$ 1M Donation for New Patient Health Facilitator at Baker Center – London | The Canadian News

A $ 1 million donation from the Tom Allan and Tom and Sue Allan Family Fund estate will go towards the creation of a new position at the Baker Center for Pancreatic Cancer at the 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 position for the next eight to 10 years.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Allan family, it is possible to improve patient care and hope for a better future for pancreatic cancer patients,” said John MacFarlane, LHSF President and CEO.

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

Tom Allan passed away from pancreatic cancer 17 years ago. After seeing what her husband went through, Sue Allan wants to make sure patients get the support they need.

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

“My family wishes we had more time with Tom, but we are pleased that challenges can be made easier for others in London thanks to our support of the Patient Health Facilitator position at the Baker Center.”

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

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

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