Transforming Supportive Cancer Care Together
As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration for the future of The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Together with our trusted partners, supporters, staff, and volunteers, we are shaping a new era of supportive cancer care one grounded in compassion, collaboration, and hope.
Over the past three years, the Foundation has undergone a profound transformation. In response to community voices and identified needs, we have gradually shifted from primarily funding cancer research to becoming a front-line social service organization. Today, we offer an extensive range of evidence-based programs for adults, caregivers, children, and families affected by cancer. This transition has been guided by the lived experiences of those we serve and by a clear commitment to meet people where they are. We know that cancer impacts every aspect of daily life.
Our flagship programs, Cancer System Navigation and the Community Cancer Hub, delivered through partnerships across the city, ensures that support is accessible and responsive. By collaborating with local hospitals, community agencies, and over 70 service providers, we are building a truly integrated network of care. These efforts allow families to access emotional support, education, and practical assistance resources that build resilience, strengthen capacity, and help them persevere through extremely difficult times.
Equally important are the community events we host throughout the year. These gatherings bring people together not only to raise essential funds, but to raise awareness and to hear firsthand the stories of those who rely on our services. They remind us why this work matters and inspire us to continue building a community of connection.
Cancer does not happen in isolation, and neither does healing. When individuals feel understood, they discover hope, strength, and connection. It is in these moments that our mission comes to life. Together, we are breaking down barriers, creating more pathways for support, and ensuring that care reaches those who need it most, especially the people in our community who experience the most significant barriers and inequities.
This year’s achievements are the result of countless acts of generosity and dedication. To our staff, thank you for your passion, skill, and leadership. To our donors, partners, and volunteers, your trust fuels our work and your impact will be felt for years to come.
As we look ahead, our vision is clear: a community united in ensuring equitable access to supportive cancer care delivered when and where people need it most.
With gratitude,
Deborah Lehmann
President and CEO
As Chair of the Board of Directors, I am honoured to share my reflections on what has been an extraordinary year for The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Our work is rooted in a clear responsibility: to ensure that the Foundation remains strong, accountable, and forward-looking as we respond to the evolving needs of our community.
This year, the Board has focused on advancing our strategic priorities and supporting leadership through times of meaningful transition.
What inspires me most is seeing how this work translates into impact. From the expansion of programs to the creation of new partnerships, the Foundation continues to innovate in ways that bring real and tangible benefits to individuals and families facing cancer. The Board has witnessed firsthand the resilience of our community and the deep trust that exists between the Foundation and those it serves.
On behalf of my fellow Directors, I extend sincere gratitude to our staff for their dedication, to our volunteers for their generosity of time and spirit, and to our donors and partners for their unwavering belief in this mission.
As we look to the future, the Board remains committed to building a community that ensures equitable access to supportive cancer care, when and where people need it most.
Tina Nagratha
Chair, Board of Directors
The impacts of cancer in our community are shifting – and so has our response.
The number of people living with cancer is steadily climbing, with this surge fueled in part by a backlog in screenings and care from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also seeing an increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer at younger ages, many of whom are in the middle of their careers and raising families.
With your help, The Ottawa Cancer Foundation is changing our approach to keep pace with the change in cancer-related needs.
We’ve shifted our focus from investing in research and clinical trials to providing supportive cancer care that addresses the full spectrum of client needs – physical, psychological, emotional, social, and practical. Our actions are informed at every step by feedback from the foundation’s Community Advisory Group. Our programs and services are founded on the latest insights and practices from clinical research and evidence.
Together, we are dedicated to supporting people living with cancer, their caregivers and their families by providing the most effective community-based cancer care, resources, and programs at no cost and with no referral required.
“Support is a critical piece to anyone’s treatment journey. It allows you to get through the hard days. It allows you to rejoice on the positive days.”
- Julia, Community Cancer Hub client
Your generosity is the driving force behind everything we do at The Ottawa Cancer Foundation. Because of your support, our mission, vision, and values are not just words. They are the foundation of real, life-changing impact for people facing cancer in our community. Your support empowers us to live our values and move closer to our vision every single day.
To transform supportive cancer care through community collaboration.
A community that works together to ensure equitable access to supportive cancer care when and where people need it.
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, through dynamic collaborations with diverse community partners, delivers supportive cancer care services for anyone impacted by cancer in our region.
Trustworthy, transparent, respectful, compassionate, collaborative, innovative
These foundational statements are more than words. They are the compass by which we navigate change, pursue innovation, and serve our community.
Thanks to our donors, we were able to support more clients and provide more programs than ever.
Increase in Cancer Hub Visits
Increase in program offerings
Increase in requests for Cancer System Navigation
client interactions
hours per week of programming delivered
hours of volunteer time contributed
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation launched our Community Advisory Group (CAG) in January 2024. The CAG is a group of 10-12 volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds and cancer experiences. Members share a dedication to ensuring the delivery of inclusive, barrier-free supportive cancer care.
