Kennametal Foundation will help patients better navigate their cancer journey

October 14, 2010, Victoria, BC – The Kennametal Foundation announced a donation of $15,000 to the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World campaign. This gift will help support the Patient Navigation Program in the future Patient and Family Support Centre at BC Cancer – Victoria.

The Vancouver Island Centre currently has an outstanding cancer treatment clinic and research site. Through this campaign, an important piece of the puzzle will be added — support for the emotional and psychological concerns of patients and their families before, during and after treatment.

“In order to address the needs of our patients, we are creating a sizeable Patient Navigation Program, in which navigators will help guide cancer patients through the complex treatment maze,” said Shaun Lorhan, Project Lead, Navigation and Regional Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Vancouver Island. “The program’s goal is to better meet the information and support needs of patients, and we are grateful for the Kennametal Foundation’s support.”

Kennametal’s gift will ensure that services will be more coordinated and consistent, resulting in improved outcomes for patients and their families. Patient navigators will help guide patients through and around barriers in the complex cancer care system, and will act as compassionate, effective guides in bridging the gaps to help patients, their caregivers and families deal with financial, economic, language, communication and cultural barriers.

“The Kennametal Foundation provides monetary grants to qualified organizations around the world in or near communities in which Kennametal facilities are located. We are excited to make our first contribution in Canada to the BC Cancer Foundation’s Inspire the World Campaign,” said Patti Richter, Kennametal’s Canada Human Resources Representative. “One in three Vancouver Islanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and many of our employees here in Victoria have been personally touched or know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. At Kennametal, giving back to the communities where we live and work is an important part of our culture and our employees are a proud partner of this project.”

To learn more about the Inspire the World campaign, or to make a donation, please visit www.inspiretheworld.ca or call the BC Cancer Foundation at 250-382-4470.

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For more information:
Laura Walsh
Campaign Director, BC Cancer Foundation
Email: lwalsh@bccancer.bc.ca
T: 250.382.4403
C: 250.480.9617

Patti Richter Kennametal Ltd.
Email: patti.richter@kennametal.com
T: 250.474.1225 ext 106