Donor Stories

Cancer Care Closer to Home

“TeleCare” means that patients from up-island confer with specialists in Victoria via teleconferencing. The patient, rather than traveling to Victoria, can take their appointment from their home healthcare facility and consult with an oncologist in Victoria. The consultation is video linked, which means that the patient and the oncologist see each other through a specially-equipped screen. The oncologist has a second screen from which to study the patients’ electronic record, including blood tests results, CT scans, X-rays etc. “While I miss the opening hand shake”, states BC Cancer Agency oncologist Dr.Brian Weinerman, “I am comfortable with providing oncology consultation to my patient via video-conferencing”.

Lions and Lioness Clubs from District 19-I representing Vancouver & Gulf Island regions stepped up to the plate to support Dr. Weinerman’s research study, and raised funds to install TeleCare units in the communities of Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Courtenay/Comox, Campbell River and Port Hardy. The District 19-I clubs approached Lions Club International Foundation for a matching grant, and successfully raised over $140,000 to supply this new technology to selected communities. “Cancer touches everyone”, states Stan Sage, past District Governor. Lyne Moreau, Lioness, adds “We have been overwhelmed by the generous support from our community-based Lions and Lioness Clubs. This is clearly an issue that is important to everyone.”