Eastern Ontario will soon get its first facility for cancer survivors after an official groundbreaking Thursday on a project that's been a longtime dream of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
The $5-million Wellspring Ottawa Cancer Survivorship Centre will be built next to the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park, off Alta Vista Drive.
It won't offer medical care. Rather, it will offer psychological, emotional, social and practical support programs for cancer survivors as they continue to deal with the disease. The services will be provided by volunteers and health care professionals.
"All of the services will be free. You won't need a referral. It will be your hub; your way of regaining control through your cancer journey," said Linda Eagen, CEO and president of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Although eastern Ontario offers extensive medical care for cancer patients, Eagen says the region falls short when it comes to dealing with non-medical needs.
"People struggle. I get calls all the time. People are worried about losing their houses, they don't know how to access financial programs; questions about nutrition; about knowledge. What are the right knowledge sources out there? Google university is precious, but can be very confusing," Eagen said.
The facility is expected to open next year. It's being funded by governments and the community, with a $1.8 million investment from Maplesoft, an Ottawa technology firm.
