The Canadian Cancer Society’s Labrador Regional Office has welcomed a new member to their support staff. Stanley Oliver has taken over the role of Community Resources coordinator for the chapter located in Happy Valley Goose Bay. Mr. Oliver will be working in the community alongside Georgina Porter- Canadian Cancer Society’s Program Developer.
Last year, Mr. Oliver and his family moved to Nova Scotia but decided to return to their home to the Big Land. “I left for medical purposes, but it wasn’t life threatening. I understand why people leave sometimes, including cancer,” Mr. Oliver stated.
Over the span of 25 years Mr. Oliver has worked in a number of not-for-profit organizations and as a volunteer with various charities in the community. “This is what I like to do,” said Mr. Oliver.
“I applied and was fortunate enough to get the job. So we’re happy to be home and happy to find a job that fits me or I fit it which ever you want to say.”
Mr. Oliver said the doors are always opened to anyone wanting information on ways to reduce the risks of cancer or if someone would like support services. The office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay contains a library of literature and is equipped with a resource room that includes a quiet space, wig and breast prosthesis bank.
Throughout the month of April, the Canadian Cancer Society will be holding their annual Daffodil fundraising initiative.
Each year the charitable organization along with thousands of volunteers across the country organize various fundraiser events such as the Relay for Life and Christmas Soiree for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Albert Penney, Director of Revenue Development of the Eastern Regional Office in St. John’s was in town on March 28 and told the Labradorian that he is pleased to have Mr. Oliver on board to assist in the delivery of program and services set out in the mandate of the Canadian Cancer Society to the residents of Labrador.
“It’s an exciting time for us and the fact that we can expand now in this area is very important to us and we’re certainly looking forward to it and the good things that will come out of that.”
Mr. Penney says monies raised through the Canadian Cancer Society go towards supporting a number of programs and research initiatives across the country for cancer patients and their families. In this province, The Daffodil Place, which is located in the province’s capital, was established in 2009. The Daffodil Place residence provides accommodations, meals and transportation for cancer patients requiring treatment in St. John’s. The 24-guest room in the Daffodil Place includes emotional and practical support for individuals that are undergoing cancer treatments.
Penney says there has been tremendous headway with cancer treatments, while education has assisted in prevention and awareness. He says the support in the Labrador region has been tremendous and last years Relay for Life event was one of the most successful.
“Back in the 1950s, twenty-five per cent of all people who were diagnosed with cancer survived their diagnoses for five years or more. Today over 62 per cent of people who are diagnosed have greater longevity and that’s because of the wonderful research that’s been done.
Penney says research has developed improved treatments due in large part that the message is reaching the public on the importance of early detection and getting screened regularly.
“We’re starting to really put up a good fight against this disease, but that’s thanks to the people who support us because we couldn’t do it without the people that support us.”
The Canadian Cancer Society Labrador Regional Office is located at 217 Hamilton River Road in HVGB
