A Moment for Gratitude, Reflection on the Past Year
and to Report on Your Impact as a Caring Donor.
THANKUARY
Dear friend,
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. On behalf of The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support in 2023.
In these challenging economic times, your steadfast dedication to our shared vision serves as a beacon of hope for countless individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer. Your selfless commitment provides essential patient care, and delivers crucial support services that alleviate the burden carried by individuals and families facing this formidable disease. Your belief in our mission not only brings comfort and strength to those navigating their cancer journey, but also fosters innovation in cancer research.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your generosity and compassion. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time, in the lives of those affected by cancer.
With warm regards,
Deborah Lehmann
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thank You for Making Cancer Care Personal
The Community Cancer Hub located at the Maplesoft-Jones Centre, 1500 Alta Vista Drive, offers an array of services addressing the holistic needs of patients, caregivers, families, and friends – all at no cost – THANKS TO YOU. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing practical, emotional, psychological, social, financial and symptom management support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care.
Meet our Community Health Promoter, Jill. Blending her knowledge of nursing, nutrition, and public health, she enjoys working with community partners to raise awareness of supportive cancer care offered at the Hub, develop new collaborative partnerships to benefit those impacted by cancer and work co-operatively for a stronger cancer care system in Ottawa. Jill also facilitates regular nutrition workshops at the Hub. Jill is committed to building a healthy, supportive community together.
Our newest Cancer System Navigator, Meredith, is a Registered Social Worker with experience working in social service and community healthcare settings, and has lived experience of cancer as a young adult. She is passionate about connecting individuals living with and impacted by cancer to relevant and meaningful resources, and ensuring that they are provided a space in which they feel heard and respected as they navigate the challenges associated with cancer.
The Impact of Your Dollars
for Cancer Support
January-December 2023
OTTAWA COMMUNITY CANCER HUB
Welcomed
4,160
Hub Visitors
Delivered
556
Wellness Sessions
CANCER SYSTEM NAVIGATION PROGRAM
Registered
646
New Clients
Served
1,147
Total Clients
Spotlight on the Community Cancer Hub
When Christine found out she had chronic leukemia, nothing could have prepared her for the shocking news. With no history of cancer in her family, it was the last thing she would have suspected. Christine now faces a possible bone marrow transplant, but with her family far away in Africa, and no matches yet in the transplant database, the importance of community and support have never been more important.
That is where you have made an incredible impact!
Because of you, Christine found the support she needed. From the moment she stepped through our doors, she felt ‘home’.
You are the reason this place of safety and belonging exists for patients like Christine.
“I would like to say thank you so much for your dedication and generosity. This is what makes The Ottawa Cancer Foundation not only a resource centre for us but also a HOME far from home for me.” – Christine, January 2024
The Impact of Your Dollars
for Cancer Research
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation actively collaborates with local research institutions that connect individuals with relevant studies, offer research grants where appropriate, and promote knowledge sharing through seminars and workshops. This includes community consultations and increased access to information on local research.
The work of the Community Cancer Hub is evidence based, comprehensively evaluated and the data gathered informs and improves outcomes.
Your gift to The Ottawa Cancer Foundation improves lives in our community. It is because of your generosity, concern and commitment that we can support important local research initiatives that often have a wider impact.
Community
Co-design
Co-design
Bringing Diverse Community Members Together to Identify Barriers to Cancer Care
On June 27, 2023, The Ottawa Cancer Foundation brought together 31 people representing community partners, people with lived/living experience of cancer, and caregivers. Facilitated by the Tamarack Institute, the goal was to uncover gaps in supportive cancer care and identify areas lacking inclusivity and accessibility for people in the Ottawa Region with a cancer diagnosis, including their families and caregivers.
Thanks to your support, we continue to advance innovation in the cancer care continuum in order to address specific challenges within our community.
Spotlight On A Health Equity Approach
Launched at the end of 2023 and funded through the Government of Canada Community Services Recovery Fund in partnership with the United Way, the REACH pilot project brings navigation and cancer supports into the community. In collaboration with Ottawa Public Health and 5 community health and resource centres, we are establishing and implementing health equity initiatives focused on universal health access, complemented by strategies that guarantee inclusivity and opportunities for those facing risks to actively engage in established health programs.
“As we look ahead, we are energized by the possibilities that lie before us. With each success, we are reminded of the lives touched and transformed through the Hub’s initiatives. We are dedicated to building on these achievements, driving forward with renewed determination and compassion.
Together, we are making a profound impact in the battle against cancer, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a healthier future for all in our community.” ~ Naomi Praamsma, MAL, VP of Program and Stakeholder Engagement
Strengthening Community Connections
Engaging with Community Partners in Comprehensive Cancer Care
Your generous support and our collaborative efforts with community stakeholders have enabled The Ottawa Cancer Foundation to establish meaningful partnerships with over 50 community collaborators, offering services based out of the Community Cancer Hub. Together, we are dedicated to enhancing and enriching cancer care for our community.
Spotlight on Breast Imaging
Thanks to your generous support of the OlymPINK Swim Event in partnership with The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, a new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine was procured for The Ottawa Hospital Rose Ages Breast Health Centre.
This invaluable equipment will significantly enhance the Breast Health Centre’s capacity to diagnose breast cancer early, a critical factor in formulating effective treatment plans. The heavy dependency on up-to-date technology underscores the importance of your contributions, ensuring that our medical professionals have the tools necessary to provide the best possible care.
Your commitment to advancing breast health is truly making a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing the challenges of breast cancer. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital mission.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
As we reflect on the remarkable year that was 2023, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. Your generosity has been a beacon of hope, making a profound impact on the lives of those affected by cancer in our community.
Through your contributions, we have been able to advance critical research, offer supportive cancer care, and provide vital support services. Your dedication has empowered us to make strides in the fight against cancer, and we are deeply thankful for the trust you place in us.
The impact of your support goes beyond funding; it is a testament to the strength of our community coming together to make a difference. We are inspired by your compassion and commitment, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the pursuit of a cancer-free future.
Karen Brownrigg, CHRL, CEC
Board Chair
