October 16, 2024 (Moncton) – A cancer diagnosis comes with many questions, changes, and worries. Where you turn to for support shouldn’t be one of them. Imagine having a dedicated haven where complimentary non-medical services and support programs are offered to help you live better with cancer. The Friends Foundation is raising $1 Million to ensure this dream will become a reality in 2025.
Recently the Friends Foundation was gifted a home on MacBeath Avenue named Bannon House in honour of our generous donor. Once transformed, this space will be a unique resource hub for those living with cancer to gather, lean on peers for support, find strength, connect and forge relationships all while acquiring vital information and skills to help those coping with this disease.
Manager, Cancer Support Jacqueline Bloom, says donors can bring Project Cancer Support to the next level with the transformation of a home, so that we can offer a safe and warm environment for those participating in our programs. “Along with a broad spectrum of evidence-informed programs, we will offer vital information, community, connection, and tools to help people live their best lives with non-medical supports,” states Bloom.
We will provide a caring community, in-person and online, so anyone living with cancer, their caregivers, and family members can access vital information, meaningful support, and effective coping strategies. We will do all this while providing our programs and services free of charge and without referral. Our services will be administered in a cost-effective manner, using oncology experts supported by well-trained volunteers, and in partnership with other charities in the community.
Initial programs—Peer Support, Exercise & Movement, Cancer Fatigue, Relaxation & Meditation, and Nourish—will be up and running in early 2025, some being delivered and housed at the YMCA. Once Bannon House is ready, a full spectrum of programs will be delivered at that location which will be facilitated by a full time on-site manager.
Friends Foundation Board Chair Shane Esson, says with your help, we will be an essential partner in the cancer care community. “Your gift will help us provide a hope-inspiring environment to deliver unique community-based support that will positively impact the daily lives of southeast New Brunswickers living with cancer today and into the future,” remarks Esson. Renovations to Bannon House are expected to begin late fall with the anticipated completion in spring 2025.
Our Wellspring New Brunswick Delivery Partners – Friends Foundation is now an affiliate with Wellspring, Canada’s leader in evidence-based Cancer Support Programs. By uniting our organizations to form Wellspring New Brunswick, we will amplify our mission to provide vital services to those living with cancer in Southeast New Brunswick and beyond. We will cover the entire province through online courses, and in-person supports will expand through Vitalité. Working together with the CHU Dumont Foundation, we also look forward to partnering with other organizations in our community, such as the YMCA, to implement the Cancer Support Project. The program will be 100% funded through the Foundations
To donate to Project Cancer Support: Help us renovate Bannon House
• Call the Friends at 506-857-5488
• Give online at Project Cancer Support
• Mail your cheque to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation
135 MacBeath Avenue, Moncton, NB, E1C 6Z8
-30-
Contact:
Julie Thebeau, CFRE
Director, Communications & Donor Experience
Friends Foundation
506-381-9021
Julie.Thebeau@FriendsFoundation.ca
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