Antonia’s journey in childhood cancer advocacy began in 2009, when her two-year-old son was diagnosed with stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma. Since then, she has become a tireless advocate for children with cancer and their families.

She is the co-founder of the Advocacy for Canadian Childhood Oncology Research Network (Ac2orn) and founder of Neuroblastoma Canada.  Antonia is on the Board of Directors for Cancer Research Society and BioCanRx, and on the Scientific Steering Committee for ACCELERATE.  She plays an active role in New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT), the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN), and the ACCESS Consortium.  Antonia is a patient partner on a number of pediatric oncology clinical trials and an active volunteer on numerous cancer-focused initiatives across Canada and internationally.

Antonia is a published author and has co-authored two advocate-only articles in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Pediatric Blood & Cancer, exploring critical issues for the childhood cancer community.

Her passion for making a difference extends beyond research advocacy into community-based initiatives and philanthropy. She champions meaningful, respectful partnerships to build innovative, high-impact programs such as the Youth Mental Health Grant and the Kindred Cares grant for palliative and hospice care. She also volunteers regularly with Kindred charity partners such as Weston Area Emergency Support.

Antonia holds a master’s degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. She lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband Aaron and their three wonderful sons—Nate, Alex, and Jonathan—who fill her heart with pride and love every day. Whenever she can, Antonia enjoys running (on roads and trails), being outdoors, and nurturing her growing love of cycling.

Please email Antonia if you have any questions or comments about Kindred Foundation.

Leah has been involved in the cancer research field since 2017. This began with laboratory work, which progressed into an Honours thesis at Queen’s University and a Master’s degree from the University of Ottawa. This was followed by clinical research experience aimed at improving oncological outcomes and perioperative procedures.

Leah has always enjoyed volunteering for different organizations and participating in community support initiatives. In her spare time Leah keeps active through a variety of sports including skiing, running, biking, soccer and skating. Food has always been one of Leah's biggest passions so she loves spending time cooking, baking and trying new restaurants. While travelling, she enjoys learning about different ways of life, trying new cuisines and hiking.

At Kindred Foundation, Leah gets to combine and expand her experience and interests to help make a difference for organizations and individuals across Canada.

Please email Leah if you have any questions or comments about Kindred Foundation's programs and grants.

Janice’s work experience involves a strong background in project and office management, bringing over 15 years of experience supporting teams and day-to-day operations. Known for her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach. Her work is grounded in a genuine desire to support others, ensuring both colleagues and communities feel seen and well-served.

Janice’s connection to her Kindred Foundation work is deeply personal. In 2012, she became an aunt to her nephew Jake, and just months later, her family faced the life-changing news of his stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma diagnosis. Throughout Jake’s treatment journey, Janice played an active role in keeping family and community members informed by writing Carepages updates, while also participating in the James Fund run from 2014 to 2018 and volunteering with OPACC.

Growing up in a household where volunteering was a natural part of life, Janice developed a lifelong passion for community involvement. From early experiences supporting organizations like About Face, Ottawa Humane Society, and Planet in Focus, she learned the value of service and connection. Today, she continues that tradition as a committee chairperson for Special Attractions and Contests at the Markham Fair and enjoys volunteering at music festivals and concerts. Based in Toronto, Janice loves exploring her neighbourhood near St. Lawrence Market and spending time with her dog, Banjo, who always keeps life entertaining.

Please email Janice if you have any questions or comments about Kindred Foundation.