New supportive care program for cancer patients

Moncton, March 15, 2021 – Vitalité Health Network, in collaboration with the New Brunswick Breast and Women’s Cancer Partnership (NBBWCP), is pleased to announce the implementation of Moving Forward Together, an innovative new program of recovery and support for cancer patients.

The program is currently available for patients staying at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge in Moncton. It is delivered through interactive videoconferences to respect the various guidelines related to COVID-19. The program is designed to provide information and develop skills for responding to the emotional, physical and practical concerns of cancer survivors. The topics covered include exercise, stress, diet, the importance of sleep and mindfulness.

According to Isabelle Laplante, Manager of the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, the benefits of the program are many. “In combining physical activity with the support of peer helpers, we are protecting the mental health of patients by fostering social connections as well as by providing psychosocial support, which is essential for patients during their cancer journey. We are focusing our efforts on healing, recovery and progress by providing personalized supportive care,” she said.

Claire LeBlanc, President of NBBWCP and the person responsible for implementing the program, is proud of this achievement. “We are thrilled to have the support of Vitalité Health Network for our initiative. This innovative program focuses on strengthening the capacity of each survivor to show resilience and vitality, overcome adversity and recover. Ultimately, we are striving to support survivors by giving them the necessary skills and tools to build their new normal,” she said.

Feedback from participants indicates that the organizers’ efforts are having a positive impact. “The training sessions helped me rebound from the shock of the cancer diagnosis,” expressed one program participant. “I laugh a lot, it does me good. The exercises are therapeutic. Seeing the facilitator’s little dog makes me happy. I am learning to reject the negative and keep the positive,” stated another participant.

Talks between NBBWCP and Vitalité Health Network are underway to offer this program elsewhere in the province in the future.