Council backs Kamloops Cancer Support Society in attempt to receive provincial funding

KAMLOOPS — As politicians and doctors grapple with the proposed Kamloops Cancer Centre, a group of Kamloops residents is working to improve patient outcomes and help them through the process.

The Kamloops Supportive Care Society is hoping to open a brick-and-mortar location in the community to help cancer patients and their loved ones through the challenge of fighting the disease.

“They are things like physio-social, mental, physical support, nutritional support, legal and financial, transportation,” said Leslie Brochu, society president. “The whole myriad of support services that cancer patients require to improve their outcomes, improve their quality of life and at the same time decreases the burden on the health care system. And Kamloops is lacking.”

The society has partnered with both Inspire Health and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. The model is currently being used throughout the province.

“It’s a standalone facility because cancer patients do not want any more time in a clinical setting than they have to and that is what we want for Kamloops,” said Brochu. “Where does that exist? It exists in Kelowna, Victoria and Vancouver. A non-profit society delivers this and has been delivering it for over 20 years and it’s called Inspire Health.”

The society is already running virtual services for Kamloops residents, but in person remains the best avenue to provide care. The society’s board is full of cancer survivors and their families.

“I just want thank you for doing this because it’s something we can’t do. It doesn’t matter how much money we throw at it from government,” said Councillor Mike O’Reilly. “Your board and the volunteers and the commitment and that deep personal connection is really what makes this work in other communities. And I look forward to you opening.”

Current statistics show over 50 per cent of British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes.

“Fifty per cent of people are affected by cancer, but more of us are living — and I’m a testament to that — are living through it,” said society VP Ann McCarthy. “We know what it’s like to come out the other side and feel not like the person you were before. We just need our neighbours to be neighbours and look after their neighbours”

The funding model for the space and services in Kamloops are split between Inspire Health and the B.C. government.

“Last September, we met with (former health minister) Adrian Dix. He was very, very positive about funding Kamloops. We are only talking about $1 million per year, that is all we are talking about and Inspire Health, they run a 60-40 split, so if the total is $1 million and, really, we are asking the government for $500,000. He was very, very positive,” said Brochu.

City council voted to send a letter to the minister of health requesting funding for the program.