There are more than 800 clients that come through the doors of Kordyban Lodge every year and Jack Sebastian, 72, of Hazelton considers himself one of the lucky ones.
Yes, he has cancer but he said he’s lucky to be here in Prince George receiving cancer treatment at the Cancer Centre for the North that is just a stroll under the covered walkway from the Lodge, where he’s staying for the seven weeks of radiation treatment.
Since 2014, Kordyban Lodge has been one of seven affordable lodges the Canadian Cancer Society operates across the country for people who must travel for cancer treatment outside of their home communities.
Sebastian has completed week two of seven and gets four days off to go spend Christmas with his family and then he will return to complete the rest of his treatment.
The lump on his neck is pretty much gone now thanks to chemotherapy, he said, and he knows the radiation will take care of the rest.
Sebastian said he’s grateful to everyone who has helped along the way.
“It’s so wonderful to stay in such a beautiful place,” Sebastian said, gesturing to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows in the gigantic living room at the Kordyban Lodge.
“And they are the best people – not just at the Lodge but also the doctors and nurses and all the cancer people are just amazing – they are all just excellent – they are just so kind-hearted and they are always ready to help and talk to you. They make your stay so comfortable. They’ve got the right people here.”
Sebastian said when he was first diagnosed he shared the news with friends and family but when people told him he was going to die he took to his bed for a while but soon realized that wasn’t going to change anything. So he got out of bed and got on with his life.
“If you fight it, you’ll make it," Sebastian said. "And if you believe in prayer, prayer really helps. I pray every day.”
Sebastian is on a pension so he is on a limited income and staying at Kordyban Lodge really helps ease the financial burden.
“It saved me a lot of money that I didn’t have,” Sebastian quipped.
And by staying at the lodge he can concentrate on what really matters.
“The last thing we want is for patients at the Cancer Centre for the North to have to worry about their accommodations - they should only be focused on their treatment,” Simi Parhar, manager at the Kordyban Lodge, said.
During their stay at the Kordyban Lodge, the guest is supported, informed and empowered. The lodge offers a variety of amenities and services to make people affected by cancer and their caregivers feel at home. Services include meals and snacks, wellness and supportive care programs such as dog therapy, art and music sessions, wig and breast prosthesis services, transportation to and from appointments, access to the library and resource room, free Wi-FI, gym, activity room that offers TV, computers, games and a pool table.
Patients can come together in the common areas, offering emotional and navigational support as guests at the lodge have a shared experience.
To donate to Kordyban Lodge to help ease the financial burden of guests, consider donating to the Peace of Mind campaign.
As people donate to the cause it ensures guests can focus on their care as they can get a subsidized rate of $30 per guest per night. Each stay includes three nutritious meals and two snacks a day, 24-hour staff supervision, amenities, parking, activities, resources and other support services. For more information visit Peace of Mind Campaign or check out other ways to donate at The Canadian Cancer Society.
