The Oncology department at Niagara Health cares for hundreds of patients every year and was grateful to receive five new sleeper beds, thanks to the amazing generosity of Rankin Cancer Run participants.

These fold-out sleepers, which can serve as a chair or a bed, provide a small source of comfort for family members during an unfathomable time.

“Any bit of comfort we can provide to families is essential to our work,” says Davene Korince, Patient Care Manager in Oncology. Especially at times when patients are at the end of their life, receiving palliative care, being able to stay by their loved ones bedside means a lot to families, Davene adds. “Families don’t want to leave the patient’s side, and we want them to be able to stay as long and as much as they want, so it is important to us to provide them with a comfortable place to sit or lie down.”

Having these sleeper beds, which are replacing aging chairs, has a meaningful impact on both patients and their families.

“People come here during an incredibly difficult time, and they don’t want to be alone. Providing a comfortable space for family members allows the patient to have someone they love by their side, and it allows the family to get some rest without having to leave,” Davene says.

The Oncology team is incredibly grateful for the support of the Foundation and the Rankin Cancer Run. “I talk to families in Oncology every day, so I know how appreciative they are of small comforts like this. I want to thank all Rankin Cancer Run participants from the bottom of my heart. Your support matters.”