Resources
This is what we do best. We share. We share our knowledge and our experience. None of us are experts in cancer, but we're all experts in managing our own lives with cancer. We lean on each other and try to make things just a little bit easier for the next person.
Here are some of the resources and supports that have helped us, along with a list of blogs, side projects and businesses that individual OMG members have undertaken. While many of us have benefitted from these connections, the resources are shared for informational and educational purposes and members of OMG are not liable for any damages resulting from the use of these resources.
Rethink Breast Cancer - https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/
The Centre for Health Innovation - https://thechi.ca/ (previously called The Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC)
Free services: Head start program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, guided meditation for troubled times, gentle yoga, living with uncertainty support group
Other services (may be covered under your insurance plan) include: acupuncture, massage, reiki, naturopathic care, reflexology, physiotherapy, craniosacral therapy - This place was a welcoming non-threatening environment that helped me so much. I am still a patient and can honestly say I have no idea what I would do without them.
Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project is a resource that focuses on the breast cancer experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Through powerful imagery and genuine storytelling, it shines a light on the physical and emotional scars of breast cancer, cultural barriers and health equity. Uncovered was created in collaboration with Michelle Audoin and developed in response to the significant underrepresentation of, and lack of support for, BI&POC in the breast cancer community. Through the amplification of this collection of stories and experiences, our hope is to help educate all people, including healthcare providers, on the realities and needs of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour with breast cancer, so they are better equipped to support all the people they care for.
Uncovered 2021: This year, we are honoured to launch an expanded version of the Uncovered resource that highlights the realities of BI&POC with breast cancer in navigating the Canadian healthcare system. These stories are told through the lenses and experiences of 8 people from diverse backgrounds, including Jamaican, Nigerian, Guyanese, Trinidadian, Bajan, Inuk, Indian and Filipino voices. Learn more and read their stories in the new resource here: rethinkbreastcancer.com/uncovered/
Vibrant Yoga - https://www.vibrantyogi.ca/ALLACCESS - on demand or live gentle yoga classes with only women. 7 day free trial
Young Adults Cancer Canada (YACC) - https://www.youngadultcancer.ca/
Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery - https://cottagedreams.ca/ - Incredible free week's cottage rental to cancer patients. Operations currently on hold but pin this for the future!
Cleaning for a Reason - https://cleaningforareason.org/patients/ -2 complimentary housecleanings!
https://firstdescents.org - take young adults in US and Canada on outdoor adventures
https://hopescarves.org - request a scarf when you’re in treatment, donate back after you are done!
https://www.doitforthelove.org - For people living with incurable cancers - Request tickets to events
Carolyn Smith, DOMP - ottawaholistic.janeapp.com
Jennifer Spak, RMT, DOMP - specializes in fascial tissue dysfunctions at her clinic Livewell Myofascial Release. livewellmfr.com - very helpful to address long-standing stiffness and pain post radiation treatment.
Beth Hoag, Physiotherapist - http://www.bethhoagphysio.ca/ - has helped many OMGers with Cancer Rehabilitation, Lymphedema Therapy, and Pelvic Health. Members have instantly comfortable and at ease with her care.
Sara Quiring, Physiotherapist - https://www.hwphysio.ca/lymphedema-therapy has helped individuals with cording issues.
Rethink Real Talk: Ask A Pelvic Floor Expert - youtube video
Jennifer Turner, Centre for Health Innovation - https://thechi.ca/ - for support group and ongoing cancer care
Andrea Fessey - https://massagetherapyrmt.com/kanata/andrea-feesey/
Janet Penny - http://www.focusmassagetherapy.ca/ - experienced massage therapist specializing in cancer care. Treatment is provided at 2 locations; her clinic on Gladstone Ave. or the CHI (formerly the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre). Janet has a lot of experience working with cancer patients, you will be in good hands.
We love to support each other in our efforts and endeavours. Sometimes an entrepreneurial spirit is ignited post cancer diagnosis; other times, it has always lived there, and we returned to our interests when it was right. Find information and links to some of our writings, blogs, interests, projects or businesses (in alphabetical order).