A $1 million gift from the estate of Tom Allan and the Tom and Sue Allan Family Fund is going toward the creation of a new position that will help patients to better navigate their cancer care journey.
The London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) announced the donation will help start and sustain the job of a patient health facilitator for the next eight to 10 years within the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
"Through the generosity of donors like the Allan family, improved patient care and the hope for a better future is possible for patients with pancreatic cancer," said John MacFarlane, President and CEO at LHSF. "The patient health facilitator will have a positive and profound impact on the patients and families who visit the Baker Centre as they face the burden of a new diagnosis."
Following the passing of her husband Tom, who died in 2004 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Sue Allan established the Tom and Sue Allan Family Fund in 2006 through the London Community Foundation. Since then, Allen and her two daughters have been able to support numerous types of initiatives. Tom had previously worked as a volunteer with the foundation.
"Pancreatic cancer continues to be a stealthy, rapidly progressing cancer that will leave the newly diagnosed totally overwhelmed," Allan said. "As new treatments begin to emerge from the Baker Centre research initiatives, it will be critical for these patients and their families to have a disease-centred patient facilitator to assist them in understanding the care and treatment options available to them."
The Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer launched in July 2019. The centre aims to improve access to care, bring a more targeted personalized treatment and new treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.
"The journey of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer is overwhelming," added Dr. Stephen Welch, director of the Baker Centre. "The patient health facilitator will help transform the care journey for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."
Tom and Sue Allan. (Photo via the London Community Foundation website.)
