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Webinar: Talking to children about brain tumours and cancer
September 29 @ 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 29, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EST
Description:
Drawing on 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.
The presentation will include:
- How children at different developmental stages understand illness, brain tumours, and cancer
- Age-appropriate language and strategies for disclosing a serious illness to children and adolescents
- Building trust through honest, developmentally appropriate communication as a family
- Supporting children through conversations about prognosis & anticipatory grief
- Responding to children’s questions and emotions with honesty, empathy, and confidence
- Professional, community, school-based, and peer supports available to children and families
- Recommended books, resources, and educational tools to support ongoing family conversation
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.
About the speaker:
Tory Hagerman (she/her) is a Certified Child Life Specialist with more than 22 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families across clinical, community, education and home-based settings. Her work is grounded in family-centred care, health equity, and a commitment to ensuring that children and families feel seen, heard, and supported through life-changing experiences.
Tory brings extensive experience in psychosocial oncology, child and family programming, clinical leadership, and community engagement, with particular expertise in supporting children and families navigating cancer, grief, illness, and other significant life transitions. She is passionate about creating accessible, inclusive spaces where children can use play, education, connection, and self-expression to understand and cope with difficult experiences.
Throughout her career, Tory has developed and led family-focused programs, facilitated support groups, built community partnerships, and provided leadership and mentorship to professionals working with children and families. She is deeply committed to strengthening systems of support around families and to ensuring that every child has access to a safe, trusted adult who can help them navigate life’s most challenging moments.
Tory’s approach is collaborative, compassionate, and strengths-based, with a focus on empowering children and families while advancing meaningful, equitable psychosocial support.