The sun streams in through windows that reach from floor to soaring ceiling. Gentle piano music fills the hallways and common room. Those who enter are enveloped in an environment of calm and peacefulness. Canadian Cancer Society’s Kordyban Lodge is a home away from home for many northern cancer patients where compassionate and supportive staff and volunteers walk beside guests on their treatment journey.
Many Quesnel residents have availed themselves of these warm and welcoming accommodations as they take radiation treatments and other cancer-related services at the hospital.
Just a short walk from PG Regional Hospital, Kordyban Lodge costs $55/day which includes three meals a day and whole lot more.
Entertainment, fashion shows, jigsaw puzzles everywhere, baskets of wool for those who want to knit and staff and volunteers who really care are just some of the activities and services at Kordyban Lodge.
Guests are encouraged to socialize as treatments can be isolating and difficult. Almost everyone who stays at Kordyban Lodge are there for cancer treatments, although if there’s space, others needing treatments or appointments can stay there as well.
Those who have stayed at Kordyban Lodge praise its existence, saying the personalized treatment by staff and volunteers, the handmade quilts, slippers and caps given to the residents and the sense of being enveloped with large caring hands makes such a difference and promotes healing.
Also located in Kordyban Lodge are Masonic services to patients such as transportation to appointments, pick up at the airport and other support as required.
Most special rooms and common areas bear a plaque naming the person either who donated the funds or in honour of someone who succumbed to cancer. Everywhere within the lodge are reminders of the generosity of Prince George businesses and individuals as well as surrounding areas that helped make Kordyban Lodge a reality.
The lodge has 24-hour nursing staff and other support staff however the bulk of the work is carried out by dedicated volunteers.
Terry, a volunteer with Kordyban since it opened just over two years ago, said in a quiet voice, “If cancer patients or their families need support, Kordyban Lodge is here for them.”
The doors to Kordyban Lodge are always open and anyone can stop by and see the great facility and services available.
This year, Quesnel hopes to make Relay For Life a truly remarkable event. Slated for Friday, May 27, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. at Baker Creek Park, the public is invited to join the many teams already busy fundraising for a community dinner (by donation) and enjoy many fun, healthy activities. People are also encouraged to gather friends, co-workers, family, sports groups and anyone else to join a team and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society research and services.
Don’t have a team? Just call Deb Burton 250-255-8225 and she’ll help put you in touch with a team you can join. Don’t want to be on a team? Stop by the Baker Creek Park and join in the fun activities. Everyone is welcome.