A Wall of Hope

As you enter the main floor of the Cedars Cancer Centre these days, you will notice a curious display of art. This artistic piece is called the Wall of Hope—a place to give small donations and words of support and encouragement on paper paddles to teams partaking in the yearly MUHC Dragon Boat Race.

On September 10, MUHC members and the Montreal community will, for the 11th year in a row, come together to paddle it out to raise money that goes to Cedars CanSupport, a division of the MUHC Cedars Cancer Institute. The donations are used for patients and their families to provide emotional, psychological, financial and practical support. 

According to Vivianne Korah, a member of the administrative staff in the MUHC Supportive and Palliative Care and a breast cancer survivor herself, the Wall of Hope is also bringing encouragement to patients and families.

“I saw one patient taking photos of the wall,” says Vivianne. “Her daughter is supporting her through treatment and wrote her a message, telling her to stay strong.” Vivianne knows first-hand how much an initiative like this, as well as the money raised, can mean to a patient and their loved ones as they navigate the unknown.

“When I was diagnosed, I was very frightened and felt really overwhelmed to the point where I was extremely negative and did not know what my future would be like,” she says.

The psychological support Vivianne received, as well as the wide array of information and services made available to her at the MUHC, all had an immense impact.

“It encourages you and inspires you so much,” she says. “It gives you hope, and makes you feel protected.”

For more information on the race or to donate to the Cedars Cancer Foundation, visit their website. You can visit the wall by heading to the main floor of the Cedars Cancer Centre at the Glen site, D-RC.