This
past October, 2010, the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre celebrated its’ first
birthday. We are extremely proud of all that we have achieved in such a short
amount of time. We have seen a steady increase in the number of persons seeking
our help, in the number of professionals who wish to volunteer their expertise
and in the number of community members who wish to give their time.
The cancer diagnosis incidence rate is not decreasing. The research has had to
broaden its’ scope to try to find other possible intervening factors. Thus, the
empirical evidence now points to the importance, if not the necessity for
psychosocial interventions, in cancer care.
The growing popularity of the whole person approach (also know as psycho-social)
is vital in that it gives control back to the patient and their family, by
teaching ways to prepare the body for treatment, teaching new ways to build
strength after treatment and by teaching the importance of continual
implementation of these newly acquired life lessons toward cancer prevention (or
prevention of reoccurrence).
The partnership between the hospitals and the WICWC has been evolving
tremendously in this past year. The marvels of modern medicines , attacking the
disease and the individualized programs of the West Island Cancer Wellness
Centre , TOGETHER creates an integrative, comprehensive, person-centred cancer
fighting force which we (and many researchers) are certain will help people be
victorious in their battle to conquer cancer.
The Centre’s environment is rich with warmth and calm. Each person who enters
the WICWC is met with a sincere welcome from one of our many wonderful
volunteers. Each room is designed for comfort allowing the person to feel at
home. The programs that we offer address all the pillars of wellness (mind, body
and spirit) which enables our participants to design their own wellness plan
that is mindful of all of their individual needs.
It is thanks to an amazing staff and phenomenal group of volunteers, that the
West Island Cancer Wellness Centre is able to continue its’ vision. And it is
thanks to those who have contributed financially. Those who choose to contribute
to the WICWC know that 100% of the funds are directed back into the Centre and
stays within our community. All of our donated funds are used for the
advancement of the Centre and the care of our participants.
Looking ahead to the near future we pledge to increase our clientele, enlarge
our programming and enhance our community wide prevention educational
initiatives. We will continue to strive toward being all we can be in helping
people live with cancer.
Wishing you wellness
Debbie Magwood, MEd., OPQ
President and Executive Director
Please visit this
site and learn about Ruth's courageous challenge and why she is doing it.
All proceeds will be donated to the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre!
This
past October, 2010, the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre celebrated its’ first
birthday. We are extremely proud of all that we have achieved in such a short
amount of time. We have seen a steady increase in the number of persons seeking
our help, in the number of professionals who wish to volunteer their expertise
and in the number of community members who wish to give their time. 
