$ 1million donation for new patient health facilitator at Baker Center – London

A donation of $ 1 million from the estate of Tom Allan and the Tom and Sue Allan Family Fund will be used to create a new position at the Baker Center for Pancreatic Cancer at London Health Sciences Center (LHSC). The Tom and Sue Allan Family Fund is part of the London Community Foundation.

The new Patient Health Facilitator will help patients navigate their cancer care from diagnosis to treatment, the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) said in a statement.

The donation will fund the post for the next eight to ten years.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Allan family, better patient care and hope for a better future are possible for patients with pancreatic cancer,” said John MacFarlane, president and chief executive officer. management of LHSF.

“The Patient Health Facilitator will have a profound impact on the patients and families who visit the Baker Center facing the burden of a new diagnosis. “

Tom Allan died of pancreatic cancer 17 years ago. After seeing what her husband has been through, Sue Allan wants to make sure patients get the support they need.

“As new treatments begin to emerge from Baker Center research initiatives, it will be essential for these patients and their families to have a disease-focused facilitator to help them understand the care and treatment options available,” Allan says.

“My family wished we could have spent more time with Tom, but we are delighted that the challenges can be made easier for others in London through our support as the Patient Health Facilitator at the Baker Center.

Pancreatic cancer is growing rapidly, with the lowest five-year survival rates, and is often not detected early, the LHSF said.

“The journey of patients with pancreatic cancer is overwhelming,” says Dr Stephen Welch, director of the Baker Center.

“The Patient Health Facilitator will help transform the care journey. “