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Inside PMHF Stories
Community Connections - Showing cancer patients and their families they are not alone
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At least one in three of us will have to face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. So, whether you are personally being treated for cancer or supporting a loved one who is, it is re-assuring to know that there is a great deal of support available to patients and their families.
Research has shown that being an informed cancer patient who takes advantage of the support available greatly reduces the anxiety that naturally comes with a cancer diagnosis. The more active a patient is in their own care, the more empowered and confident they will feel in their ability to manage their cancer journey and get back on track following treatment.
Informing cancer patients and their caregivers about the support available is the mandate of a program at The Princess Margaret called Community Connections. On the third Thursday of each month, this program brings together the major cancer support organizations so that patients and their caregivers can conveniently learn about what services are available and how to tap into them.
Along with the opportunity to connect with support organizations, Community Connections allows patients, friends and family members to:
- attend workshops and programs such as Managing Your Cancer Journey
- enjoy interactive cooking demonstrations with a culinary expert and dietician (samples always provided!)
- network with and learn from the experiences of other cancer survivors
- find a ‘friend’ who has been treated for a similar type of cancer
- participate in exercise and relaxation classes
- learn about the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle
The Patient Survivorship Program is something that was created in 2004 thanks to funding raised by The Weekend to End Breast Cancer and strong advocacy on the part of many Walkers who understood that navigating a cancer journey and transitioning from cancer patient to cancer survivor often requires more than chemotherapy, radiation and surgical procedures. Further information about the Community Connections program is available at the ELLICSR: Health, Wellness and Cancer Survivorship Centre site.
The partners and organizations that participate in Community Connections include: 
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