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04/13: BC Cancer Agency sends out call for volunteers for new Abbotsford Centre
April 15 to 21 is National Volunteer Recognition Week
Wanda Norwood is among the first Fraser Valley residents on a waiting list to volunteer at the BC Cancer Agency’s Abbotsford Centre, opening in the summer of 2008.
And, she’s already got her “dream” volunteer assignment picked out: sitting and visiting with patients as they await their consultation with their oncologist or other cancer care provider.
“It is so incredibly rewarding to be able to help someone else,” says Norwood, a breast cancer survivor, who also lost her husband of 32 years to cancer in 2004. “You have individuals that are absolutely petrified of coming in for their first visit, and if you can sit with them, answer questions, or just help take their mind off their appointment, you feel like you’ve been able to really help.”
It may seem a little early to start getting those applications in, but not so, says Lisa Kenyon, Regional Coordinator, volunteer services for the BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley and Abbotsford centres.
“We’re planning for volunteers to join staff in the new building in May 2008, before the building officially opens in the summer. We want volunteers to be part of the team right from the start, so staff can incorporate volunteers in their programs, and volunteers can understand the valued and critical role they play in our success,” says Lisa.
About 100 volunteers will be recruited for positions, which include the support role Wanda described. It includes visiting with patients who don’t have a family member or friend with them, and providing a cold drink or a pillow when needed, or just lending a supportive ear. Greeters will meet patients at the main entrances and provide directions and escort patients to other areas of the hospital for diagnostic tests. Volunteers are also needed for “chemo-teach” sessions, which help demystify the chemotherapy treatment process to patients. There’s also a demand for volunteers to help patients find appropriate wigs and headcoverings, and to support the cancer information centre, an on-site cancer resource for patients.
Volunteers need to be available for a four-hour shift, at least once a week, Monday to Friday, and make a one-year commitment. It takes about seven to 10 weeks for the screening process, which includes a reference check. Volunteers will undergo a general orientation to the BC Cancer Agency, and then a specific program orientation.
Volunteers must have good communication skills, be empathetic, and have an understanding of cancer care issues (a general understanding of what a patient may face in his or her cancer journey).
“I’m confident that it won’t be difficult to find volunteers,” says Kenyon, “The community has already been so incredibly supportive of the cancer centre. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been touched by cancer, and when you’ve had cancer or a family member who has had cancer, you want to give back in some way.”
Norwood couldn’t agree more, “I had so much support through my cancer experience, and because of that it’s important to me to give back in any way that I can.”
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Kenyon at 604.930.4055, extension 4401 or log-on to the BC Cancer Agency website www.bccancer.bc.ca.
The BC Cancer Agency’s Abbotsford Centre is the Agency’s fifth regional cancer centre. It will provide cancer care and treatment services to patients in the Eastern Fraser Valley. During the first year of operation, the centre expects to see about 1,800 patients, and will ramp-up to about 2,800 patients when it is fully operational.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.
For more information, please contact:
Jinny Wu
Public Relations
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca
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