Cedars CanSupport 35th Anniversary
On Saturday, October 26, 350 guests gathered for a glamourous evening at Le Salon Richmond 1861 in Montréal to help secure the future of supportive care for cancer patients and their families at the McGill University Health Centre. The special event, hosted by the Cedars Cancer Foundation, celebrated the 35th anniversary of Cedars CanSupport and paid tribute to its founder, Gwen Andrews Nacos.
“The Cedars community has been proudly supporting Cedars CanSupport, and working alongside Gwen, for 35 years,” said Jeff J. Shamie, President and CEO of the Cedars Cancer Foundation. “The program has become an integral part of who we are and what we do.”
Cedars CanSupport is funded by the Cedars Cancer Foundation and run by the MUHC, as part of its Supportive and Palliative Care Division. In collaboration with the healthcare team, it provides complementary support to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and families, from the moment of diagnosis right through to the end of treatment – or end of life.
“We offer free emotional support, educational services, complementary therapies, practical resources, and humanitarian assistance,” explained Cedars CanSupport Co-Director, Virginia Lee, PhD. “All of our programs, services and activities are supported by the best available evidence and are offered by certified professionals.”
Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), added: “Gwen Nacos’ unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of cancer patients over the past 35 years is remarkable. Thanks to her experience, vision and dedication, thousands of MUHC patients have benefited from compassionate, practical and professional support services during and beyond their cancer journey through Cedars CanSupport.”
The October 26th soirée was festive, with upbeat live music, outstanding food, and a warm, elegant décor theme that evoked a luxurious French country château with a modern twist – all orchestrated by Danielle Bitton of Seal Productions. However, the fundraising event had a very serious purpose: to establish an endowment fund dedicated to sustaining Cedars CanSupport in perpetuity.
As Jeff J. Shamie explained in his speech: “Cancer patients need more than just medical care; they need psychosocial care. This endowment fund will provide a stable source of funding, allowing Cedars CanSupport to continue providing the highest standard of compassionate supportive care to every cancer patient who walks through the doors of the MUHC for many years to come.”
Cedars extended a special thank-you to the following: The Rossy Foundation; The Tom and Gwen Nacos family; Michael Flinker and Dr. Marcia Gillman; the Shadeed and Assi families; the Albert and Florence Aziz Family Foundation; the Mi Corazon Foundation; Andrew Lutfy and family; and Frank and Mary Rana.