With numerous not-for-profits across the province being forced to modify or reduce their services over the past year - whether it be a precautionary measure or from public health mandates surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic - Central Plains Cancer Services managed to expand its offerings to further support Manitobans.

"This year with COVID and the pandemic, Central Plains Cancer Services made the decision early on to continue with our transportation services and other services that other organizations decided not to do," explains Sharilyn Knox, the organization's executive director. "We found ways to do it safely and we have been helping people outside of our region during this (time) as well."

The organization already serves over 70 communities in its catchment area throughout the Central Plains, which stretches as far north as McCreary, west to Minnedosa, south to the Swan Lake, Somerset, and St. Leon area, and east to Elie. Knox notes that had they not expanded their transportation services to additional communities, there would have been instances where people wouldn't have gone for their cancer treatments.

"Central Plains Cancer Services helps a lot of different people in a lot of different ways and what we find is people kind of find out about us sometimes when they need us and not necessarily when they don't," says Knox. "It even goes for people with needing transportation, until they use our service, they may not know exactly what we do." 

The organization has a fleet of dedicated drivers that have continued its transportation services throughout the pandemic by ramping up cleanliness and distancing protocols. For a nominal $25 fee for round-trips, Knox suggests using this cost-saving measure as an alternative to having family members take time off work. 

"The cost of somebody taking off work to take you to your appointment isn't necessarily the best time that they need you," says Knox. "We have amazing drivers who want to help and want to drive people. So we just say if you're thinking about it, phone us, have a conversation, and we'll help you figure out if it's the best thing for you."

Central Plains Cancer Services can also provide financial support for families when children receive a cancer diagnosis. The organization's driving program reimburses costs spent driving to and from treatments and appointments, while accommodation costs can also be provided.

"When there are children who are diagnosed with cancer we help in any way possible," says Knox. "We also just provide funding for things out of the ordinary. We've helped people when they've had a loss of job because they were caring for their children... we really try to help out any way possible that we can, because having a child with cancer is enough stress as it is."

Knox notes that during her time with the organization, she has seen instances where tens of thousands of dollars have been provided to families as financial support. CPCS's Hearts of Hope program is another avenue in which people can receive assistance. 

"It could be things like accommodation, it could be equipment needed when you're going through a cancer diagnosis, it could be for assistance after you've recovered from your cancer diagnosis," says Knox. "And there are always things that may come up after - that could be hearing aids, it could be walkers, we help out the best we can in that area. We're very grateful that Homestead Co-op in Portage is a big supporter of that program and they support all we do with that Hearts for Hope program."

For more information on Central Plains Cancer Services, its programs, or looking to donate can visit centralplainscancerservices.com. Knox adds that their Facebook and Instagram are also useful resources for information. 

"Or you can reach out to us," she says. "We are working remotely and our office isn't open right now, but you can always email me at executivedirector@centralplainscancerservices.com or call 204-871-3391."