Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Division and MedicAlert partner to help individuals with cancer
CHARLOTTETOWN, October 27, 2005 – Through the generosity of the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation, cancer patients in PEI will soon have the opportunity to sport a free-of-charge MedicAlert bracelet.
This announcement was made by Martin Kabat, president and CEO of the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation during a visit to PEI on Oct. 26 for the launch of the Lymphedema MedicAlert program.
Canadian MedicAlert Foundation has offered free stainless steel bracelets through the Canadian Cancer Society to people in PEI who are experiencing cancer.
Taking this program a step further, the PEI Hockey Mommas have assisted the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation to team up and help women with lymphedema.
The Hockey Mommas are a group of ladies who like to get together and enjoy a “friendly” game of hockey for a good cause-raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society. In 2004, they raised $10,000 for special breast cancer projects in PEI, including the purchase of MedicAlert memberships for breast cancer patients at risk of developing lymphedema following surgery.
The money raised by the Hockey Mommas will help provide one-year memberships with MedicAlert for those women who have lymphedema or are at risk of developing lymphedema. Lymphedema is the buildup and retention of lymphatic fluid that results in swelling of the arm. It occurs in about five to 10 per cent of women who have lymph nodes removed during breast surgery. Blood tests, blood pressure tests and IVs or injections should be avoided in the affected arm(s).
In an emergency situation, one may not be able to communicate medical conditions-such as cancer drugs or treatments they are currently using-to emergency personnel or a physician. MedicAlert speaks for people when they cannot speak for themselves.
“We are grateful to MedicAlert for this generous offer,” says Bernie Kenna, President, Canadian Cancer Society PEI Division. “Partnerships among charities go a long way to improve the lives of the people we help. This program will be beneficial to all Islanders living with cancer, and we thank MedicAlert for their wonderful donation.”
“Good things can only happen when we work together to help people,” added Martin Kabat,. “In an emergency situation, MedicAlert can help save a life.”
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For more information, please contact Robert Blair, Marketing Manager at (416) 696-0142 ext. 1251.
