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History
The Prince Edward Island Breast Cancer Information Project (PEIBCIP) was formed in 1998 as an offshoot of the Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Project. The organization has been active and growing since that time with eight to 10 members, 50 per cent of whom are breast cancer survivors. The primary goals of the PEIBCIP are to provide accurate and current information to all Islanders concerned with breast cancer, to provide support for all those affected by breast cancer, and to develop and maintain partnerships with other organizations, community groups and stakeholders involved with breast cancer. In June 1999, the PEIBCIP launched the Sunflower Seeds of Knowledge Breast Cancer Information Kit program which distributes books and pamphlets about breast cancer to newly diagnosed women. The kits provide information prepared with the advice of women who have experienced breast cancer. The organization successfully applied for, and received, three grants from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic to revise and fund the production of the Sunflower Kits. The PEIBCIP also hosted the evaluation of the Atlantic Breast Cancer Information kits. PEIBCIP provides public information presentations on a variety of subjects, sometimes in collaboration with other organizations such as Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) and CBCF-Atlantic. Past topics have included Breast Health - Breast Cancer: Everybody’s Concern, Supporting the Journey of Women with Breast Cancer; A Focus on Nursing Practice, Breast Health – Women's Health: What Do We Tell Our Daughters?, An Evening of Hope, Laughter and Positive Thinking, and Chemo-Fog. The group has provided written and video resources on breast cancer and advanced breast cancer to public libraries, which are all available from the Provincial Library system (www.library.pe.ca). They have donated similar resources to the libraries of the cancer treatment centers in Charlottetown and Summerside, and to the provincial mammography screening program. PEIBCIP was instrumental in getting funding and making arrangements for a physiotherapist from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to be trained in the treatment of lymphedema. Other initiatives the PEIBCIP have been involved with include the creation of a portable display that can be sent to public libraries or community centers to outline the role and activities of the Partnership, the development of a navigational tool for breast cancer resources on PEI, and has held presentations on breast cancer in rural areas of the Island such as Alberton, Hunter River and Orwell Cove. Currently, PEIBCIP is an active participant in the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Community Capacity Building on Breast Cancer committee. The organization is continuing to offer presentations on breast cancer in rural areas of PEI, improving access to treatment for lymphedema, and is producing an information kit on advanced breast cancer. The first Chair of the Partnership was Eileen Fulford until her death in 2008. Eileen was a tireless worker on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society and the PEI BC Information Partnership. Eileen taught Nursing at UPEI and left a generous bequest to the University. Peggy Riley, also a nurse, enthusiastically represented the Western Region of the Island until her death in 2010. Peggy's mantra was to always keep in mind the importance of ensuring information and representation included all parts of the Island, not just Charlottetown. Norah and Elaine Smith co-facilitate the Partnership at the current time, and Ann Millar is secretary. Judy Donovan Whitty continues as web mistress. Jennifer Perry represents CBCF, while Barbara Sampson represents CCS-PEi Division. Dr. David Ashby continues in his role as Medical Advisor. |
