Helping our Precious Pediatrics (HOPP)

Encouraging quality time and experiences for families

When an adult faces death, they struggle to avoid being defined by their illness. When it’s a child, the entire family grapples with not letting the illness define them.

Significant disparities in access to quality Pediatric Palliative Care exist in Canada, particularly in low-income, rural, and Indigenous communities.

About HOPP

A child's curiosity, drive for accomplishment, and joy persist even in the face of a life-limiting prognosis. HOPP supports families throughout their child's illness, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy by offering opportunities for bonding experiences, compassionate care, and grief support.

For parents of an ill child, the fear and guilt of leaving their child in someone else's care can be overwhelming. HOPP provides the reassurance parents need to take much-needed respite, knowing their child is in safe hands.

Many kids in Canada who would benefit from Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) aren't getting it until the last few weeks or days of their life.

How HOPP Helps

HOPP Family Day

HOPP Family Day is the perfect way to bring a little joy into the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses, along with their siblings and parents. This initiative organizes family outings and experiences that allow everyone to relax and enjoy quality time together. All HOPP Family Day activities are fully subsidized, ensuring that every family can participate, regardless of their financial situation.

HOPP Academy

When a child is undergoing treatment, attending school regularly can be difficult. HOPP Academy offers a structured, school-like learning environment where children can engage in social interaction and learning while having fun. This day program, inspired by concepts from our Experiential Day Hospice, also supports parents in developing homeschooling plans, giving them peace of mind knowing their child is safe and enjoying their time.

HOPP at Home

Caring for a child with a serious illness requires around-the-clock attention, but it’s crucial that parents also take care of themselves. HOPP at Home provides primary caregivers with the opportunity to take brief, much-needed breaks, knowing their child is safe and well cared for. As trust grows between the family and our HOPP Support Professionals, these breaks can become longer, allowing primary caregivers to get some well-deserved rest.

C.A.N.D.Y. Cafe (Creating Awareness and Normalizing Death for Youth)

C.A.N.D.Y. Café is a unique program designed to help young people and the adults in their lives navigate challenging questions about dying, death, and grief. Are these appropriate conversations for young people? Absolutely! In fact, their mental health might depend on it.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join our HOPP Program Team and help build the capacity of this program including volunteer engagement, community outreach, agency partnerships and financial sustainability. Apply to volunteer today!

Complete your Post Secondary Education as our Program Manager. Ideally suited for someone currently enrolled in a Social Worker, Social Service Worker or Community Worker Program.

Walk with Us

We believe in the power of remembrance, education, and community in providing comfort to those navigating dying, death, grief and loss. Join our Moonlit Memory Walk to support the HOPP program and help us provide compassionate end-of-life care for all.

This event is a meaningful way to honour and celebrate the lives of parents, grandparents, siblings, children, colleagues, and loved ones lost before, during, or after pregnancy. We also remember beloved pets and those who donated life-saving organs. Your participation helps us continue our mission to offer comfort and support to those facing dying, death, grief, and loss.

Partner with Us

Is your organization dedicated to supporting children with terminal diagnoses and their families? Reach out to us today to explore how we can work together to bring HOPP to your community and make a lasting impact on the lives of sick kids and their families. Together, we can help these families find moments of joy and normalcy, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Learn more about our community partnerships.

If you need support or would like to inquire about our services in your area, get in touch with us at info@homehospiceassociation.com.

Your donation brings hope, strength, and resilience to families facing unimaginable challenges. Together, we can ensure that children with terminal diagnoses experience joy and wonder, while creating cherished memories for their families.

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Our Partners

We are incredibly thankful for the meaningful collaboration and generous support of our partners:

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