A Glimpse into CanSupport’s Day Care

For those battling cancer, every day comes with its own set of challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. At CanSupport, a beacon of hope for cancer patients and their families, “Day Care” days offer a much-needed break. These special gatherings, held on specific days at different centres, provide a safe environment where patients can engage in activities, connect with others facing similar struggles, and receive care beyond medical treatment.

It’s Friday – Daycare day for adults either battling cancer or supporting a loved one through the journey. Walking in, there’s an immediate feeling of something indescribable —a mix of comfort, hope, and uncertainty. But one thing is certain: this feels like a big family. The people gathered here come from different backgrounds and have different reasons for attending today. Some are fighting cancer, others are there for emotional support, but a shared sense of gratitude for the warmth and solace they find in the space is common amongst all.

The activity planned for the day is sewing. Before it begins, the volunteers, who have graciously agreed to spend their time here, set the tone with their enthusiasm. Everyone is treated as an equal—no one cares about status, gender, or background. It is a place of pure support and understanding. Tea and snacks are passed around as conversations flow naturally, laughter in the air in a way that feels effortless and unforced.

Each participant receives a scarf, a small sewing kit with a needle and thread, and decorative add-ons to personalize their scarf. A quiet sense of concentration takes over the room as everyone focuses on their task. For those who are unable to sew due to medical reasons, volunteers and fellow participants step in to help, making sure that no one is left out. In the end, every person proudly holds up their finished scarf, their faces lighting up with joy and accomplishment as they pose for photos with their creations.

But the morning is far from over. Music fills the room, and the atmosphere shifts from quiet concentration to unfiltered joy. People rise to their feet, dancing freely, leaving behind the weight of their struggles. In these moments, the burdens of illness fade into the background, replaced by a sense of carefree happiness. The feeling is overwhelming, a testament to the power of these daycare sessions in providing much-needed distraction and relief. For a short while, everyone is simply present, enjoying the moment together, bound by an invisible thread of support and understanding.

Before food gets served, the group comes together in meditation. A calming silence settles over the room, allowing everyone to absorb the comfort that is palpable in the air. This final act of togetherness reinforces the essence of CanSupport’s Day Care days—a space of healing, not just for the body, but for the heart and soul as well.

These sessions are more than just activities; they are a reminder that no one fights alone. In a world that can often feel isolating, CanSupport provides a sanctuary where hope, love, and companionship prevail.