support. Three simple ways to ease
the emotional strain of undergoing
cancer treatments. A wife, mother of
three, cancer advocate and volun-
teer, Helen Densmore Cleary
learned this through experience.
While battling cancer, Helen learned
that a supportive environment ena-
bles cancer patients to feel hope
and have the courage to face an-
other day.
much when you have cancer," said
Emmie Luther-Hiltz, Coordinator,
Cancer Patient Family Network,
Cancer Care Nova Scotia, and a
cancer survivor herself. "The Sun-
shine Room is about feeling as good
as you can when you're in a place
you don't want to be."
mined to see it through. She be-
lieved that patients deserved to be
surrounded by the same kind of
compassion and support she was
receiving from her family, friends
and community. With the support of
Cancer Care Nova Scotia, the Capi-
tal Health Cancer Care Program,
Capital Health Volunteer Services
and the Queen Elizabeth II Health
Sciences Centre Foundation, Helen
began working with Emmie and a
committee of volunteers and health
professionals. After 18 months of
their vision became a reality.
2003. In November of that same year,
Helen lost her battle with cancer. An
incredible woman and a champion for
cancer patients, Helen brought a ray
of sunshine into the lives of everyone
she met. The Sunshine Room began
because of her compassion and per-
severance - it continues to thrive be-
cause of the many volunteers who
believe in it as much as Helen did. It
is a symbol of her dedication and
commitment to improving the quality
of life for people living with cancer.
need and potential for patient sup-
port," said Jill Flinn, Health Services
Manager, Capital Health Cancer Care
Program. "Getting the room completed
was a collaborative effort. It really
became a labour of love for many
people."
Doucet-Watts, the Sunshine Room
was transformed into a beautiful and
inviting haven for cancer patients.
She created a cheerful décor, and do-
nations of paintings and furniture
lifting, peaceful atmosphere.
teers, the Sunshine Room provides
cancer patients and their families
with a place to unwind, enjoy an
inspirational book, or listen to calm-
ing music. Complimentary introduc-
tions to Massage Therapy,
Reflexology, Reiki and Therapeutic
Touch are offered by qualified spe-
cialists. Head wrap and wigs fit-
tings are also available. "We have
new patients visiting every day,"
said Kathy Dooks, a hospitality vol-
unteer at the Sunshine Room. "This
room gives patients the support they
need and helps make their journey a
little less bumpy. It's a wonderful
feeling to know we're making a dif-
ference in the lives of others."
that one person can really make a
difference. The room is a symbol of
hope, kindness and inner strength.
It very much belongs to cancer pa-
tients and their families.
a trust fund, which provides pa-
tients, their families, and others
with an opportunity to support it.
Ongoing opportunities are also avail-
able to anyone interested in volun-
teering.