.

“After 30 years of volunteering at Canuck Place, what has stayed with me most is the quiet, powerful magic found in the simplest moments— moments that can become treasured memories for a family.

“One memory I hold close is sitting at the bedside of a little boy in his final days, gently blowing bubbles for him. It was such a small act—but there was something deeply peaceful and tender about it. That moment was about being present, offering comfort, and creating space for beauty, even in the hardest times.

“Canuck Place is where that kind of magic happens every day. It’s where love, care, and presence turn fleeting moments into lifelong memories.”

Merle Rector

Merle is a cherished and dedicated member of our volunteer team. She always brings the brightest, happiest energy. Merle and her husband Barry lost their daughter Heidi before Canuck Place opened its doors in 1995. The courage to share their personal experience was instrumental in helping Canuck Place founder, Brenda Eng, secure funding to build Canuck Place.

“Receiving training as official volunteers at Canuck Place in 1995, gave my husband and I great pleasure to ensure Heidi’s legacy was one of gratitude in serving others.

“Little did I know that being involved as a volunteer would completely change my life. While I felt the need to serve, in fact my life has been enriched in countless ways thanks to the children and families and the incredible staff I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with over the years.”

A safe haven for families

When the Hodson family first arrived at Canuck Place, they carried not only the weight of their child’s complex medical needs, but also years of exclusion, uncertainty and exhaustion.

Their son, Wesley, who lives with a rare condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome, is medically fragile, behaviorally unique, and full of personality. He is expressive, funny, and full of life—an adoring fan of Baby Yoda and The Office. Throughout his life, he had often been excluded or misunderstood. His parents Karyn and Wes were unsure if Canuck Place could meet his intensive care needs—or truly embrace his vibrant personality. But from the very beginning, the Canuck Place team welcomed him with open arms.

Canuck Place became the family’s second home, a place where Wesley was not only cared for but celebrated. He received expert A safe haven for families medical care and compassionate, individualized attention. The impact of Canuck Place care extends beyond Wesley. The whole family receives counselling, and their medical respite stays support much needed rest and renewal.

His siblings—who know how to manage his G-tube, medications, and daily care—are given space to enjoy moments of connection rather than responsibility. Though he is considered “non-verbal,” Wesley makes his needs and feelings known with clarity and charm. At Canuck Place, he is seen, understood, and loved for exactly who he is.

“We just want him to be happy. We know he may never be healthy like others, but he deserves joy and love. Canuck Place has given us something no one else has—peace of mind, moments of normalcy, and a chance to be a family again,” says Karyn.

A journey of love and care

Hope and Ben Cholette spent the first month of their son Jack’s life confused and heartbroken. Jack was born with Trisomy 5P, a genetic condition so rare that the medical community had almost no information about it. Faced with the toughest decision of their lives, Hope and Ben lovingly considered all their options and made the brave choice for Jack’s quality of life over quantity. No more poking and prodding, no more tests. They brought Jack home for Christmas. This was the beginning of their family’s motto ‘follow Jack’s path’, that guided them for 11 years.

Their first encounter with Canuck Place offered a spark of hope. Canuck Place Medical Director Dr. Hal Siden spoke with optimism about Jack’s potential. “It felt like someone was finally on our side,” says Hope.

Years later, the family embraced Canuck Place as a vital part of their lives. Respite stays at Canuck Place Abbotsford—Dave Lede House, affectionately known to their family as “Camp Canuck Place”, became a treasured time for rest, connection, and joy. Jack loved his visits: music therapy, art, pet visits, and cuddles with his favourite nurse, Karen. His medical needs were expertly managed, giving the family peace and quality time together.

One unforgettable moment came on Jack’s 8th birthday. A lifelong Wiggles fan, Jack saw them perform live and the Canuck Place recreation therapy team even threw him a special birthday party that same day.

Jack passed away at age 11 at Canuck Place, surrounded by love. In their time together, the Cholette family made lasting memories by following Jack’s path. “The hardest part of losing your child is knowing there will be no more photos, crafts, or handprints,” says Hope. “I cherish every memento, and I am beyond grateful.”

Meaning and connection through grief

For Canuck Place fathers Emmanuel Domingo and Fed Angel, Father’s Day brings both gratitude and reflection. Each has faced unimaginable loss, and each found comfort, care, and connection through Canuck Place.

Emmanuel’s son Kristian died of cancer eight years ago. The Domingo family turned to Canuck Place for medical respite and pain management during Kristian’s final months. At first, Emmanuel struggled with the idea of hospice. “It felt like giving up hope,” he shared. But in time, he recognized that Canuck Place gave their family something greater—comfort, dignity, and unwavering support.

“Even after Kristian passed, Canuck Place never let go,” Emmanuel says. “They reached out gently, offering help. I’m grateful, not just for what they gave Kristian, but what they gave all of us.”

