The Tree of Hope Campaign is an annual event of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation which furthers the development of the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre, improves quality of care for patients staying at the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge and enhances cancer research efforts of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI). Since its inception in 1989, the Tree of Hope Campaign has raised over $12 million thanks to the generosity of men and women who find hope by making spontaneous and benevolent gestures for the well-being of their community.

For many who take part, the Tree of Hope is a grand campaign where a feeling of belonging reigns. Above all, the Tree of Hope finds its identity in the patient and his or her loved-ones. Its common theme: the real-life story of the patient and his or her loved-ones. The Tree of Hope also unites countless volunteers whose generosity knows no bounds. The Tree of Hope Campaign is marked by pride in people’s accomplishments towards a worthy cause. It is also an opportunity to gather together and celebrate community.

Distribution of funds raised in 2009

For the 2009 Tree of Hope Campaign, the Foundation contributed to the realization of hospital goals by allocating the funds raised to the following targeted projects:

1 - Endowment fund for the Mgr.Henri-Cormier Lodge

The Lodge welcomes patients from all over NewBrunswick and tries to recreate an environment similar to the patient’s family life. It is thanks to the Tree of Hope Campaign that patients are accommodated free of charge.

2 - Atlantic Cancer Research Institute

We are all aware of the importance that is research. Today, the cancer survival rate is of 62% in New Brunswick, which is an increase of 4.5 per cent over the last 15 years. Throughout the past twenty years, the Tree of Hope Campaign has invested in the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute every year.

3 - Acquisition of an endoscopic ultrasound

Each year, the Tree of Hope Campaign invests in state-of-the-art equipment in order to treat NewBrunswick patients, right here in NewBrunswick. This piece of equipment will not only enable us to conduct two tests as one, but will also provide a better staging of various cancers with an increased comfort level; therefore resulting in a more accurate diagnostic.

4 - Purchase of equipment to treat skin cancer, namely orthovoltage

This piece of equipment allows us to administrate very large doses of radiation at a relatively low volume while avoiding, to the extent possible, healthy tissues and sensitive organs. In 2009, it is estimated that 75,100 new skin cancer cases will be diagnosed in Canada, which represents the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Canada.

5 - Awareness and education campaign for cancer prevention

For the first time in its existence, the Tree of Hope Campaign will invest in cancer prevention and awareness. Theories explain that in order to fight this horrible disease, we need to adjust our lifestyles and adopt newer ones such as healthy eating habits and incorporate more physical activity. This year, in order to help us communicate this message among our youths, we will establish a partnership with the Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Services which receive financial support

The Foundation is proud to be associated to the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Regional Hospital and continues pursuing its objectives in order to meet the needs of the community. The following three sectors have received financial support thanks to your donations to the Tree of Hope:

Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre

Opened in 1993, the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre is a centre specialized in the treatment cancer, offering complete services in radiation therapy, medical oncology and gynecology-oncology, using the most advanced technologies.

Each year, the centre treats approximately 1,500 new cancer patients and offers nearly 25,000 radiotherapy treatments and 4,500 chemotherapy treatments. More than 50,000 visits are registered each year, making the Dr. Léon-Richard Oncology Centre one of the busiest in Atlantic Canada. The centre participates in various research projects and is an active member of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (Group clinical trials), of the Breast Cancer International Research Group and of the Radiation Therapeutic Oncology Group.

Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge

Opened in September 1993 and built at a total cost of $4.7 million, the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge, which offers accommodations to patients of the Oncology Centre, was entirely financed with the public’s donations. Thanks to an expansion completed in 2003, the Lodge can now welcome free of charge 65patients requiring cancer treatments, as well as 20companions, from all regions of New Brunswick and neighbouring provinces. In fact, 96% of the Lodge’s residents do not live in the Greater Moncton area.

· Accommodates, free of charge, 65 oncology patients and 20 companions.
· Opened in September of 1993 and entirely financed with the public’s donations.
· Built at a total cost of $4.7 million.
· Current occupancy: 100%, and sometimes even up to 110%.
· 96% occupied by people who live outside of the Greater Moncton area.
· Provides a sharing and supportive environment within patients.
· The Lodge is unique in offering this service in NewBrunswick.
· Average duration of stay: 30 days, can go up to 60 days depending on the type of treatment.

Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI)

Created in 1998, the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a non-profit organization which has the only team of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The group aims to increase their research capabilities in specific fields: genomics, gene therapy, biotechnology and their applications in oncology.

A multidisciplinary team of over 20 specialists in molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, genomics and pathology has at its disposal a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. The ACRI is the most important cancer research centre in Atlantic Canada.

Achievements 2001-2008

Thanks to the funds raised, the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation has financed essential projects which directly benefited cancer patients:

• Construction and expansion of the Mgr. Henri-Cormier Lodge.
• Purchase of a third linear accelerator for radiation treatments. Since its arrival, the waiting list was cut from several months to only three weeks.
• Support of a unique teleoncology program for the screening of cervical cancer. The Foundation’s contribution allows this innovative telemedicine program to reach women in various regions of New Brunswick.
• Purchase of a brachytherapy system to treat gynecological and prostate cancers.
• Support towards the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute for cancer research initiatives.
• Purchase of education computer software for patients who visit the oncology centre.
• Implementation and advancement of the Integrated Computerized Oncology Network (ICON), a system that allows the centralization of data of oncology patients.
• Purchase of equipment for cancer detection and screening. This equipment enables the elimination of certain surgeries and reduces the number of patient visits to the hospital.
• Establishment of the pediatric oncology program. Info-Hope acts as an information source for the public as well as for health care professionals.
• Development of a continuous support service for patients who receive chemotherapy treatments in the Caraquet, Bathurst, Campbellton and Edmundston regions.

Read the testimonial of the Tree Keepers

Tree of Hope
330 Université Avenue
Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 2Z3

Telephone: 1-800-862-6775
Fax: 506-862-4474
Email: info@treeofhope.ca