The Stars in a Jar Vision:
We aim to connect survivors of childhood cancer with children currently undergoing treatment in the Ottawa and Greater Toronto regions. Our goal is to give survivors the opportunity to provide young cancer patients with messages of hope and let them know that they are not alone in their fight. We hope to provide battling children and teens with some extra strength with they need it most.
About Us
As university students who have had close experience with childhood cancer we wanted to develop an idea to support childhood cancer in a unique and personal way. This is why we have developed Stars In A Jar.
Meet the Stars in a Jar Executive Team
Natania "Nat" Abebe, RN – C.E.O. & Co-Founder
I am a registered nurse (RN) and work in the field of mental health and public health. I had the idea for Stars in a Jar based on my experience of volunteering on the oncology and hematology floor at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. For years, I volunteered with kids and teens who experienced having cancer. The one thing that I saw in common with all the patients I met was that very few people could *directly* relate to their experience of having cancer. I knew that as a volunteer I would never truly understand how it feels, though I could sympathize as much as possible. I created Stars in a Jar because I wanted to create a unique way for childhood cancer patients to support one another in their journey. The whole premise behind our organization is that no matter who you are or where you come from...whether you are a kid in here in Canada or a kid somewhere in another part of the world, the particular experience of childhood cancer is something that anyone can directly understand if they've been through it. As CEO and founder, it my job to oversee this organization and make sure that our goals and strategies are fulfilled. I look forward to seeing Stars in a Jar grow and being a part of an endeavour that helps connect people in such a positive manner!
I am a registered nurse (RN) and work in the field of mental health and public health. I had the idea for Stars in a Jar based on my experience of volunteering on the oncology and hematology floor at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. For years, I volunteered with kids and teens who experienced having cancer. The one thing that I saw in common with all the patients I met was that very few people could *directly* relate to their experience of having cancer. I knew that as a volunteer I would never truly understand how it feels, though I could sympathize as much as possible. I created Stars in a Jar because I wanted to create a unique way for childhood cancer patients to support one another in their journey. The whole premise behind our organization is that no matter who you are or where you come from...whether you are a kid in here in Canada or a kid somewhere in another part of the world, the particular experience of childhood cancer is something that anyone can directly understand if they've been through it. As CEO and founder, it my job to oversee this organization and make sure that our goals and strategies are fulfilled. I look forward to seeing Stars in a Jar grow and being a part of an endeavour that helps connect people in such a positive manner!
Noah Severino – C.O.O. & Co-Founder
I am a Master of Management student at the Schulich School of Business, York University. I was diagnosed with late Stage III rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 9. I received 50 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation to my head. I was well supported throughout my treatment by my family, and had the opportunity to meet many other patients, survivors and families during my stay at the Ronald McDonald House Toronto. Since my treatment, I have always wanted to give back and support childhood cancer patients, so that they too can be successful in life during, and after treatment. I connected with Nat and Nathan wanting to be involved in Stars in a Jar because I think that it is an amazing way to encourage strength, courage and hope in childhood cancer patients. I believe that it is important that children and teens undergoing treatment can realize that there is life after cancer, and that there is hope. As COO and founder, its my job to ensure our organization and its chapter operate smoothly. I am also responsible for Jar and volunteer logistics. I am excited to see where our venture takes us, and the lives that we can change!
I am a Master of Management student at the Schulich School of Business, York University. I was diagnosed with late Stage III rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 9. I received 50 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation to my head. I was well supported throughout my treatment by my family, and had the opportunity to meet many other patients, survivors and families during my stay at the Ronald McDonald House Toronto. Since my treatment, I have always wanted to give back and support childhood cancer patients, so that they too can be successful in life during, and after treatment. I connected with Nat and Nathan wanting to be involved in Stars in a Jar because I think that it is an amazing way to encourage strength, courage and hope in childhood cancer patients. I believe that it is important that children and teens undergoing treatment can realize that there is life after cancer, and that there is hope. As COO and founder, its my job to ensure our organization and its chapter operate smoothly. I am also responsible for Jar and volunteer logistics. I am excited to see where our venture takes us, and the lives that we can change!
Nathan Adolphe – C.M.O. & Co-Founder
I am a recent graduate from the University of Ottawa with an honours bachelors of science. Diagnosed with rhabdomyocarcoma at age two, cancer and its late effects have been a continuous part of my life. I met Natania in university and was asked to help build Stars In a Jar, using my first-hand experience to guide its direction. Striving to help improve the available support and care for others in similar situations, I needed to join an organization with such a unique and powerful mission. It’s a one of a kind idea that can have an incredibly positive impact on both survivor and patient and I am proud to be a part of it.
As CMO, I shape the brand and advertising of Stars In a Jar. I combine the voices of all our team members and communicate our message to the world in unique and exciting ways.
I am a recent graduate from the University of Ottawa with an honours bachelors of science. Diagnosed with rhabdomyocarcoma at age two, cancer and its late effects have been a continuous part of my life. I met Natania in university and was asked to help build Stars In a Jar, using my first-hand experience to guide its direction. Striving to help improve the available support and care for others in similar situations, I needed to join an organization with such a unique and powerful mission. It’s a one of a kind idea that can have an incredibly positive impact on both survivor and patient and I am proud to be a part of it.
As CMO, I shape the brand and advertising of Stars In a Jar. I combine the voices of all our team members and communicate our message to the world in unique and exciting ways.
