December 9, 2024
Members of the Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association and site director Paula German hold a cheque for $725,000 towards a clinical hub at the Cross. Supplied.
Story by Christine Osunde
EDMONTON — In an inspiring show of community support, a generous donation from the Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association (CCIVA) of $725,000 will be used to renovate a non-clinical space into a fully functional clinical area at the Cross Cancer Institute.
As healthcare demands evolve, so do the spaces that serve them. The Cross performs several breast cancer surgeries every single day. However, they were facing some challenges because the operating room is in the basement, but post-operative patients must be transported to recovery located on the fourth floor.
This project, made possible with support from the CCIVA, will see an unused space next to the operating room transformed into a clinical space to allow for seamless patient care in the day surgery unit.
“The Association was happy to support this project because it was going to enhance patient care at the Cross,” says Jim Retallack, CCIVA past president.
This initiative goes beyond just a physical transformation; it represents a commitment to the health and well-being of the community from more than 200 CCIVA volunteers who support patient care at the Cross through their onsite gift shop, used bookstore and Sunroom Café.
“We know budgets are tight and other possible sources of funding are not always available,” says Audrey Wilkes , president of Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association. “We know giving these funds to the Cross to complete this project will make an impact in how top-notch care is delivered to patients.”
The Cross completes up to eight breast cancer surgeries a day and also provides brachytherapy (a type of radiation therapy that involves placing a sealed radiation source inside or next to a tumor to treat cancer).
David Dyer, executive director of the Cross Cancer Institute, adds: “I’m proud of the work we do, and it’s supported by an innovative team of professionals who provide leading-edge care.”
With completion of the project this year, this new space will allow for seamless movement of patients from pre- to post-operative care and facilitates timely communications between surgical staff and day staff. The renovation will also bring the day surgery unit up to new and modern standards, with the latest equipment and best design.
“We could have never completed this without the CCIV,” says Dyer. “Their raising $725,000 is what made this possible. Here at the Cross, we couldn’t be more happy or grateful that they supported this project.”
Learn more about volunteering at the CCI.
Learn more about making a donation: Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association - Campaign (albertacancer.ca).
