Symposium Overview

1. Keynote Presentation: They keynote will be presented by, Rachel E. Martens, a Family Engagement Facilitator at CanChild and a parent- in- research. The presentation will focus on an emerging research model that brings parents and caregivers of children with disabilities into research, not just as participants, but as partners. 

2. Annual Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Advisory Board (CRRAB) Meeting: Existing CRRAB members, and the broader retinoblastoma community, are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more about the CRRAB and influence the direction of CRRAB for 2021. 

3. Breakout Sessions:  There will be 2 consecutively run breakout sessions. 

Session #1: Participants are invited to help shape CRRAB efforts including: (1) social media, (2) rbcanadaresearch.com website, (3) Retinoblastoma Research Registry, and (4) Research Booklet.

Session #2: Participants will learn more about projects under way addressing three of the Top 10 Retinoblastoma Research Priorities (1) Priority 1 – Early Diagnosis, (2) Priority 3 – Psychosocial Support, and (3) Priority 9 – Pathway of Care (Retinoblastoma Journey Maps). 

4. Child Life Activity: A specialized activity developed and guided by a Certified Child Life Specialist for children including patients, survivors, siblings and children of health professionals and researchers. Adult attendees are encouraged to attend this session to learn more about child life and the importance of effective coping through play, preparation, education, and creative self-expression activities. 

Children participating in this activity are asked to have the following items available during the session:

  • Sturdy colourful craft paper (any size) 
  • Assorted items to stick onto the paper (optional) 
  • Markers 

Detailed instructions for this activity

5. Networking: Participants will have the opportunity to meet each other through a special virtual networking session. 

By virtue of your attendance, you grant permission to the Canadian Retinoblastoma Research Advisory Board to use photographs, electronic media images, or videography gathered during the Retinoblastoma Research Symposium and all related events, with or without your name and for any lawful purpose (including for example the website, print, online, and social media). You may revoke this authorization at any time by notifying retinoblastoma.research@sickkids.ca. The revocation will not affect any actions taken before the receipt of this written notification. Images and video will be stored in a secure location and only authorized staff will have access to them. They will be kept as long as they are relevant and after that time will be destroyed or archived.