Five Ontarians honoured with Human Touch Awards for making life better for
cancer patients

TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - Five Ontarians whose kindness, compassion and professionalism has made life better for cancer survivors will be honoured at Cancer Care Ontario's fourth annual Human Touch Awards in Toronto April 22nd.

"These are exemplary individuals, whose caring nature and commitment to patients have surpassed expectations in their provision of exceptional care," said Terrence Sullivan, President and CEO, Cancer Care Ontario. "While compassion is not easily measured, it is clear that our winners recognize the importance of caring for a patient's emotional needs."

The Human Touch Awards recognize those who have made a difference in patient lives through exceptional compassionate care. The Awards are open to all part-time or full-time health care providers, professionals, and volunteers in Ontario who provide direct patient care at either a regional cancer centre or as part of a Regional Cancer Program.

This is National Volunteer Week in Canada and this year's Human Touch Awards ceremony has added a new, volunteer category for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to cancer care through exceptional volunteer work that enhances the quality of life of cancer patients.

Strachan Bongard, a Volunteer at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, is the first winner in this category.

"The Human Touch Awards reflect our shared mission to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer," said Rick Perciante, Acting CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "We are fortunate that every day, dedicated health care professionals and volunteers become partners in the cancer journey with patients, going beyond the expected."

Other Human Touch Awards winners were: Linda Johnson, RN, CON(C), CINA, of Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Julie Garrett, RN, of the London Regional Cancer Program, Karen Simpson, RN, NP Extended Class, of Grand River Hospital, and Dr. Chris Lund, Palliative Care Physician, Wellington County, Waterloo Wellington.

The Human Touch Awards are jointly sponsored by Cancer Care Ontario - the provincial agency responsible for continually improving cancer services and the Ontario government's cancer advisor - and the Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. The awards are made possible in part by a donation from the RBC Foundation.

The Human Touch Awards will be presented by Cancer Care Ontario's Interim Board Chair, Ratan Ralliaram, and President and CEO Terrence Sullivan Thursday evening at the Sutton Place Hotel.

For further information: Media Contact: Elizabeth McCarthy, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, Cancer Care Ontario, [phone] ext. 3339, [email protected]