Fredericton Opens Dedicated Cancer Care Centre for Patients

A new cancer care and support centre has opened its doors in Fredericton, providing vital resources for patients and their families navigating the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The facility, equipped with a full kitchen, yoga studio, and therapy rooms, was entirely funded by local businesses and donors through the **Chalmers Foundation**. Currently, it serves approximately **85 cancer patients**, survivors, and their loved ones through various support programs.

The Chalmers Foundation had previously offered support programs but lacked a centralized space for their activities. This new centre aims to enhance the quality of care and emotional support available to those affected by cancer. **Charles A. Diab**, CEO of the Chalmers Foundation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “You’ve given more than just bricks and mortar, you’ve given hope.”

Government Support and Health Care Focus

During the grand opening, **Premier Susan Holt** emphasized the importance of teamwork in healthcare. She unveiled her government’s provincial health-care plan, which specifically addresses oncology, highlighting the need for targeted solutions in light of rising cancer rates. “Something that hasn’t been done before, that calls out how prevalent cancer is in our system and how we need to be putting solutions in place,” Holt stated.

Cancer rates in **Atlantic Canada** and **Quebec** are notably higher than in other regions of Canada. According to projections from the **Canadian Cancer Society**, about **5,700 New Brunswickers**, **7,500 Nova Scotians**, and **1,070 Prince Edward Islanders** are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. This statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems in these provinces.

Personal Stories Highlight the Need for Support

Family physician and board member of the Chalmers Foundation, **Dr. Ann Collins**, shared the emotional toll on primary care providers who must deliver cancer diagnoses daily. “It’s a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking feeling. Oftentimes, you’ve had a long-standing relationship with these people, and you know that they’re going to want answers that you don’t necessarily hold at that moment in time,” she explained. Dr. Collins highlighted the significance of the new centre in offering a supportive environment for patients and their families.

**Noortje Kunnen**, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage four metastatic breast cancer, described her experience with the disease as life-altering. “What is my life going to be like? Am I going to die? When am I going to die?” she reflected, emphasizing the emotional turmoil that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

While Kunnen praised the quality of medical care she has received, she noted a lack of emotional support during treatment. “You know that when you arrive here, you’re home. And it doesn’t matter how you show up, they’re just happy that you show up,” she said. Kunnen appreciates the warm atmosphere and the sense of community at the new centre.

The facility will offer various programs, including cooking classes focused on making meals more appetizing for patients, yoga sessions, therapeutic classes, and group discussions. These initiatives aim to address both the physical and emotional needs of those affected by cancer, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement.

As Fredericton’s new cancer care centre begins its journey, it stands as a testament to community support and the ongoing fight against cancer. With its comprehensive resources and compassionate environment, the centre is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of many in the region.