There was clearly a need for cancer support in Collingwood, and the drive from there to Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre in Penetanguishene \u2014the nearest cancer support group\u2014 is an hour. It was The Collingwood Eight\u2019s suggestion that the support centre open a second site in Collingwood.<\/p>\n
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On June 25th of this year, the Collingwood location of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre opened to the public\u2014 with 82 members receiving support so far. The new location offers support groups for men and women, as well as a group called \u2018Life After Cancer.\u2019 Individual counselling is also available in-person and virtually, for both the person who\u2019s going through their cancer journey and their caregiver.<\/p>\n
Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood also offers \u2018cancer talks and soup for the soul,\u2019 where a member of the community or a healthcare professional presents an educational talk and attendees enjoy delicious soup afterwards. These talks are open to those with cancer and caregivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives the members a chance to connect and socialize, as well as learning,\u201d says Emily Selby, general manager of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood.<\/p>\n
There is also a volunteer-run physical fitness program, held at the YMCA of Simcoe\/Muskoka. The fitness program focuses on balance, strength and coordination, and the instructor, Bill, is going through his own cancer journey.<\/p>\n
The Collingwood site is hoping to continue to expand their services, offering more programming like music therapy, wig-fitting, and knitting and crocheting social groups. Since they\u2019ve already seen large growth in their membership \u2014including many caregivers\u2014 the team at Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood are considering starting a caregiver-specific support group in the fall.<\/p>\n
The benefit of meeting other individuals and families who are going through a similar journey, Emily says, cannot be overstated. \u201cBeing here and being surrounded by other folks with cancer or other caregivers\u2014 you\u2019re finally in a place where other people get it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
One thing Emily has heard from clients is that the programs have helped them, regardless of the stage they\u2019re at in their cancer journey. There are some people in the support groups who are recovering, so other individuals with cancer can ask them about their experiences or what to expect from certain treatments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt allows them to have an honest response about what to expect. While you get that in the medical world from your doctor, you don\u2019t get to hear about first-hand lived experience unless you\u2019re talking to someone who\u2019s been through it,\u201d says Emily.<\/p>\n
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In order to keep their programs running and expanding, Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is holding their annual Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope on August 16th. The event is now in its 14th year, but this will be the second year for Collingwood. Cyclists can fundraise for a specific location, and register to cycle at either the Penetanguishene event or the Collingwood event.<\/p>\n
For the Collingwood event, there are five different routes that take the cyclists out of Collingwood and into the surrounding area. The routes were mapped by their organizing team of cyclists, and span from a relaxing, family-friendly 3km ride all the way up to a more demanding 145km. It begins and ends at Collingwood Curling Club at 250 Hume Street. There will be lunch provided afterwards by Gordon\u2019s Market & Cafe, as well as fun activities for kids, provided by the YMCA.<\/p>\n
The Cycle for Hope is Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre\u2019s largest fundraiser of the year. Donations raised at the Collingwood event will stay local, supporting the new location\u2019s much-needed programming.<\/p>\n
For more information about Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre, visit: www.gbcancersupportcentre.ca<\/a><\/p>\n