Making HOPE Possible, at Home.
Published Thursday, August 24, 2023
This year, thousands of people in Northwestern Ontario will hear the words “you have cancer”.
“As a radiation therapist at the Regional Cancer Centre, I see how important it is to be able to treat regional patients here, in Thunder Bay, every day” Jolene Jarva shared. “In nearly 20 years of working at the Cancer Centre, I have seen incredible advancements in both cancer treatments and treatment capacity to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care”.
Regional Cancer Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre provides a number of homegrown programs to ensure closer-to-home care. Almost all adult cancers can be treated here. The Cancer Centre also supports a number of programs throughout the region such as chemotherapy at local hospitals to reduce the need to travel from their home communities.
Travelling for care has become a reality for so many, and the more we’re able to keep here, the better. Over 2,000 new patients are seen in the Regional Cancer Centre every year.
When travelling from the region to Thunder Bay for treatment, having the option to stay at the Tbaytel Tamarack House can help provide a ‘home away from home’ feeling that’s just steps away from the Cancer Centre.
“I remember a conversation I had with a regional patient once. He was torn about where to go for treatment, and I remember telling him that it was ultimately his decision, but if I were in his position, I would choose Thunder Bay. On his last day of radiation therapy, he thanked our team for recommending that he receive his care here. He felt as if he received the finest of care from us because he had the option to stay at Tbaytel Tamarack House. He was able to spend the time he wasn’t receiving treatment with his family, something that wouldn’t have been possible if he went elsewhere.”
You have the opportunity to help other patients as they follow their own cancer journey. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is committed to helping ensure we have the best treatments and the most comfortable care possible, right here in Thunder Bay.
Your donations are making a difference to cancer patients every day. Please call 345-HOPE (4673) or visit healthsciencesfoundation.ca/cancer to see how you can help.