SLFNHA launches Cancer Survivorship Campaign

Tim Brody - Editor

A new campaign launched by Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) called the Cancer Survivorship Campaign, is raising awareness of the importance of regular screening, early detection, and celebrating resilience, and life after cancer.
SLFNHA explained in a Jan. 20 media release, “The campaign, launched in partnership with the North West Regional Cancer Program and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, shines a light on the types of cancers that impact the 33 First Nations SLFNHA serves across Kiiwetinoong and encourages conversations about cancer, healing, and hope. In many of the communities SLFNHA serves, cancer is too often detected at later stages, when treatment options can be more limited. This campaign aims to change that by empowering people with information, encouraging regular screening, and reminding families that early detection improves outcomes.”
At the heart of the campaign are three powerful voices from the region who have lived through cancer and are now sharing their stories to inspire others: Connie Gray-McKay, breast cancer survivor from Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation, Pauline Lac Seul, endometrial cancer survivor from Lac Seul First Nation, and Norine Van Breda, colon cancer survivor from Hudson, Ontario.
“Each survivor brings a unique experience and perspective, reflecting the many paths through
diagnosis, treatment, and healing. SLFNHA is deeply grateful and honoured that Connie, Pauline, and Norine have chosen to share their journeys so openly,” SLFNHA shared.
“This campaign is about saving lives through awareness and early detection. We are committed to
strengthening cancer awareness and survivorship supports across Kiiwetinoong.” Stated Sonia Isaac-Mann, SLFNHA President & CEO.” We are incredibly grateful to Connie, Pauline, and Norine for sharing their stories so others can find courage and hope.”
The theme of the campaign is “Let’s Talk About Cancer, Healing, and Hope.” “It is a message that encourages people to speak up, ask questions, get checked, and support each other on a community level. Lives can be saved and those on their cancer journey are not alone,” SLFNHA shared.
“We know from the data that far too many people in the communities SLFNHA serves are not getting screened regularly. In some cases, fewer than one in three people are participating in screening,” said David McConnell, Director of the North West Regional Cancer Program. “Survivorship reminds us why this matters: earlier screening can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. By sharing the real stories of survivors in these communities, we aim to empower others to get screened so they can be there for their families and live longer, healthier lives.”
The Cancer Survivorship Campaign is a partnership between Sioux Lookout First Nations Health
Authority, the North West Regional Cancer Program, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences
Centre (TBRHSC). The campaign videos were directed and filmed by Upriver Media.
People can watch the survivor videos at www.slfnha.com/cancerscreening.