Two Inuvik women are starting up a cancer support group after seeing a need for one in the community. Agnes Pascal and Ruth Wright are organizing the group.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo
Pascal said the group is open to men and women who have survived cancer, those who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, and family, friends, and caregivers of those who have been affected by cancer.
Meetings will take place on a monthly basis at Ingamo Hall. The first was held Oct. 23.
Pascal, a breast cancer survivor, said when she was undergoing treatment, the support she received from her family and friends was extremely important.
"I was very fortunate to have had family and friends who went through this treatment before me, so they were able to support me and tell me honestly about what I was going to be going through," said Pascal. "That was what really helped me. I knew what was coming so I was able to prepare myself."
She said the support she received was immeasurably helpful, but not everyone has access to that kind of support, which is why she wanted to start the group.
Pascal said the support group isn't about education and won't include workshops – instead it will focus on discussing personal experiences with cancer and providing support to one another.
She hopes it will be a place where people can be honest and open with each other about their experiences.
"We want people, men and women, to come in and be able to speak freely about their experiences with any type of cancer," said Pascal.
There used to be cancer support groups in Inuvik, but they are no longer running.
Refreshments and snacks will be served at the meetings. Anyone who has been touched by any kind of cancer in one way or another is welcome to attend.
"We're determined to keep this an ongoing thing, because we know there is a need for it," she said. "We really need something going on here where people can get this kind of support."
For more information and dates, contact Agnes Pascal or check the Inuvik Events Facebook group.