Cedars Cancer Institute Partners with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to Launch Canada’s First Transitions Program for Cancer Survivors

For immediate release
 

Montréal, August 30, 2012 – Last night, leaders in the field of cancer care and research participated in A Conversation with Global Leaders on Cancer Survivorship, where the Cedars Cancer Institute announced it will partner with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to launch the first Cancer Transitions program in Canada at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) through its CanSupport program.

“We are delighted to bring Cancer Transitions to Cedars at the McGill University Health Centre,” said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. “Many of us struggle to find a ‘new normal’ after cancer. Cancer Transitions empowers cancer survivors to move forward after treatment and find the balance they need to embrace the future.”

Developed in 2006 as a partnership between the Cancer Support Community and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Cancer Transitions® supports, educates and empowers people with cancer in the transitional period after treatment, which can be especially challenging for many cancer survivors.

The six-week program incorporates support groups, education, nutrition and physical exercise, and addresses other medical management, psychosocial and quality of life issues. The program will be available through CanSupport offices at the Montreal General and the Royal Victoria hospitals within the next eight weeks.

 

 

“This partnership between Cedars and the Lance Armstrong Foundation is an eloquent illustration of what collaboration can produce: hope, inspiration, compassion, clinical, academic and administrative excellence, and a better quality of life for our community and people around the world,” stated Normand Rinfret, interim director general and CEO of the MUHC. 

 

“This announcement coincides perfectly with our Redevelopment Project, which is providing us with a golden opportunity to transform the way that we do things, including the opening of the state-of-the-art Cancer Centre at the Glen site in 2015.”

 

Proceeds from A Conversation with Global Leaders on Cancer Survivorship will benefit the Cedars Cancer Institute’s Best Care for Life Campaign in support of the MUHC, LIVESTRONG®, and the World Cancer Declaration Fund of the UICC. Panelists included: Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor and founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation; HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, director general of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation; Rosalind Goodman, of McGill's Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre; Cary Adams, CEO of the UICC; Dr. Armen Aprikian, chief of the cancer mission of the MUHC; Robert Busilacchi, executive director of the Rossy Cancer Network; and Sarah Cook, pediatric cancer survivor and advocate.

 

“When I was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago, the world was just beginning to understand the concept of survivorship,” said Armstrong. “It’s a testament to our progress that we are able to devote more attention and resources to cancer survivors’ quality of life by advancing the field of survivorship.”

 

“I would like to sincerely thank all those who attended this informative discussion on cancer survivorship for making it possible – our distinguished speakers, our guests, including delegates of the World Cancer Congress and cancer survivors from the MUHC, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Jewish General Hospital who were able to attend thanks to the generosity of our donors, and of course the Lance Armstrong Foundation for partnering with us to bring its esteemed Cancer Transitions program to Canada,” said Jeff Shamie, director general of the Cedars Cancer Institute.

 

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on cancer survivors as it helps them take back control of their lives and move forward in a positive and empowering way. It will be a beneficial resource in addition to the support currently provided through Cedars, which is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors.”