A Community United for Cancer Care: Introducing the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program 

 

(SAINT JOHN, NB) – The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation is proud to celebrate the official public recognition of the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program — a community-built initiative that has grown from grassroots beginnings into a proven, best-practice model supporting more than 1,000 cancer patients and family members since inception

This milestone marks not the launch of a new program, but the celebration of an established, trusted cancer support network shaped by clinical leadership, community partnership, and a shared commitment to caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.

Inspired by Dr. Margot Burnell’s leadership, values, and early vision for integrated, survivorship-focused cancer care, The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation chose to honor her by naming the program in her recognition. The official naming celebrates both the program’s impact and the values that helped guide its growth from the very beginning.

The impact of the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of its founding donors, The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, whose $2 million visionary investment enabled the program to grow sustainably while remaining free of charge for patients and families. Their support reflects a shared belief in compassionate, community-connected care that extends beyond hospital walls.

Administered by Horizon Health Network and funded through the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, the program delivers hospital-connected, community-based cancer support, ensuring patients can access trusted services early and throughout their cancer journey.

A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation

Dr. Margot Burnell — current President of the Canadian Medical Association, medical oncologist, and long-time champion of collaborative care — has dedicated her career to improving both cancer outcomes and quality of life for patients across New Brunswick. Known for her commitment to trust, respect, transparency, and accountability, Dr. Burnell has consistently brought teams together around shared purpose while mentoring the next generation of caregivers.

Her leadership helped spark a shift in how cancer survivorship support could be imagined and delivered — not as an add-on, but as an integrated part of care.

In 2016, Dr. Burnell helped support the launch of what would become the Stay Strong initiative — originally a 12-week strength and rehabilitation program designed to help cancer survivors rebuild physical capacity and confidence. Identified by clinicians as a critical gap in care, the program was intentionally built in the community to reduce barriers and foster connection.

The initiative was brought to life by registered nurse and lifelong athlete Gina Spear-Burrows, whose leadership with the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick helped establish Stay Strong as a trusted, accessible resource for patients. Its success demonstrated the power of grassroots, clinician-informed programming delivered through community partners.

That early vision has since evolved into a comprehensive Cancer Support Program offering physical rehabilitation, emotional support, peer connection, and survivorship services. Operated by Horizon Health Network and delivered in partnership with the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Look Good Feel Better, and dedicated community volunteers, the program reflects a collaborative care model rooted in trust and accessibility.

The opening of a dedicated Cancer Support Centre on Sandy Point Road in the summer of 2024 marked a significant milestone in this journey. Under the leadership of Program Manager Kari Graham, the program has grown to support more than 1000 patients and families since inception — a testament to the demand for holistic, community-connected cancer care and the strength of the partnerships behind it.

In Their Words

“This program represents what health care can be when compassion, evidence, and community come together. It has been deeply humbling to see how far it has come, made possible by so many dedicated partners, clinicians, and patient advocates along the way — and to know that patients are finding strength, trust, and connection through it.”

Dr. Margot Burnell, President, Canadian Medical Association

“As a cancer patient and survivor, your life is forever changed. It is in the spirit of helping others on this difficult journey that the vision for a holistic cancer survivorship program first came to be. We are proud to see it come to life in the Dr. Burnell Cancer Survivorship Program - in providing professional holistic support, in building a community of kindness and care.  It is in this spirit that we remember Arthur - in his kindness in helping others, in never giving up. We are forever thankful for every caregiver and every patient who this program will help in so many ways. Having lost Arthur L. Irving to cancer in May of 2024, the foundation remains deeply committed to supporting health research and care, always with the goal of making a difficult journey better for someone else.”

Sandra Irving, The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation

“This program is a powerful example of what can be achieved when community, clinicians, and donors come together around patients. We are proud to help sustain a program that is already making a meaningful difference for hundreds of families each year — and that will continue to grow because of that shared commitment.”

Shannon Hunter, President and CEO, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

 

“As cancer affects so many of us, we are proud to support the delivery of this holistic program for the cancer patients, survivors and loved ones who need it most. Providing families with greater access to high-quality health care services like the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Jeff Matthews, President and CEO, Irving Oil 

“To be recognized in this way is a very fitting honor for Dr. Burnell. Thanks to her leadership, dedication, and vision, as well as the meaningful partnerships between our health authority and the community, we are advancing truly holistic, compassionate, and people-centered cancer care in this community.”

Margaret Melanson, President and CEO, Horizon Health Network

“Naming the cancer support centre after Dr. Burnell is a meaningful tribute to her unwavering commitment to patients. Horizon is steadfastly committed to advancing supportive cancer care beyond the walls of our hospitals, and the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Centre makes it possible for patients and caregivers in the community to access these important health and wellness programs.”

Amarpreet Gujral, Clinical Executive Director, Cancer and Renal Care, Horizon Health Network

About the Dr. Margot Burnell Cancer Support Program

Administered by Horizon Health Network and funded through Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation donor support, this free programming helps cancer patients, and their families build strength, resilience, and connection during and after treatment.

These services are available in person at 1000 Sandy Point Road or online. To learn more, participate, or volunteer, contact Kari Graham, Program Manager, at kari.graham@horizonnb.ca or visit horizonnb.ca/cancer-support.

Quick Facts: Why Hospital-Connected Cancer Support Matters

Here’s why hospital-connected, community-delivered cancer support is a game-changer for patients:

• Patients learn about the program naturally during oncology visits and through trusted care providers.
• Integrated referral pathways within Horizon Health Network connect patients to support services early in their journey.
• Emotional, physical, and social supports are coordinated with medical teams, creating seamless, holistic care.
• Though located in the community near the hospital, the program extends the trusted care environment of Horizon Health Network.
• Hospital-connected programs track outcomes and strengthen collaboration between health and community partners, expanding the reach and long-term impact of cancer care. 

About the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

For more than four decades, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has inspired community generosity and raised millions of dollars to enhance every stage of the patient journey — both inside and beyond hospital walls. As a proud partner of Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital, the province’s largest tertiary care centre, the Foundation helps improve access to care by funding cutting-edge technology, modern infrastructure, and initiatives that support and strengthen our health care workforce.

Our mission is to fuel what is possible in health care — advancing excellence, innovation, and compassion so that patients and families receive the best possible care, close to home.

Media Contact - Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

Bekah Glass
Bekah.Glass@horizonnb.ca
506.271.5596

For a complete list of Cancer Support Program services available, visit: https://horizonnb.ca/services/cancer-care-oncology/cancer-support-at-horizon/area-2-fundy-shore-saint-john/