Fed Angel’s son, Alejo, was diagnosed with a rare cancer at just two weeks old. He passed away at five weeks. During that short but meaningful time, Canuck Place provided a place for the family to be fully present with their beautiful son. “We got to just be his parents,” Fed says.

Fed describes being a Canuck Place dad as joining a “brotherhood you never wanted to be a part of,” but one built on shared understanding. His own father, who also lost a son, calls Canuck Place “an umbrella”—a shelter from the storm of grief.

For both families, Canuck Place has been a source of healing and hope, helping them honour their children by embracing love, connection, and the meaning found in joyful moments—even amidst sorrow.

Care that reaches across the province

When Jenn and Matt Rempel’s son Tristan was diagnosed with ependymoma brain cancer at just 14 months old, they were devastated. Living in Northern BC, they faced the added challenge of accessing specialized pediatric care far from home. Canuck Place became a vital lifeline.

Through community-based care, Canuck Place offers 24/7 clinical consultation from nurses and physicians and counselling services via phone or virtual care, giving families immediate access to medical advice and reassurance during critical moments. Whether it’s managing pain and symptoms, adjusting medication, or providing spiritual and emotional support during challenging times, the team at Canuck Place ensures families like the Rempels receive compassionate care wherever they are.

“Tristan was full of life. He loved adventures, playing video games with his siblings, and imitating funny things he saw, like people snoring. He made every moment brighter,” says Jenn. Canuck Place supported the Rempel family with in-home nursing care, virtual consultations, and emotional support. Nurses helped manage Tristan’s pain and symptoms, provided medication guidance, and coordinated local care. “We used the 24-Hour Clinical Care Line often,” says Jenn. “The nurses reassured us during the most difficult moments.”

Emotional and spiritual support were also essential. Each of Tristan’s siblings received grief counselling, and joined Canuck Place sibling bereavement groups. “They were guided through their grief in ways that helped them feel less alone,” says Jenn.

Nicola Wealth gives back

For over 11 years, Nicola Wealth has been a dedicated supporter of Canuck Place, championing care for children and families during life’s most difficult moments. Through personal giving, Gift of Time gala sponsorship and Fund-a-Need support, corporate giving through their Nicola Wealth Gives Back program, and Canuck Place board leadership, John and Claire Nicola’s generosity have touched every corner of our care.

“We are inspired by the extraordinary resilience of the children and families at Canuck Place,” says John Nicola, Chairman and CEO Nicola Wealth. “Behind every heartbreaking story is a deep sense of love and courage. Canuck Place brings compassion, dignity, and world-class care to families in some of life’s hardest moments—and that’s something we’re proud to support.”

Ledcor’s legacy of care

For over 19 years, Ledcor has played a vital role in the growth of Canuck Place. Through the funding and building of Canuck Place’s second provincial hospice in 2014, Dave Lede House in Abbotsford, care has been expanded to serve more families in need. Together, Ledcor and the Dave Lede Family Foundation, have donated over $9 million through individual donations, the Ledcor Cares employee giving program, sponsorships of both The Gift of Time and Gift of Love galas, and the Canuck Place Car Show Invitational.

“Over the last three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Canuck Place’s hospice locations, and I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work they do. Canuck  Place provides support at the most difficult times, offering not just medical care, but a sense of comfort. For me, it’s about making sure that kids at Canuck Place and their families know they are not alone in their journey.

I can’t think of any cause that’s more important,” says Dave Lede, Chairman and CEO, Ledcor Group of Companies.

30 years of lifting up children and families

It was 30 years ago that oncology nurse and Canuck Place founder, Brenda Eng, looked for community support through the Vancouver Canucks and  Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF). She found the ultimate teammate and a community of giving fans. The CFKF has granted over $31 million and these vital funds have ensured that children and families have received pediatric palliative care. The partnership goes beyond an annual grant. It is about supporting experiences, connections, and the building of memories for children experiencing short lives. Mascot Fin, the players, and Vancouver Canucks employees lift
up the little and big hearts at Canuck Place.

Canuck Place also recognizes the significance and support of the Canucks Alumni Association/Foundation who have been a key donor and warm friend throughout our growth of care.

“The Vancouver Canucks and Canucks Alumni stand with the children and families year after year,” says Denise Praill. “For our families and children, it means there is a whole hockey team behind them, lifting them to live their best life with the time they have.”

Parents as partners: Transforming pediatric palliative care research

When non-verbal children with serious illness experience pain, how do they tell us where it hurts? This critical question drives groundbreaking research at the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Research Initiative (Research Initiative), where your support is improving pediatric palliative care through an innovative research model that prioritizes meaningful engagement with families.

The Research Initiative employs Candice Barrans, Parent Partner and Laesa Kim, Family Liaison as integral team members. They bring an invaluable perspective from their lived experience caring for their children with complex medical needs.

