Supporting Pediatric Cancer Research: Key Contributions of Manitoba and Eastern Ontario Foundations
- roysrideforresearc
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
About 1,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer every year in Canada. While treatments have improved and saved the lives of many, pediatric cancer remains a leading cause of illness and death among children. Supporting cancer research is critical to finding better therapies and improving outcomes.
Two organizations making a significant impact in this fight are the Children’s Hospial Foundation of Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation (CHEO Foundation). The work of both foundations focuses on advancing pediatric cancer research while providing hope to families across the country.
How Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba supports research
Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) is the research arm of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and is a hub for pediatric health research in Manitoba. Research at CHRIM improves child health in a number of disciplines including asthma and allergies, diabetes, mental health, neurodevelopment needs, oral health, acute care, childhood cancer and much more.
Recently, CHRIM launched PROMISE - Pediatric Research in Oncology in Manitoba: Innovation, Science, and Excellence. This interdisciplinary research program brings together scientists, clinicians, health care professionals and families to better understand how childhood cancer affects kids in Manitoba. This collaborative research supports projects that range from studying genetic factors influencing childhood cancer to clinical trials of new therapies and helps develop new treatments.
One of CHRIM’s key strengths is its integration with HSC Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg. It allows researchers to work closely with patients and apply discoveries directly to care. This connection speeds up the process of turning lab findings into real-world treatments.
CHRIM’s impact on childhood cancer research.
Leukemia: CHRIM researchers have identified genetic markers that help predict how children with leukemia will respond to treatment. This knowledge allows doctors to tailor therapies to each child’s needs.
Brain tumor studies: The institute supports projects exploring new drug combinations to target aggressive brain tumors, improving survival rates.
Supportive care innovations: Beyond cancer cells, CHRIM investigates ways to reduce treatment side effects, enhancing children’s quality of life during therapy.
How the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation Supports Research
The CHEO Foundation through the CHEO Research Institute plays a vital role in raising funds for pediatric health, including cancer research. Their efforts ensure that CHEO’s researchers and clinicians have the resources needed to pursue innovative studies and provide cutting-edge care.
Key Research Areas Supported by CHEO Foundation
Immunotherapy: CHEO researchers are exploring treatments that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, a promising area that could reduce the need for harsh chemotherapy.
Genetic testing: The foundation funds projects that improve genetic screening, helping identify children at risk for certain cancers earlier.
Clinical trials: CHEO supports trials that test new drugs and treatment protocols, giving children access to the latest therapies.
The foundation also invests in training the next generation of pediatric oncology researchers, ensuring continued progress in the fight against childhood cancer.
Why Supporting These Charities Matters
Donating to charities like Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation directly fuels research that saves children’s lives.
Research needs funding. Many pediatric cancer studies rely on charitable donations to cover costs not funded by government grants.
More funding means more researchers can work on finding better treatments and cures.
Research leads to therapies that are more effective and less harmful, improving children’s experiences during treatment.
Supporting these charities also helps build a network of care that extends beyond treatment, including emotional support and education for families.
How You Can Help Make a Difference
If you want to contribute to the fight against pediatric cancer, consider supporting Roy's Ride for Research, your donations to this ride will go to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and to the CHEO Foundation to support ongoing research for improvements in caring for childhood cancer.
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