By Fred Groves
In 2017, Belle River’s Justin James Jewel was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that progresses rapidly and requires prompt treatment.
For those families that have experienced such shocking news, it is a very emotional time.
Thanks to ChildCan, Justin and his family were able to get the support they needed so they could be with him constantly and not worry about how they would afford everyday expenses like hospital parking, meals, and accommodations.
“At the time we lived in Belle River and were spending a lot of time in London and Toronto at Sick Kids Hospital and that’s how we got involved with ChildCan,” said Justin’s mother Lorraine Jewel.
She said she reached out to ChildCan, an organization based in London, that helps families with financial support through the diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, and, if required, bereavement.
Fast forward to 2026, and Jewel is a talented musician who has recorded albums and continues to live in Belle River.
“He is a musician. His whole life is about music. During his first couple of months in the hospital, he had us bring him his guitar,” said Lorraine.
Impressed and inspired by ChildCan, Lorraine is now the Windsor-Essex liaison for ChildCan and is in the process of hosting a fundraiser.
On March 28, a Polar Bear Dip will take place in Kingsville at the Cedar Island Beach. Lorraine says that as of mid-February they already had nine teams and over 50 brave willing souls ready to plunge into the cold water of Lake Erie for a good cause.
Registration will be at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 188, at 145 Division in Kingsville. Participants will be bused to the beach. On their return, lunch and entertainment will be provided beginning at 1 p.m.
According to ChildCan Executive Director Suzanne Elliott, the organization was founded in 1974 when oncologist Dr. Barry deVeber and a parent of a young cancer patient decided to find a way to help their families.
“Young families aren’t prepared for this type of thing,” says Elliott.
She adds that families who reach out for financial support are immediately given free parking passes at the hospitals. If there is no room at places such as the Ronald McDonald House, ChildCan ensures that any necessary accommodations are paid for.
“Our financial support is delivered in a highly personal way because every family’s journey is different.”
Not only is financial support available, but Elliott notes that there are special activities during the year, such as Recreational Therapy, that have been hosted at the Community Support Centre of Essex County in Lakeshore.
For more information about ChildCan, contact Executive Director Suzanne Elliott at 519-685-3500 Ext. 333.
If you want to donate to the Polar Bear Dip in Kingsville in March, or take the plunge yourself, call Lorraine Jewel at 226-345-0415.