Cancer patients living in the Southeast often face more than just medical battles—the distance to treatment adds another layer of hardship.
That’s where Southeast Cancer Support Services (SCSS) comes in, offering care and transportation for those battling cancer, every step of the way.
One ride at a time
“It’s for anybody who's on their cancer journey and needs some sort of support,” says Heather Jowett, board chair of SCSS.
As the next featured charity at the KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ, Jowett says the money donated at the BBQ will mainly go to transportation.
“That is a huge cost, getting people around the province,” she says.
As a relatively new organization, SCSS raises funds to transport Southeast residents to Winnipeg, where they can access the care and services they need.
“Our main focus is getting people to appointments; we found that there were people not going for treatment.”
Jowett says some residents were missing the care they needed, simply because they had no mode of transportation.
She notes the organization has logged over 40,000 kilometres driven and over $4,000 in parking costs since the beginning of this year.
“50 per cent of those (drivers) are self-drivers, and 50 per cent are volunteer drivers. So, you can imagine it gets expensive.”
Programming for change
Jowett explains SCSS runs various programs as additional ways to support their clients.
The programs include Wishes of Hope, granting gifts and experiences to children with cancer; Cancer Connect Support Group, a group space to offer emotional support and connection; and Accommodation Support, helping clients and families with lodging during treatment.
Jowett says more programs are in the works for the community and clients.
SCSS hopes to expand their services further with wellness programs like yoga and swimming, as well as hosting local fittings for wigs and head coverings to reduce travel stress.
Outside support
Jowett explains how supportive and encouraging this community has been.
“This Southeast community has been amazing so far, and it's quite gratifying.”
She notes SCSS could not be where they are today without the help.
“We have no government funding, so whatever anybody is able to give, we are certainly appreciative of it,” she says.
“Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but that’s what we’re here for."
You can support SCSS at this week’s KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ. Come on down to the Steinbach Credit Union on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to enjoy the BBQ and help a great cause.
Written with files from Carly Koop