Patient Initiatives
Patient Initiatives ease burdens for local cancer patients. Locally funded programs support our patients, so they can focus on treatment and care. The Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation provides funding to enhance patient care for initiatives like the Patient Assistance Fund, Dignity Robes, Robes for Radiation, the Holiday Cheer program, and more.
Patient Assistance Fund
A cancer diagnosis can bring with it many uncertainties and unexpected expenses. In an attempt to alleviate some of those burdens, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation created a fund to assist patients at a time when it is needed most. The Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) is available for emergency use when all other forms of financial assistance is not available.
Patients will meet with their social workers to determine whether they meet the established criteria in order to qualify for such funding. For information please contact your social worker to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Through your generous donations, the Patient Assistance Fund has provided over $650,000 in support to over 1,000 patients.
Dignity Robes
Being diagnosed with cancer is life changing and can turn your world upside down while taking your dignity with it. The Dignity Robe was designed to give women comfort and control, both emotionally and physically, while going through radiation therapy for breast and lung cancer.
When a patient goes to the Cancer Centre for the first time, they’re given a gift. They are given a Dignity Robe. These robes come in a choice of colours and open in the front and on the sides with velcro allowing women the control to be partially covered during treatment.
“It’s a traumatic experience,” said Audrey Festeryga, a breast cancer patient. “You don’t know what to expect going through treatment. Unlike a hospital gown, these Dignity Robes provide you with a level of comfort, ease and privacy during a fairly intimate situation. They are pretty, practical and I plan on keeping mine as a gardening smock when I no longer need it for therapy. Whoever thought of these, really knew what they were doing.”
Attached to every Dignity Robe is a little inscription that reads “This Dignity Robe was made for you in Windsor in the hopes that it helps as you undergo your healing process of radiation therapy. It is yours to take home, launder and iron as needed, and keep, burn, bury or whatever you wish to do with it when you are healed.”
Thanks to Mary Lynn Rowberry and her team of volunteers for bringing this idea to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and the patients we serve.
Robes for Radiation
The Cancer Program provides radiation treatment to approximately 115 patients each day. While waiting to receive radiation treatment, these patients are required to wear a hospital gown and sit in a public waiting area with large windows. As you can imagine, this can be quite uncomfortable for patients who should only be worrying about one thing – getting better.
In 2010, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation launched Robes for Radiation, which provides high-quality bath robes, a warming cabinet, and coverage of the laundering costs.
One patient graciously stated, “these robes not only provide warmth while radiation clients are waiting for treatment, but dignity, modesty and comfort. They feel to me like a physical and metaphorical hug and make the whole process so much more bearable.”
Holiday Cheer Program
Every year, the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation helps selected families spread holiday cheer through the Holiday Cheer Program. Select patients receive gift cards to alleviate some of the stress of celebrating the holidays while experiencing the financial stress of cancer treatment.”
“I am so very grateful for this very kind gift. I appreciate everything and everyone who has helped to make me feel loved, cared for and important during this crazy year.”
Additional patient initiatives include:
Patient care & comfort initiatives:
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