When Harjeet Kaur was diagnosed with a rare cancer, she turned to CancerConnection.ca to get advice and compassionate support throughout her cancer experience.
“I joined CancerConnection.ca because I had a lot of questions and would post them in the forum,” Harjeet says. “It was nice to share my experience with other people and have them share their experiences with me.”
CancerConnection.ca is the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) online community where people affected by cancer, and caregivers, can share their experiences and build supportive relationships with others who’ve been there. People living with all types of cancer can join the community and take part in discussions, exchange messages and share helpful information.
Lacey Horta, online community manager for CancerConnection.ca at the Canadian Cancer Society, says CancerConnection.ca is available nationwide so individuals like Harjeet have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar challenges or experiences.
“Many individuals come to CancerConnection.ca after hearing the words, ‘You have cancer,’ and they are often in a state of shock,” Lacey explains. “They may be experiencing uncertainty and anxiety, particularly due to the time it takes for diagnostic testing and the initiation of treatment.”
Lacey has a decade of experience supporting people through the most challenging chapters of their lives.
“I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of a community where people not only receive the care and understanding they need during treatment, but also continue to offer support long after, helping others who are newly diagnosed,” she says.
Recently, a member logged in to share the results of her biopsy with the CancerConnection.ca community before telling her own family. She had just left her medical appointment and, while still in her car, turned to the community to process her emotions before going home to deliver the news.
“This moment highlights the value of connecting with others who truly understand, using the community as a safe space to express feelings and find support,” Lacey says.
Thanks to the generosity of CCS donors, last year, more than 273,000 people found support on CancerConnection.ca and ParlonsCancer.ca.
To find compassionate support 24/7 after a cancer diagnosis, or to connect with others going through similar experiences, visit CancerConnection.ca