REGINA — For those battling cancer, having a welcoming and open space to stay during their treatment can make a world of difference.
Elaine Meckler, who is currently undergoing radiation treatment, is one of dozens staying at the Regina Cancer Patient Lodge, which recently completed a nearly two-year renovation upgrade.
“There's no comparison. The upgrades are absolutely beautiful,” said Meckler, who has been staying at the lodge on and off in 2023.
One key upgrade for the lodge was making each room feel more residential, as opposed to a hospital bed.
“It offers our guests just a very home-like environment,” said Tiffany Hymers, Regina Cancer Patient Lodge manager.
“This is your home while you're with us, so bring anything that you want to make it feel more like that, she added.
Anyone staying at the lodge can bring family with them, as Meckler has been accompanied by her husband, Richard.
“[So], I’m not alone the whole time [during my stay],” noted Meckler.
As for others, Joy Shaw, who described being shocked by her recent cancer diagnosis, has been staying at the lodge for roughly a month now.
“It's been a really good experience."
She suggests anyone with cancer who that needs temporary housing come to the lodge.
"It's like a home away from home.”
Shaw’s daughter, Debbie Graas, is currently staying with her at the lodge for support.
“[I] feel better that she has family support and an extra set of ears to go to the appointments and to make sure that if she misses something or forgets what they said, then there's a backup person [with her],” said Grass.
Shaw also mentioned having others around who are dealing with cancer treatment can be a big help.
A better experience
Hymers feels the upgrades give a better sense of community at the lodge, especially for those coming from rural communities.
During the renovation, the lodge upgraded 18 rooms with new beds, furniture, artwork, flooring, shades, bathroom upgrades, etc.
Additionally, the lodge now offers a wide variety of games/books for guests to enjoy a fitness room to improve health, a sunroom to read-in and a piano room.
From the upgrades, the lodge can now accommodate 32 guests a night, up from 28.
“[We’ve accommodated] over 300 guests per year,” noted Hymers.
She also pointed out the lodge is usually at between 90 and 100 per cent capacity every night.
Overall, the entire renovation cost $3 million.
Hymers said nearly $2 million was covered from donations provided by the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, while the remainder came from the Ministry of Health.
The building the lodge operates out of has been utilized since 1984. With these upgrades, Hymers said they’re hoping the building can last another 40 years.
