Former family home in Moncton, N.B., transformed into cancer resource centre

A new spot near the Moncton Hospital will provide free, non-medical support services for cancer patients.

A home in Moncton, N.B., that underwent a massive renovation is now a resource hub and support centre for cancer patients.

The Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation held a grand opening Tuesday for the Wellspring Bannon House which is located a few steps away from the Moncton Hospital.

The former Bannon family home has been transformed into a space with free, non-medical support services for people living with cancer, their family members and caregivers.

The Wellspring Bannon House was donated to the Friends Foundation by Sheila Bannon in memory of her parents Eileen and Doug Bannon and her sister Jane Bannon.

“This is just amazing. I am just ecstatic about this home. The transformation is just phenomenal,” said Bannon after the ribbon cutting. “This house was not updated for many years. My parents had never updated it. And today it’s a beautiful home. It’s going to help so many cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers. I’m just so proud and some humble at the same time.”

Renovations began in the fall of 2024 and Bannon said she couldn’t believe the difference when she walked in for the first time and saw the finished product.

“That house had old carpet in it. Old cupboards, very outdated. It was from the ‘60s and today it’s just amazing how it looks,” said Bannon. “It’s just beautiful. It exceeded my expectations.”

The former family home turned hub is a gathering place where those affected by cancer can connect with others, build resilience and access programs that can improve their quality of life.

Programs will be led by registered dietitians, social workers, nurses and kinesiologists.

As of now, 15 trained peer support volunteers who have experience as cancer patients or caregivers are prepared to provide one-on-one support and welcome members to the Bannon House.

The Bannon House is the first Wellspring cancer support affiliate in all of Atlantic Canada and will be 100 per cent funded through the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and the CHU Dumont Foundation.

In a news release, Friends Foundation president and CEO Frances LeBlanc said the centre’s launch marks a new chapter of hope and healing for cancer patients in New Brunswick.

“This is about more than programs,” said LeBlanc. “It’s about connection, dignity, and community.”

The Medavie Foundation provided $500,000, the largest donation for the hub.

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