Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Mastectomy Visiting Program
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Mastectomy Rehabilitation Program (later visiting program) of the Canadian Cancer Society was initiated in Calgary, Alberta in 1973 when local coordinator Pat Webber trained six volunteers to assist in the rehabilitation of mastectomy patients. The program focussed on helping patients to recover physical and emotional well-being by providing effective and understanding role models: female visitors who had themselves undergone mastectomies. The program was quickly accepted by local hospitals and the medical profession and by 1981 Mrs. Webber had trained more than 70 volunteers in Calgary alone.