Keep some money home

One Wabush town councillor figures it's only fair that a portion of the money raised in cancer fundraisers (within Labrador) should be set aside specifically for Labradorians.

Jim Farrell said he doesn't expect all proceeds to stay here, but would certainly like to see some percentage of it remain; given the extra cost of dealing with the dreaded disease means for people in Labrador compared to the rest of the province.

"I know there has to be money for research and I know that very important," Farrell acknowledged in an interview with the Aurora. "I also know there needs to be money for administration, someone has to make sure the funds are handled properly but, I think, a portion like 20 or even 25 per cent of the money raised here could be set aside for the people of Labrador who are cancer patients."

Going to write a letter

Farrell said he will be asking council to write a letter of request to the Canadian Cancer Society to keep a portion for the people of Labrador for expenses and he said he'd like to explain why there is a need for that in Labrador.

"For someone living on the island [portion of the province] they don't have to incur a cost of probably $1200 for an [airline] ticket out of here," he pointed out. "And, you can be sure that pretty well all those cancer patients need a travel companion to go with them, so that's another plane ticket. Then you have meals, lodging, taxis and God knows what else. I mean a cancer patient could have to make a half dozen trips in a year for medical attention."

Financial devastation

Farrell pointed out the magnitude of the monies raised here and maintains no cancer patient should have to suffer financially, or be devastated financially in order to take advantage of treatments that cannot be received in Labrador.

"The people here are isolated and the cost, whether it is to drive or fly, can be very difficult for families," said the Wabush councillor. "I've said time and time again, it's time people outside understand that not everyone who lives in Labrador West works for the mining companies, far from it. An awful lot of people work in lower paying jobs and don't have insurances to cover costs associated with travelling for treatment. I think it's important that, at least a percentage of the money raised for cancer stay in Labrador."

Anywhere in Labrador

Farrell said he understands there is administration costs to all this but said, he would be satisfied if this money was kept in the Canadian Cancer Society chapter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and administered from there.

"For all Labradorians I am asking this," he said. "Because no matter what part of Labrador you live in, there is an awful expense associated with travel that is for sure."