Candice connects academic research with everyday family experiences, co-leading parent journal clubs that break down complex studies for other families. These sessions create a meaningful space where parents are valued as knowledgeable partners, drawing on their experience navigating the medical system.

As Family Liaison, Laesa ensures research is driven by what Canuck Place families experience. She helps shape study design, leads interviews, and coinvestigates research projects. “When I’ve interviewed families, I can genuinely say, ‘I get that,’” she explains, highlighting how this shared understanding create  deeper connections and richer insights.

Their work directly impacts one of the core six projects of the Research Initiative, the Pain and Irritability of Unknown Origin (PIUO) study, developing evidence-based guidelines for symptoms that are difficult to assess. Your support makes this innovative research model possible—partnering with families as knowledge co-creators and ensuring that studies truly serve those who need them most

Leading the way in pediatric advance care planning

When a child is seriously ill, difficult conversations about the future are essential.

With your support, Canuck Place is co-leading the provincial pediatric Advance Care Planning (pACP) Project to improve how these conversations happen across BC and the Yukon. Children receive care from many providers, and communication gaps can leave families overwhelmed. Canuck Place is helping bridge these gaps through partnerships with BC Children’s Hospital, Community Health Boards, Indigenous Health, and Perinatal Services BC.

The pACP project is creating provincewide guidelines and training for meaningful, compassionate conversations and family partners help shape this work, ensuring their voices guide care. The new provincial guideline launches in November 2025.

Celebrating our first Royal College Fellowship graduate

In June 2025, Dr. Sonia Brar became the first physician to complete the Royal College Fellowship in Pediatric Palliative Medicine at Canuck Place—a historic milestone that strengthens our leadership in pediatric palliative care.

Canuck Place became only the second approved fellowship training site in Canada in 2022. Over two years, Dr. Brar trained across our full scope of care— from our Vancouver and Abbotsford hospices to community-based care in home and in-hospital.

Drawn to Canuck Place’s innovative model, she shared, “this field is one of the few places in medicine where I felt like the most authentic version of myself.” Her graduation is a significant step forward in expanding specialized pediatric palliative care.

Improving care globally

Canuck Place’s impact reaches far beyond BC and the Yukon. As a global leader in pediatric palliative care (PPC), we share our expertise through the Children’s Palliative Care Leadership Program—a partnership with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC).

This year-long program, hosted by TWCC’s Sunflower Children’s Network and the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care, trains emerging healthcare leaders across South and Southeast Asia, where PPC resources are limited. Canuck Place clinicians serve as international mentors alongside global experts, supporting professionals to improve care in their communities.

Our participation reflects a deep commitment to ensuring compassionate, expert care for all children.

Thanks to your support, Canuck Place is building sustainable PPC systems and inspiring care that expands across borders and oceans.

Learning from global leaders: Resilience in pediatric palliative care

In 2025, Canuck Place welcomed visiting scholar, Dr. Abby Rosenberg, Chief of Pediatric Palliative Care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Rosenberg shared her groundbreaking research on resilience, which stems from three sources: external supports like community and relationships, internal strengths such as optimism and grit, and existential resources including faith and memory-making.

“We discovered resilience is like a teeter totter,” she explained. “Feeling connected, staying positive, managing stress, and having purpose all tip the scales.” Her work aligns with Canuck Place’s holistic approach, showing resilience can be nurtured.

Hosting renowned international experts like Dr. Rosenberg strengthens our role in shaping the future of pediatric palliative care.

Leading conversations with compassion and care

Canuck Place is a leader in pediatric palliative care, advancing compassionate communication through the Serious Illness Conversation Guide – Pediatrics© (SICG-Peds©). Adapted by Canuck Place clinicians in 2018 from an adult tool developed by Ariadne Labs at Harvard University, the guide supports clinicians in engaging parents as partners in their child’s care through open-ended questions, listening, and anticipatory guidance.

Since its launch, Canuck Place has trained 931 clinicians across Canada and more than 150 internationally, including in Southeast Asia and India. The training equips healthcare professionals to navigate complex conversations with empathy, placing family values at the center of care planning.

In a first-of-its-kind innovation, Canuck Place included four bereaved parents to the SICGPeds © faculty training team, including Canuck Place Mom, Lee Renaud. Their lived experience adds essential insight into what compassionate communication truly means when caring for a seriously-ill child.

“The SICG-Peds© training reduces harm; the harm that can be caused unintentionally by medical professionals when they are so focused on prognosis and treatment,” says Lee. Sometimes, they lose sight of the humanity. Input from moms like me adds the perspective of lived experience and adds the humanity back into caring for seriously ill children so the family’s voice is not lost, which can easily happen; it’s very easy to feel like you don’t have a voice at the table.”

In 2022, Canuck Place expanded its leadership by developing the Serious Illness Conversation Guide – Neonatal©, tailored to the unique care needs of families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.