Cancer wellness centre celebrates 10th anniversary
Ten years ago, the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre set up shop in a small yellow house in Beaconsfield and 24 people registered for programming, which looked beyond the medical treatment of the disease to embrace the overall well-being of the patient.
Two weeks ago, the centre celebrated its 10th anniversary in a large, yellow house on Du Barry St. in Kirkland, which opened two years ago. It’s where about 40 people register every month to participate in 2,000 hours of individual psycho-social programming on offer.
Back in the day, the centre’s founder, executive director and two-time cancer survivor Debbie Magwood, had researched likeminded facilities in Europe and the United States and knew the concept would be welcomed in Quebec.
“It is such necessary work,” she said. “And, yes, people were open to the idea. The medical profession targets the disease and the therapies. We tap into more than the disease to target the impact it has on both the patient and loved ones, be it social, spiritual, psychological or financial.”
Magwood said 50 per cent of referrals to the centre now come from hospitals.
“The centre is about quality of life, camaraderie,” she said. “It’s about being around people who just ‘get it’. We don’t stand around all day talking about cancer. Words aren’t necessary. We understand the level of stress and anxiety these people experience. I marvel at the honesty and trust our participants give us, and I marvel at the staff and how they do their extreme best to help. It’s a remarkable place.”
Yoga therapist Gisele Seto is one of countless cancer patients who have experienced support at the centre. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and heard about the centre from a friend. She frequented the centre as a participant pre- and post-surgery, and for one year following the end of her treatment, and remembered with warmth the welcome she received at the little, yellow house.
“Visiting the centre is fulfilling,” Seto said. “There is an immense sense of community. You are surrounded by love and hope. It is very inspiring.”
Seto had the centre, but also friends and family to lean on during her bout with cancer. And she tapped into her yoga training to remain “zen” during the process.
She was so impressed with the level of caring and the rich programming that she became one of 65 professionals who offer their services for free, with courses in nutrition, group therapy or fitness.
“I think of it as a little bump in the road,” Seto said of her diagnosis. “I was trained by my guru, 94-yearold Dr. Madan Bali, a leading figure in holistic healing. I remember thinking (after the diagnosis and treatment) that I had experienced it and now I could help others. This was my path.”
Magwood is forever grateful for the elite volunteers who offer their time and expertise.
“I once calculated how much it would cost the centre if we paid the professionals for their hours of work,” Magwood said. “It would add $2 million to our budget. Calling our volunteers a gift is not a strong enough word.”
The centre’s operating budget is $600,000, entirely raised through donations.
For more information about the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre or to donate visit the website at www.wicwc.com.