Resources and Support

Client Assistance

The HOPE Cancer Help Centre provides a unique service to people facing any type of cancer. A large part of the HOPE budget proceeds go to Client Assistance. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year we supported 213 requests for financial assistance, providing $40,000 to cancer patients throughout the province. This was an increase of 63 clients and $10,000 more than last year — and more than a 100% increase over the past two years. The professionals dealing with cancer patients contact HOPE requesting help for their patients facing cancer who might be in need of financial assistance and who unfortunately are not able to obtain help from any other social agency.

Examples of Client Assistance may include:

• Medication to soothe the pain from radiation burn for an individual unable to afford the cost of the drug
• Freezing of sperm for young men about to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Assistance to hire companies for tasks such as yard work, housekeeping or child care for patients undergoing treatment
• Out-of-town clients needing in-town food and shelter AND in-town clients needed out-of-town food and shelter
• Aid in the purchase of ongoing ostomy supplies
• Aid in the rental of a wheelchair so a patient can continue to take their university classes during treatment and recovery
• Printing of a Legacy Book written by a patient to leave for their family and friends
• Providing telephone services to help patients keep in touch with friends and family while in palliative care or receiving in-hospital treatment
• Providing painting supplies to a patient spending their last few months in palliative care

Support Groups

We offer a number of support groups including the Relaxation and Meditation Group, which is designed for cancer patients and survivors where meetings include information sharing, discussion and relaxation exercises. In addition The Newly Diagnosed Support Group is being started up again.

Support Group: Putting the Pieces Back Together

Workshops

HOPE offers a number of workshops. They include:

• Lymphoedema Workshop
• Stress Management Workshop
• Laughter Workshop
• Nutrition Workshop

Retreats

HOPE provides clients with an annual retreat for people facing cancer. The retreat allows the patients and their caregivers the time to deal with their diagnosis through networking and relaxation. In 2011 HOPE will partner with Breast Friends to offer the Inspire Health workshop during the retreat.

Resources

The Centre maintains a comprehensive lending library, which is available to everyone. Resources include books on various cancers and treatments, coping mechanisms, and more.

Research

The HOPE Cancer Help Centre provides some funds annually to local researchers working at the University of Saskatchewan in different areas of cancer research.

For more information contact the HOPE Cancer Help Centre:

HOPE Cancer Help Centre
300 - 506 25th Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 4A7
Phone: 306 955 4673
Fax: 306 955 4678
Email: hopesaskatoon@sasktel.net