News & stories, Cancer Support 2025
April 2025
Whole-Person Healing
How the Cancer Support Program helps local cancer patients heal physically and emotionally.
When Truly Hayward learned she had malignant melanoma – a very aggressive type of skin cancer – it changed her life.
Truly describes herself as an introvert. But cancer pulled her more into her shell.
“I find after you get sick with cancer or any disease, you tend to become more introverted. You’re always fearful it’s going to come back. I think the fear gets in your bones after you’re diagnosed. At least, that was my experience,” Truly said.
And she’s not alone.
Approximately 142 patients are treated daily at our Saint John Oncology Clinic, which adds up to approximately 35,310 visits annually.
And many of them report feeling anxious and isolated.
Some, like Truly, struggle with depression. “I didn’t want to get up in the morning. I stopped calling my friends. And the longer I stayed cut off, the more depressed I got,” she said.
Others have pain due to surgery or the cancer itself, and fear that activity might hurt them.
Fortunately, the Saint John Regional Hospital’s Cancer Support Program is here for patients. It helps patients heal their bodies and feel better mentally and emotionally, as well.
What is the Cancer Support Program?
Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Margot Burnell had a vision for a holistic cancer care program in Saint John.
If you’ve met Dr. Burnell, you know she’s been key in bringing advanced medical care to our area. Her approach is more than just treating the disease. She cares about the patient's overall health, including their mind, body, and spirit. This whole-person care is the basis of the Cancer Support Program.
In 2015, the Stay Strong physical rehabilitation program was launched as a pilot, initially for breast cancer patients, with the goal of one day welcoming all patients.
A short time later, with the help of an incredibly visionary and generous investment of $1 million from Irving Oil and $1 million from the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation, the program was firmly set on a path to growth and laying the groundwork for holistic cancer care program.
“The Cancer Support Program is a community. Participants share experiences and support each other. It gives you a sense of belonging. And that’s vital for people as they navigate their cancer journey,” Truly said.
“And it's 100% free for participants, thanks to donor support,” said Kari Graham, Program Manager, Cancer Support.
Recently, thanks to caring donors, Kari and her team celebrated a significant milestone: They moved to a bigger space near the hospital.
“The day Dr. Margot Burnell visited the new space may have been the scariest moment of my career,” Kari said with a smile.
“I know how much this program means to Dr. Burnell and how much work she put into getting it off the ground. I wanted to fulfill her vision for a warm and empowering space for cancer patients. So, when I saw Dr. Burnell’s smile and when she called the new space a “house” instead of a centre, I was thrilled. I knew we had created something extraordinary for our patients.”
What services does the Cancer Support Program offer?
The Cancer Support Program focuses on supporting the whole person, not just treating the disease. It includes activities that help with emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
We could just list the services here. But we thought you’d enjoy hearing how Truly described her experience with the various programs:
“The Stay Strong Program was amazing! They connected me with a physiotherapist and personalized coaches. They showed me exercises to get me moving again. They had me doing circuits around the Y in no time! Rebuilding strength, mobility, and balance is important to recovery.
The Yoga, Relaxation, and Mindfulness classes are gentle and so good for your mind, body, and soul. Doing the guided meditations really helped me to be calm. I believe that a relaxed, less anxious mind and body can help you heal.
The Cooking and Nutrition classes were both informative and a fun social time for me. The nutritionists taught us new recipes like salads, homemade soups, and salmon dishes. I even learned to make tasty desserts with no added sugar (if you can believe that!).”
Kari and her team recently included music and art therapy programs. And plans are underway for a garden club and perhaps even some drumming circles.
“We want to offer something for everyone and cover a wide range of interests and abilities," Kari said.
And each of these priceless support programs is 100% free for participants, thanks to gifts from generous donors like you.
Who is the Cancer Support Program For?
Cancer is tough on everyone, not just the person receiving the diagnosis.
“The Cancer Support Program is open to anyone with lived cancer experience and their loved ones or caregivers.
If you’re interested in joining, or if you know someone who might benefit from the program, I hope you’ll reach out to us at 506-649-2060,” Kari said.
