Johann Kuschke
The Drumheller Mail

    Cancer patients at the Drumheller Community Cancer Facility now have added support throughout their treatment, follow-up care and more, thanks to specially trained nurses who are being situated in all 15 community cancer facilities across the province.
    These specially trained nurses will act as cancer patient navigators to ensure patients and their families get access to needed services and supports, regardless of where they live or where they are on their cancer journey.
    The program, funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, has already delivered tangible benefits in communities where navigator roles have been established.
    The support that patient, Eileen Emann, received from Drumheller’s patient navigator, Bev Krabsen, proved to be helpful during her recent chemotherapy.
    “She was there to explain what I was going through, and what I could expect to happen going forward. And she was there for both myself and my daughter, who’s my main caregiver.” said Emann
    “I was treated royally, had speedy treatments and all the help I could possibly want.”
    Cancer patient navigators are currently positioned in Fort McMurray, Peace River, Grande Prairie, Barrhead, Bonnyville, Hinton, Drayton Valley, Camrose, Red Deer, Drumheller, Canmore, High River, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge while recruitment for a navigator in Lloydminster is underway.
    “Alberta Cancer Foundation donors want to support patients and families throughout their cancer journey,” said Myka Osinchuk, chief executive officer of the foundation.
    “We are pleased to be a part of a program that eases that journey by providing extra support to Albertans during a difficult time.”
    These cancer patient navigators are already seeing and guiding upwards of 50 per cent of new consults received by community cancer centres.
    “A cancer diagnosis can be a confusing and stressful event that gives rise to significant financial and practical problems, especially for Albertans who live outside of Edmonton and Calgary,” said Linda Watson, Interdisciplinary Practice Leader in Community Oncology with the Alberta Healthcare Services (AHS) Cancer Care department.
   “Once diagnosed, patients must negotiate their way through a complex maze of tests, appointments, treatments and services.”
    Watson explained that the navigators are here to help cancer patients through the process, and to be there for them as they receive treatment.
    “Because we know cancer care is much more than just treatments and surgeries,” said Watson.
    The cancer patient navigation model is mirrored after the successful navigator programs of AHS’ breast health teams, which have been in place for the past seven years.
    “Navigators are there to answer questions, address concerns and provide support and resources at a time when breast cancer patients can feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the medical system and the reality of their diagnosis,” said Shannon Gil, an Edmonton-based Comprehensive Breast Program navigator.
    “It is important that patients and their families know they are not alone,” said Kristen Snow, a new patient navigator in Drayton Valley.
    “We need them to know how a cancer patient navigator can help them, and how to contact one. That way, the patients can put all their focus and efforts into getting better.”

    In the Christian calendar, Holy Week is the most sacred of times and this year the Drumheller Ministerial has a number of events lined up to mark the season.
    The Ministerial is collaborating on a number of events that are open to any tradition, while at the same time making sure all churches will be able to celebrate with their congregation.
    Rosebud Church, Grace Lutheran Church, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and St. Mageloire’s Anglican Church all have services on Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. This marks The Last Supper. These services are at 7 p.m. and begin the Paschal Triduum (the passion, death and resurrection).
    On Good Friday, there is a multi-church community service at 10:30 a.m., at Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle. The Rosebud Masterworks Choir will be performing. Following the service, they will be hosting a free barbecue lunch at noon.
    At 1 p.m. on Good Friday, there will be a Walk of the Cross. This is a meditative trek in downtown Drumheller marking the Way of the Cross, reflecting on Jesus’ passion and death.
    St. Magloire’s Anglican Church’s Good Friday service is at 10:30 a.m. and The Salvation Army Church’s service at 11 a.m., Grace Lutheran Church and St. Anthony’s Church will have their services at 3 p.m. and the Knox United Church will be celebrating at 7 p.m.
    St. Anthony’s will be holding its Easter Vigil mass at 9 p.m. on Holy Saturday.
    On Easter Sunday, most churches will celebrate at their usual Sunday Mass times. See The Drumheller Mail’s Church page below. There will also be an 8 a.m. Sunrise Service at the Canadian Badlands Passion Play Site. There will be a free breakfast following the Grace Lutheran Church’s service on Sunday morning.