About Us

Our Mission, Vision and Story

The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC) is a registered charity dedicated to offering compassionate care and support to anyone experiencing cancer – either having it themselves or supporting someone with cancer. 

Fundraising and our generous donors make it possible for us to operate and offer our FREE programs.

Our mission is to empower individuals living with cancer by offering them compassionate support and thorough information across the 7 Pillars of Cancer Wellness. These pillars encompass Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Informational, Systemic, Practical, and Social aspects of well-being. Our free wellness programs complement traditional medical practices and offer personal support, coping mechanisms, education, and hope to those with cancer, helping them gain control, strength, and reduce isolation.

Our Goals

  • Provide innovative, integrative therapies and reliable resources & information on intervention and preventive cancer care.

  • Petition health practitioners and educate the public on the necessity for psychosocial care as part of the cancer continuum.
  • Secure sustainable financing to address the cancer crisis in Quebec and continue to provide people living with cancer the benefits of a whole-person integrated approach to wellness.

A Message From Our Executive Director

What is Cancer Wellness?

Cancer Wellness is a comprehensive approach that complements traditional medicine by addressing physical, spiritual, emotional, informational, social, systemic, and practical needs. These are collectively known as the Seven Pillars of Cancer Wellness.

Cancer wellness aims to empower individuals living with cancer, whether they are diagnosed themselves or have a loved one with cancer, to proactively implement positive changes that help them live well.

What We Offer

Our Centre offers over 3,000 hours of programs and services each month, “free of charge” to individuals living with cancer. We provide whole-person integrated wellness that complements traditional medicine by addressing every need. 

Our programs include Massage, Counseilling, Exercise Classes, Nutritional Cooking, Reiki, Yoga, Meditation, Support Groups, and much more.

 

Annual Report 2023-2024

Discover the impact of our work over the past year and learn more about how we continue to support cancer patients and their families. 

The House the Community Built

In 2016, the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre raised an incredible $3 million to build the Big Yellow House, a beautiful, custom-designed space tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Centre. Since its opening, the new facility has experienced a 150% increase in registrations, expanded programming hours, and a significant rise in volunteer applications.

The community played a crucial role in this success through donations, support, and help in spreading awareness. None of this would have been possible without the amazing support we received from our community. Thank you!

Land Acknowledgement

The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre is situated on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk), a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst many First Nations including the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg. We recognize and respect the Kanien’kehà:ka as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we meet today.

Pioneer of National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day

The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC) is proud to have initiated National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of cancer wellness.

Meet Our Team

Discover the passionate and dedicated individuals behind our mission.

Our Professionals

Professionals volunteer their expertise, enriching our services and making a meaningful impact.

Our Wellness Team

Our staff, board, advisory committees and in-house volunteers work together to create a supportive and impactful environment.

Become a Volunteer