Walker Family Cancer Centre
The Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC) is a 67,000-square-foot facility dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centred cancer care for the Niagara region. As part of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Regional Cancer Program, the WFCC partners with the Juravinski Cancer Centre and other regional hospitals to deliver high-quality, individualized care that enhances treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families.
The WFCC offers a comprehensive range of specialized outpatient services, including systemic therapy (chemotherapy and immunotherapy), radiation therapy, urgent response, palliative care, pain and symptom management, and clinical trials. It also hosts diagnostic assessment programs for lung and prostate cancers. Annually, the Centre treats approximately 1,700 new patients, including 400 breast cancer patients and 600 prostate cancer patients.
State-of-the-art amenities at the WFCC include advanced radiation treatment suites and a systemic therapy suite with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to create a welcoming, home-like environment. Specialized infusion rooms are available for patients requiring isolation to prevent infections, while a healing garden and green features provide a serene and therapeutic setting for patients and their families.
The WFCC is committed to advancing care through cutting-edge technology. Recent investments include new and upgraded equipment, such as bladder scanners, linear accelerators, and breast boards, ensuring patients benefit from the latest innovations in cancer care.
2025
Total Invested: $468,000.00
2025 Purchases:
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2 Laboratory Stainers – $468,000
A Laboratory Stainer is a specialized piece of equipment used in pathology labs to prepare tissue samples by applying dyes and stains that highlight cells and structures, allowing pathologists to accurately identify cancer and other diseases under a microscope. The two laboratory stainers purchased are essential tools that enhance the quality, speed, and reliability of tissue staining for cancer diagnosis and research. By modernizing the staining workflow, these devices help ensure that patients in the Walker Family Cancer Centre receive timely, accurate clinical insights that guide treatment planning, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer outcomes across our community.
Funding supported:
- Enhanced bedside monitoring for pediatric patients
- Improved clinical response times
- Ongoing delivery of high‑quality, child‑centered care
2024
Total Invested: $2,600,000.00
2024 Purchases:
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1 Linear Accelerator – $2,600,000
A linear accelerator (LINAC) is a device that propels charged subatomic particles—such as electrons or ions—along a straight path to high speeds using oscillating electric fields. It is predominantly used in cancer treatment to deliver highly focused, high-energy X-rays directly to tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
This funding strengthened:
- Life‑saving respiratory support for critically ill infants
- Safe, specialized spaces designed for neonatal care
- Access to modern equipment needed during complex medical situations
2023
Total Invested: $352,920.00
2023 Purchases:
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20 Chemotherapy Handles for IV Stands – $5,065These are ergonomic handles attached to intravenous (IV) stands used during chemotherapy treatment. They help patients safely maneuver their IV poles while receiving infusion therapy, improving mobility and reducing strain or risk of tipping as patients move around the treatment area.
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1 Accuvein Vein Finder – $7,089
The AccuVein is a handheld device that uses infrared light to project a map of a patient’s veins onto the surface of the skin. In a cancer center, it helps nurses quickly and accurately locate veins for IV insertion, which is especially important for patients who require frequent treatments and may have difficult vein access. -
1 Elakta Synergy Linear Acceleration System – $280,198
The Elekta Synergy is a sophisticated radiation therapy machine used to deliver precise, high-energy X-rays or electron beams to cancerous tumors. It combines imaging and radiation delivery, allowing clinicians to target tumors accurately while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. -
4 Radiation Therapy Breast Boards – $56,988
Breast boards are specialized positioning devices used during radiation therapy for breast cancer patients. They help position and immobilize the patient in a consistent, comfortable posture, ensuring accurate and repeatable targeting of radiation treatments over multiple sessions. -
2 CAAD Pumps – $12,272
CAAD pumps are portable infusion devices that deliver controlled doses of medication—such as chemotherapy, pain management drugs, or antibiotics—over time. In a cancer center, they allow patients to receive continuous treatment either in the clinic or at home, improving comfort and flexibility. -
2 MRI Machines
MRI machines use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues in the body. In oncology, MRIs are used for diagnosing cancer, assessing tumor size and location, monitoring treatment response, and guiding treatment planning.
These purchases helped improve:
- Continuous monitoring for newborns in the NICU
- Emergency response capabilities on pediatric units
- Advanced cardiac monitoring for children requiring specialized care
100% of the proceeds raised through Niagara’s Big Move Cancer Ride are dedicated to purchasing urgently needed equipment for the Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC). These funds enable the Centre to acquire advanced technology and replace outdated equipment, ensuring patients in the Niagara region have access to the most effective and innovative cancer care available.
These improvements directly impact patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and provide a more comfortable experience for patients and their families. With community support, Niagara’s Big Move Cancer Ride plays a vital role in elevating cancer care across Niagara, helping the WFCC continue its mission to provide compassionate, cutting-edge treatment close to home.
