Cancer Assistance Program

Download Will Wording

15,021

Rides to Cancer-Related Appointments in 2024

2,072

Pieces of Loaded Home Health Equipment in 2024

10,907

Personal Care Items Including Incontinence Items, Nutritional Supplements, Wigs & Breast Protheses

About

The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering FREE services for individuals and families affected by cancer, living in the greater region of Hamilton and surrounding communities.

The services offered by CAP are practical and tangible in nature. They have a focus on creating access and removing barriers, promoting personal safety, reducing or eliminating financial burden and offering individuals with cancer the opportunity to live more comfortably, with dignity and improved emotional health. The mission of CAP is to support, educate and empower individuals and families touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.

Services include transportation to and from medical appointments, loans of home health equipment, limited access to parking for appointments taking place at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hospital, practical education via the Cancer Assist podcast, as well as monthly issuances of adult incontinence products and oral nutritional supplements. Wigs, breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras are also available. All services are available FREE of charge for as long as needed.

Delivering these much needed services are compassionate and caring volunteers. Over 190 volunteers contribute their time every year to service delivery as well as Cancer Assistance Program planning, fund development activities and organizational governance, alongside five full-time and one part-time staff.

The Cancer Assistance Program is not in receipt of sustainable government funding. It relies greatly on the generosity of the community and the proceeds of special events held throughout the year.

Our Impact

“To the whole CAP team, each time I visit to pick up supplies for my dad, there is always a cheerful individual ready to greet me behind the desk. Even on the days where I can’t get the words out because the grief is to much, a kind soul takes me aside and sits me down and shares a cup of tea and reassures me that this to is a normal part of the cancer journey. I can’t thank you enough for the amazing support.”
– Alice

“While in the midst of the trauma of being diagnosed with cancer and the treatment that followed, CAP was there for me. What a difference you made in my life. The drivers who took me to my radiation appointments were exceptional. They were reliable, friendly and supportive. I had many interesting conversations which served to ease my anxiety. I will forever grateful for all of you.”
– Sylvia

“The cancer journey is complicated. It’s full of highs and lows and ordinary days. CAP has been there for every bit of it. They’ve become friends. They’ve cared for me and my family. The compassion they’ve shown has made this journey easier.”
– Kelechi

How your gift will be used

Our mission to provide cancer patients with FREE practical services needs your help. We must work together to raise sustainable dollars to continue our legacy. The Cancer Assistance Program has seen an ever-increasing usage in our services. With one out of two Canadians being diagnosed with cancer, these numbers will continue to grow.

Without sustainable government funding, we are challenged to continue to raise the needed dollars to meet the demand for our services. Your legacy gift will help the Cancer Assistance Program continue our legacy of providing FREE practical and essential services to ease the physical, emotional and financial impact of those in our community affected by cancer.

We dream of a world where all people affected by cancer receive help when it is needed most. You can make that dream come true.