Cancer stories for sharing
Yellowknife Public Library lending out people to share their stories of survival
Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 26, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
As well as reading up on the stories of those affected by cancer, the Yellowknife Public Library is offering a chance to hear them firsthand.
Human books on loan at library
- Rebecca Alty: giving back
- Vee Faria: screening and prevention of chronic disease
- Gillian Burles: living with cancer
- Nathalie Kauffeldt: yoga to promote healing
- Abbey Boyd: surviving childhood cancer
- Walt Humphries: the cancer journey
- David Arbeau: cancer in the family and raising awareness
- Nicole Redvers: the use of naturopathic oncology
- Canadian Cancer Society: personal stories and services available
- Deborah Bruser: dealing with childhood cancer as a parent
Source: Yellowknife Public Library
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A human library with the theme of "Cancer - Stories from Our People," will host one-on-one conversations with various people living, working and dealing with cancer.
"There is so much interest in this disease," said Deborah Bruser, library manager.
"As we live longer, it's become so much more prevalent. There is this fear of cancer and we want to break down that barrier and that fear."
Some of the human books on loan include cancer survivors, health care professionals who teach healthy living and cancer prevention, and people living with cancer in their family.
"I am loaning myself out, for anyone who wants to speak with a parent of a cancer survivor," said Bruser.
In 1990, Bruser's daughter Emily was diagnosed with a Wilm's tumour, which had spread and progressed to stage four.
"It kicked off a very dark journey," said Bruser, adding that more than a year of chemotherapy and radiation followed.
"I really would like to share on the subject of hope in the situation. We were blessed by a very positive outcome."
Bruser's daughter just recently turned 32, and is expecting her first child in a month.
"It was a scary time but ultimately encouraged me to be less fearful, more grateful and live in the moment," said Bruser.
In learning more about cancer and those who have been impacted by it, Bruser said that initial fear can be reduced, and myth's dispelled. The Department of Health and Social Services is working with the library to hold the event, providing resources and recommendations for people to be human books.
"As human beings, we love to learn true stories. You can learn true stories in a book but to have someone tell their story in a format you'll actually learn about the issue, or in this case cancer, is very appealing," said Andre Corriveau, chief public health officer.
"I think we all have things to learn from hearing each other's story."
There will be 10 human books on loan at the library, for 20-minute sessions each and Corriveau said there is a mutual benefit for the participants and the human books.
"The dialogue creates ideas or points to areas for improvement," said Corriveau. "By listening to those, we can get insight and ways to do things better."
The Human Library is being held in conjunction with various events around World Cancer Day on Feb. 4. It's a day Corriveau said the department marks every year, as one third of deaths in the NWT are caused by cancer, and just under 50 per cent of residents will be diagnosed with cancer in their lives.
The Canadian Cancer Society will also be supplying human books for the event, and Nikki Grobbecker, revenue development officer, said it is an opportunity to share both stories and information on the disease.
"I think it just really gives people an understanding that there are loads of people in our community that are affected by cancer, whether directly, in their family or a friend; everyone is affected by cancer," said Grobbecker.
"It's important we get out there and talk about it because there are some cancers that you can prevent them or detect them early."
The concept of human libraries was first developed in Denmark in 2000, with a goal of combating prejudice and opening communication on a wide range of issues.
Last year, the library hosted its first human library, which Bruser said was left wide open to human books ranging from members of the LGBTQ community, to a recovered addict, to a musician.
"We just looked for interested people who might have stories to share that might break down barriers and stereotypes," said Bruser.
"There is a more narrow focus this year but certainly such a wealth of stories to be shared."
Held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 31, reservations for human books can be made through the library. If there is space open, drop-ins will also be welcome.
