December 17, 2024
Wetaskiwin Community Health Centre (CHC) staff rallied to raise more than $2,000 for the Cross Cancer Institute’s Volunteer Association. Photo courtesy of Christine Gustafson.
Story by Jonathan Koch
WETASKIWIN — Bringing out the bling proved a win-win situation for people who stepped up to support a colleague’s battle with cancer. Christine Gustafson’s life was turned upside down earlier this year when a breast cancer diagnosis required her to step away from her role as public health area manager and site lead at the Wetaskiwin Community Health Centre (CHC).
After undergoing surgery, followed by a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in Edmonton, Gustafson was asked by several colleagues what they could do to help. Long-time friend and co-worker LeaAnn Elder suggested a "bling sale” where colleagues could donate used jewelry and other accessories, housewares and clothing, with proceeds going to a charity of Gustafson’s choice.
Around 40 colleagues from the CHC and Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre took part, raising more than $2,000.
Gustafson chose to donate to the CCI’s Volunteer Association, as a thank-you to the site’s support throughout her experience.
“I remember walking into the Cross Cancer Institute for the very first time and being completely overwhelmed with how many people were being cared for at the CCI,” says Gustafson.
"As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the volunteers who help to navigate where to go within the facility. I was in awe of how many of the service are run by the Volunteers, from the cafeteria to the wig salon and so much more. They also come around to each unit throughout the day offering coffee, tea, juice and cookies. They just want to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
“I was completely overwhelmed and just had so much gratitude for the amount of work that those volunteers do to support anybody going through cancer, it is truly a blessing.”
Amanda Rozon, manager of Volunteer Resources at CCI, says volunteers are the heart and soul of the facility.
“We’re so thankful to have an amazing group of volunteers who come in weekly to enhance the amazing care the clinical teams provide,” she says. “From wayfinding to the van shuttle to the wig salon, our volunteers want to ensure they do what they can do to make the cancer journey easier.” Rozon says financial donations help fund unique programs that continue to support patients.
“With the rising cost of living, our group appreciates every donation we receive — and are so grateful to our donors,” Rozon adds. Elder, who works in the children's rehabilitation program, says supporting her friend is all about being part of a community.
“You kind of grow up with everybody and our work family is a very important part of our lives,” says Elder. “As a female working with all these wonderful, brilliant, brave women, I'd like to think that the same would be done for me — and I think it's really important that we have that support for each other.”
Registered dental assistant Lisa Jevne was touched by her coworkers’ generosity and immediately jumped on board to support Elder by organizing and running the three-day event.
"The staff were all so giving, whether it was donating something or coming to support the cause," says Jevne, who found it exciting how the fundraiser brought her coworkers together.
Jan Black, a former AHS colleague of the staff at the Wetaskiwin CHC and a breast-cancer survivor herself, delivered leftover items to Goodwill Edmonton to raise funds for WIN House — a refuge for women, non-binary individuals, and children seeking to escape dangerous situations.
Black believes supporting one’s work family ultimately benefits everyone who comes through the doors.
“When you make these efforts to really create a good place for your staff to work, then it's just a win-win — because people feel good about going to work, they feel good about their jobs — and I think all of these things really create good client care,” adds Black.
As she continues along the road to remission, Gustafson says she’s humbled and incredibly grateful for the support she’s received from her colleagues.
“They say that your coworkers make your place of employment enjoyable and that honestly can't be true enough.
“I'm incredibly lucky to work with each of these amazing individuals and be a part of this incredible team.”
If you’re interested in also supporting these causes, please donate online at Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association - Campaign.