The CAG provides a space for those in the cancer community to engage and communicate directly with the staff and leadership of the Foundation. This includes providing input on the design, development, and evaluation of programs and services. It also involves making recommendations informed by lived experience.
Major themes emerging from CAG discussions have included the need for programming dedicated to supporting younger people with cancer, as well as incorporating more strength-based fitness programs and more supports for parents with cancer and their children. Additionally, the crucial role that caregivers play in supporting those impacted by cancer are undeniable and pose specific needs for programming.
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation thanks our Community Advisory Group for their commitment and invaluable feedback. For more information about the CAG, please visit https://ottawacancer.ca/contact-us/
“When you are going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and healing, you need a lot of support. This isn’t provided by any hospital or physician, but all of it can be found at The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, for free.”
- Lauren Peirce, CAG Member
93% of clients said our services improved their quality of life
91% of clients report improved mental health and well-being
93% of clients felt less isolated because of TOCF services
The cancer journey can be a lonely and confusing experience. The Ottawa Cancer Foundation is here to help change that. Together with our partners, we offer free supportive cancer programs for anyone impacted by cancer in our region.
At the Community Cancer Hub we offer evidence-based workshops on topics such as nutrition, symptom management, brain fog, and cancer-related fatigue. These workshops are led by experienced social and health care professionals.
As a community-based organization, we listen to understand which programs and resources are most meaningful to our clients. Our programs are shaped by the voices, needs and wisdom of the community we serve.
Our flagship Cancer System Navigation program bridges the gap between medical care and community-based non-medical care for individuals impacted by cancer, their families and caregivers. Cancer System Navigators provide free personalized guidance and resources, whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or beyond. Our navigators can help connect you to services for practical support, mental health, peer support, informational resources and workshops, and other supportive cancer care programs.
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation could not operate without the contributions of our donors and partner organizations. We are sincerely thankful to every person who shares their resources to support people in our community impacted by cancer.
Foundation continued to expand our program offerings during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Here are just a few of the advances you helped make possible.
“The wide variety of support and resources one can receive from The Ottawa Cancer Foundation is unmatched in our city.”
- Chelsea Bland, CAG Member
Laughter and mouth-watering aromas fill the halls of the Cancer Hub during Simmer and Social, a lunch program tailored to the nutritional needs of people with cancer. A team of volunteers gathers to prepare the weekly meal under the guidance of The Ottawa Cancer Foundation’s registered dietitian.
“Simmer and Social offers a chance to get out, meet people, and talk. It’s about so much more than food,”
reflects volunteer Guy Newsham.
Originally offered each Wednesday, demand has become so high that a second evening session of Simmer and Social was added. The program has also expanded to include Sip and Social, a relaxed Saturday morning gathering featuring light refreshments along with coffee or tea. Some weeks are specifically geared towards young adults aged 18 to 49, while others are open to anyone over the age of 18.
The generosity of supporters like you makes programs like Simmer and Social possible, breaking down barriers for everyone affected by cancer.
“Sometimes I wish donors had a window into these moments, to see firsthand the joy they help bring to life.”
- Anika Boulanger, Community Cancer Hub Program Manager
All of our programs and services are free to those affected by cancer and their loved ones thanks to the generosity of our donors.
of program and services funding comes from our caring community
Received over
donations from our generous community
increase in third-party events
increase in the average direct mail donation
organizations supported TOCF
Welcomed
guests at our events
increase in event attendance growth
We are deeply grateful to every person in our community who has supported The Ottawa Cancer Foundation this past year. Whether you made a donation, hosted a fundraiser, attended one of our events, or helped spread the word about our work, your generosity and commitment will continue to make a lasting impact.
Audited financial statements are available at https://ottawacancer.ca/financial-statements/
Julia Knox, Past Chair
Tina Nagratha, Chair
Ian Sherman, Vice-Chair
Pete Low, Treasurer
Mita Meyers, Director
Suanne Pellerin, Director
Joanne Kudakiewicz, Director
Anthonette Jacob, Director
Greg Walker, Director
Mashooda Syed, Director
Lauren Peirce, Director
Dr. Richar Raigoza, Director
Deborah Lehmann, President and CEO
Glenna Courneya, Senior Director, Finance and Operations
Sue Merrill, Senior Director, Programs and Partnerships
Allen LeBlanc, (Acting) Senior Vice-President, Philanthropy
- Margaret, Cancer Hub client
Because of your generosity, no one in our community needs to face the challenges of cancer alone. Together with the generous support of our donors, we are helping people affected by cancer feel seen and supported – ensuring they can find hope and connection through life’s most challenging moments.
Your support helps empower The Ottawa Cancer Foundation to offer its supportive programs and services free of charge to those affected by cancer in Ottawa.
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation is here for you. Should you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at
613-247-3527 or info@ottawacancer.ca
