Our Impact | Daffodil Ball

Financial Support for Travel

For over 15 years, we’ve offered financial support to people affected by cancer in low-income households in order to help them with additional costs related to travelling to treatment centres. Thanks to the allowances we can offer them, they don’t have to worry about these costs and can focus on getting better.

Some people have even considered stopping treatment due to the financial burden related to such travels.

10,000

People over 60 all across Quebec have benefitted from our program.

60%

Of the beneficiaries of this program are women.

Testimony

I was 15 years old when my mother was diagnosed. I had to be independent and grow up faster than other guys my age. My sister and I had to work hard to keep us afloat financially. Luckily, we got some support from the Canadian Cancer Society to help us pay for the hospital’s parking fees.

Vincent Bonnallie-Brodeur, caregiver

Jacques-Cantin Lodge

The Jacques-Cantin Lodge is a living space that offers all the amenities necessary, with the warmth and comfort of a home, to people across Quebec who must travel to Montreal for their treatment. This home away from home allows them to meet and talk to people like themselves who are affected by cancer. An attentive team takes care of their well-being on a daily basis and lends them a sympathetic ear.

To date, over 8,500 people have had to leave their homes to get treatment in Montreal and have stayed at the Jacques-Cantin Lodge.

500

Residents have been welcomed by the staff at the Jacques-Cantin Lodge this year during the pandemic.

Testimony

To treat my cancer, I underwent surgery, chemotherapy and 20 days of radiation therapy. While in treatment, I benefitted from the Jacques-Cantin Lodge’s closeness to my treatment centre, which allowed me to focus on my recovery. The money we raise helps improve the quality of life of people like me who are living with the disease.

Cynthia Denault, breast cancer survivor

Information Helpline

Cancer doesn’t stop, even during a pandemic. That’s why our Cancer Information Helpline is an essential service. It allows us to break people out of isolation, lend a sympathetic ear, and provide personalized information to people affected by cancer and their loved ones. Throughout the pandemic, our team has continued to answer questions on all types of cancer and made sure to take the time to talk with those who need it.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have received nearly 300 calls a week.

13,000

People affected by cancer in Quebec call our Cancer Information Helpline every year.

Testimony

I really want to take charge of my health and make informed decisions. With the Cancer Information Service, I feel like I can ask anything and get accurate answers. I would tell anyone affected by cancer to get in touch with the Canadian Cancer Society for information and support. The resources are not there to scare you, but to let you know what to expect. That’s better than facing the unknown alone.

Sharon Sandhawalia, cancer survivor

Cancer Research

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Cancer Society has been able to adapt to new financial constraints, all while being innovative as we attended to the needs of people affected by cancer. In particular, we have invested in the first clinical trial in the world that is testing a new treatment aimed at reducing symptoms and incidents of COVID-19 in people undergoing cancer treatment. Our Spark grants fund particularly innovative research projects that apply high-end technology to the fields of cancer prevention and early detection.

One out of two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

63%

Of people affected by cancer will live on for at least five years after their diagnosis, compared to 25% in the 1940s.

$42.1M

Invested in cancer research last year by the CCS.

Testimony

Twenty years ago, a leukemia diagnosis was practically a death sentence. To everyone who donates their money to research, volunteers their time or donates blood and marrow, I would not be alive today without you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get married, watch my kids grow up and hopefully have grandchildren one day. I will forever be in your debt.

Michelle Burleigh, cancer thriver