On December 18, about 70 young CancerCare Manitoba patients and their families gathered at the MacCharles Unit to cheer, giggle and celebrate at CCMB's 25th Annual Kids' Holiday Party.

The star of the show was Juno Award-winning entertainer, Al Simmons.  Simmons kept the audience singing and smiling with his zany props and his wacky lyrics.  The kids and their guests also enjoyed snacks, gifts and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A party like this, however, does not come together easily, or for free.  CCMB is grateful to the Masons of Manitoba for their financial support of the party for the past quarter-century.  The Masons, who number 2,800 in Manitoba, have been the sole sponsor for the past 20 years.

"The Masons of Manitoba are the real-life Mr. and Mrs. Clause.  I think it's absolutely amazing that they have been putting on the Christmas party for 25 years.  They have only thought of these kids year after year and want to make their Christmas all that it can be," said Gail J., the mother of Joshua, a patient at CancerCare.

Joshua is almost five and has been getting treatment for his acute lymphoblastic leukemia since the age of three.

"Joshua loves to go to CancerCare  especially if it does not include treatment or a poke. Having a special reason makes this boy even happier!" said Gail.  "He loves the idea of cookies and chocolate milk and seeing friends and a special nurse there, and of course the gift sure doesn't hurt either!"

"This is a highlight of the year for our kids," said pediatric oncologist Dr. Sara Israels.  "This is an unbelievable commitment by the Masons and I think they understand what a highlight this is for our patients and their families.  And they don't just support it, they participate in it.  They have made this ongoing commitment and it means a lot to us."

Dr. Israels explained the party is a vital exercise in providing CCMB patients with a "happy event" in an environment normally associated with medical treatment.  The value of the event is even greater for kids who can't venture out because of the risk of infection, and for kids and families who live outside of Winnipeg.

"We try to treat the whole patient and whole family," said Dr. Israels.  "The focus is on child-and-family-centered care.  Celebrating events together is part of that."

For the Masons themselves, the kids' holiday party is about far more than writing a cheque.  They play central roles at the event.   Mason Ken Buchert and his wife Mary play Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"I was here for my first party in 1997 and was moved by the experience," said Grand Secretary C. Rae Haldane-Wilsone who was accompanied by five fellow Masons at this year's party.  "Being here fires up the commitment a bit more."

"The party contributes to people's quality of life,:" said 77-year-old Haldane-Wilsone, himself a cancer survivor.  "We feel great pride in being able to help families reduce their stress."

Both Haldane-Wilsone and Dr. Israels reserved special praise for Dawn Kidder, the Child Life Specialist who has been coordinating the party for 24 years.

"She's entirely committed to this patient population. She does more than just show up and do her job," said Dr. Israels.  She's been a 'key person' added Haldane-Wilsone.

"We're extremely proud of this event and very grateful for the significant commitment demonstrated by the Masons," said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, President and CEO.  "These fine and compassionate Manitobans truly understand the immense importance of community involvement and benevolence."

 

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Manitoba and often there are no symptoms when the disease is in the earliest, most treatable, stages.

"Prevention and early detection are key components of our provincial framework for cancer services," said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. "Colorectal cancer screening will save lives, and we're very pleased that our health providers and our citizens continue to be leaders in this critically important strategy."

To increase awareness about screening and its effectiveness, ColonCheck Manitoba, in partnership with Manitoba Health and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, is launching a multimedia campaign featuring Manitobans like Tej Bains.

"We want to encourage every eligible Manitoban to be screened for colorectal cancer and we know that people respond when they hear personal stories," said Jean Sander, Program Manager, ColonCheck Manitoba.

At her annual check-up, Bains was given an FOBT, the same test ColonCheck Manitoba mails to eligible Manitobans, to do at home to screen for colorectal cancer. After abnormal results, a colonoscopy was scheduled.  During the procedure polyps were found and removed before they turned cancerous.  Often people will wait to see a doctor until there is problem, which is why Bains is glad ColonCheck Manitoba aims to help detect colorectal cancer early and reduce the number of Manitobans who die from the disease. "It is great that the program is there to offer screening tests to those who might not see a doctor regularly."

Screening can help find cancer early, but living a healthy lifestyle also provides benefit. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and a diet high in red and processed meats have all been linked to colon cancer.

CancerCare Manitoba Foundation started risk reduction messaging with the Bears on Broadway (be tobacco free, eat well, shape up, be sun smart, and check up) and has continued partnering with CancerCare Manitoba's screening programs to share the vital information with Manitobans in a variety of ways and languages.

"Building awareness benefits everyone," said Annitta Stenning, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation's executive director. "The more we can share the message, the closer we are to achieving the goal of increasing screening."

A survey released today by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer found that 60 per cent of Manitobans in the 50 to 74 year old target age group had received testing for colorectal cancer screening within the recommended timeframe, higher than the national average of 44 per cent. This further validates data released by Statistics Canada last year that found Manitoba had the highest rate of testing, at 53.3 per cent among adults over 50.

With funding from Manitoba Health, CancerCare Manitoba established the Manitoba Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in April 2007. Officially renamed ColonCheck Manitoba, its goal is to help detect colorectal cancer early and reduce the number of Manitobans who die from the disease.  

Visit www.coloncheckmb.ca for program details or ColonCheck Manitoba at 788-8635 or toll free 1-866-744-8961.

 

 

Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, President and CEO, is pleased to announce that CancerCare Manitoba has been awarded full accreditation, without conditions, by Accreditation Canada. CancerCare Manitoba is the first Cancer Agency in Canada to be evaluated according to QMentum, a new, more rigorous, quantitative process. Accreditation recognizes the achievement of a high standard of excellence. Click here to learn more about accreditation.