What is the kEEP?
The KEEP is an online hub for connecting Manitoban’s experiencing cancer with opportunities to share their lived experience, knowledge, and skills in the service of helping others. Its purpose is to:
Provide information and access to opportunities available for cancer patients and their supporters through CancerCare Manitoba that are intended to contribute to improving the cancer journey in Manitoba.
Provide a platform for online initiatives developed by the members of the Patient Engagement Steering Committee
The KEEP was started by the Patient Engagement Steering Committee at CancerCare Manitoba, a group of patient advisor at CancerCare Manitoba. Working with Argyle Media, and guided by a vision of creating an online space capable of catalyzing positive change in the lives of Manitoban’s living with cancer, the steering committee worked to develop The KEEP brand as well as the design for the website. Under the continued direction of the patient engagement steering committee, The KEEP will continue to evolve as a creative and collaborative outlet for those experiencing cancer to share ideas, connections, and opportunities to improve the cancer experience in Manitoba.
Why is The KEEP important?
One reason The KEEP is important is that people experiencing cancer do not always get what they need from the healthcare system. Sometimes, this is because healthcare decision makers are not aware of the issues that are most important to those living with cancer and how these issues impact their lives.
By connecting people that have lived cancer experience in Manitoba with researchers and healthcare decision makers, The KEEP promotes collaboration and communication between those with the power to shape cancer care delivery and the people the healthcare system aims to serves.
The KEEP is also important because it provides an opportunity for those with lived cancer experience to form a community, identify common issues, and work towards tackling them. As an example, the curated resource directory is an initiative that was identified by the members of the patient engagement steering committee as important. This directory will be developed and hosted through The KEEP. As a shared project developed to address common issues in the community of those affected by cancer in Manitoba, The KEEP and the curated resource directory, represents a source of community and empowerment.
Who Maintains
The KEEP
The KEEP is an initiative of the Patient Engagement Steering Committee at CancerCare Manitoba. Current members of this committee include, but are not limited to:
- Annette Albo
- Chantale Thurston
- Genevieve Richardson
- Kellie Jewitt
- Raina Stromberg
- Mac Thiessen MD PhD MN(iis) FRCPC (facilitator)
How Can I Contribute to The KEEP
If you have questions about the Patient Engagement Steering Committee or The KEEP:
Acknowledgements
The patient engagement steering committee would like to acknowledge the generous financial support which made The KEEP possible, received from the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
