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10/08: Last chance to nominate a cancer caregiver
BC Cancer Agency Community Care Award recognizes amazing caregivers
As a patient, family member, friend or health professional, many of us have come across caregivers who really make a difference in caring for people with cancer. Now is your chance to recognize these exceptional individuals by nominating them for the BC Cancer Agency Community Care Award.
Through this award, the BC Cancer Agency has been able to recognize the enormous effort and spirit of caregivers in the community who go above and beyond in providing support to cancer patients. Past recipients include citizens from across the province, such as Janice MacDonald from Kamloops and Geri Arkell from Campbell River, and most recently, the late Sindi Hawkins, former MLA for Kelowna-Mission. Ms. Hawkins lost her battle with acute myeloid leukemia in September of this year, but was widely recognized for her passionate advocacy and fundraising efforts in support of cancer care, treatment and research.
In addition to these inspiring individuals, there are others ready and willing to lend their voice to the fight against cancer and to raise the flag of caregivers. As a woman surviving after breast cancer, Penny Priddy counts herself amongst this group.
“As a person with breast cancer in a public position, I received cards, flowers, prayers and good wishes from across the province,” says Penny, who was once a well-known face in BC health care and politics. “I was honoured by these actions. What I realized though was that the people who also needed the support were my caregivers. They were worried and frightened and yet most of the support came to me but not to them. They needed to be acknowledged for what they were going through and what they were doing to walk this journey with me.”
Penny is a member of this year’s award selection committee and has a long history of representing her community at a local, provincial and federal level. She continues to mentor other women and their families who are walking a similar journey.
We are delighted to have Penny join us in selecting and celebrating the exceptional caregivers in our province,” says Dr. Ursula Lee, oncologist with the BC Cancer Agency Fraser Valley Centre. “Every day we hear stories about the many people who go far beyond the call of duty to help improve the lives of cancer patients. This award acknowledges these invaluable caregivers.”
This award is important because it honours the people who make a difference in the lives of those dealing with cancer. The BC Cancer Agency encourages people to take this opportunity to nominate a special caregiver -- they deserve to be recognized and thanked for their dedication.
The deadline for BC Cancer Agency Community Care Award nominations is October 15, 2010. Nominations can be made by filling out the nomination form online at www.bccancer.bc.ca/communitycareaward or by calling 1-800-663-3333 ext. 674626.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing 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.
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For more information, please contact:
Papinder Rehncy
Communications
604.877.6261
prehncy@bccancer.bc.ca
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