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Webinar: Talking to children about brain tumours and cancer
September 30 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Talking to children about brain tumours and cancer
Presented by: Ms. Tory Hagerman, Family Support and Outreach Manager, Gilda’s Toronto
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EST
Description:
Drawing on Gilda’s Toronto’s expertise in community-based psychosocial cancer care, this webinar is designed for parents, guardians and caregivers impacted by a brain tumour diagnosis, as well as healthcare, education, and psychosocial professionals seeking practical guidance on communicating with children and adolescents about serious illness. Grounded in evidence-based practices in child development, grief theory, family-centred care, and psychosocial oncology, the presentation explores compassionate, developmentally appropriate approaches to supporting children and youth throughout illness and life-changing events. Participants will leave with practical strategies, evidence-informed resources, and greater confidence in supporting children and adolescents through open, honest, and compassionate conversations about brain tumours and cancer.
Learning objectives:
- How children at different developmental stages understand illness, brain tumours, and cancer 2.
- Age-appropriate language and strategies for disclosing a serious illness to children and adolescents 3.
- Responding to children’s questions and emotions with honesty, empathy, and confidence 4.
- Recommended books, resources, and educational tools to support ongoing family conversations
About the speaker:
Tory Hagerman (she/her) holds the Family Support and Outreach Manager position with Gilda’s Toronto and is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Over the past 16 years, Tory has worked with a diverse group of children, youth, and families in clinical, community, and home settings. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Tory is passionate about providing family-centered care while supporting the health equity and psychosocial needs of children, youth & families, through life-changing events. Tory has extensive experience engaging children in play-based psychosocial education and emphasizes inclusion and accessibility in her work. Tory is highly motivated in her work, dedicated to empowering families and ensuring that every child has a safe and trusted person they can turn to when facing life’s difficult challenges.