Improving the quality of life for cancer patients

Forty years ago, cancer was a word hardly spoken aloud in the community. Patients were isolated for fear of contamination, and families were even afraid to use the same utensils.

PALS began with a group of volunteer nurses to assist in getting patients home from the hospital with cancer. These patients needed a “pal,” someone to sit with them, read to them, or perhaps feed them. Robert Stigwood, a well-known music entrepreneur, film producer, and a Bermuda resident, provided funding for two years for a part-time nurse.

Today, Bermuda’s only home cancer care charity has grown to include six specialised nurses, a palliative care physician, and a medical social worker who all see approximately 200 patients a month.

PALS supports all patients with cancer at any stage of the disease. Some of its patients complete their cancer treatment and no longer require its specialised services; others require palliative care for pain and symptoms experienced with end-of-life care. PALS continues to support the patient and his or her family medically, emotionally, and financially.

In addition to nursing support, PALS offers durable medical equipment to its patients, including such items as hospital beds, commodes, shower benches, and wheelchairs, all free of charge. PALS will assist patients (on an individual basis once financially screened) that require assistance with purchasing food supplements, medications, and overseas medical travel for uninsured and underinsured patients. www.pals.bm

PALS receives no government grants and relies solely on corporate and individual donations, various fundraising events and its thrift shop, to continue to support its programmes.

PALS spends more than $6,000 a day on patient care, and its annual budget is slightly over $2 million. PALS never charges a patient or his or her family for its services. All support financially and through volunteering is greatly appreciated.