Outstanding visionary in cancer care receives honorary degree

The honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, is the University of Calgary's highest academic honour, bestowed on individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition.

Christine McIver will have an honorary degree conferred upon her, and Shauna Curry will be the distinguished speaker at the June 7 convocation ceremonies for the faculties of Environmental Design, Graduate Studies, Schulich School of Engineering, Social Work and Werklund School of Education.

When Christine McIver's five-year-old son Derek was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 1986, there was little research to draw on and no programs in Alberta to help children and their families navigate the frightening diagnosis of childhood cancer.

Working from her basement in 1988, she and a group of dedicated volunteers began building a province-wide support system for children and families facing cancer. Together, they established the first cancer camps in the province, which became Kids Cancer Camps of Alberta, offering high-quality, diverse programming. Today, with an expanded mandate to provide funding for childhood cancer research, hospital programs, education support and post-secondary scholarships, Kids Cancer Care strives to meet the needs of the whole family at each stage in the cancer journey — from diagnosis, through treatment and well beyond.

As the founder and chief executive officer of Kids Cancer Care, McIver is responsible for the leadership and management of the foundation. A lifelong learner, she holds certificates in voluntary and non-profit sector management from the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy and the National Program in Fundraising Education from Mount Royal University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has more than 25 years' experience in the non-profit sector.

She was awarded the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, an Alberta Centennial medal, a Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Woman of Achievement Award, and the Spirit of COCA Award from the Children's Oncology Camp Association International.

Compassionate and driven, McIver is a true visionary who provides outstanding leadership and has made a profound difference in the lives of children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

During Tuesday morning's convocation ceremony, the University of Calgary will recognize McIver with an honorary degree and thank her for her outstanding contributions to those affected by paediatric cancer.

Read the full story in UToday.