Bringing cancer care closer to home in Kamloops: Brenda’s story

Brenda Partridge has always valued being part of a close-knit community. As a mother, a grandmother, and a longtime registered nurse, she has spent her life caring for others with patience and compassion. When she retired from her busy career, she and her husband, Gord, continued building the life they loved in Kamloops, surrounded by the community and the everyday routines that shaped their lives.

In September 2024, everything changed when Brenda was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Her treatment journey included three surgeries in Vancouver and 31 radiation sessions and chemotherapy at the BC Cancer centre in Kelowna. The treatment she received was essential, but it came with a challenge that many Interior patients know too well: the long drive.

For Brenda, the five-hour round trip between Kamloops and Kelowna was impossible to manage while undergoing daily radiation treatments. Brenda and Gord made the decision to stay in Kelowna for the duration of her treatment. With support from the Canadian Cancer Society, they found a place to stay, but it still meant being away from home, their routines, and the comfort of familiar support.

"Cancer treatment takes so much
out of you, and having your loved ones
close makes all the difference"

“Being away from home from the support of our family and friends was one of the hardest parts. Cancer treatment takes so much out of you, and having your loved ones close makes all the difference,” said Brenda.

Because of her experience, Brenda deeply understands the difference it will make to have cancer care close to home in Kamloops. She knows how much stress will be lifted for the people of Kamloops and surrounding regions who will not have to relocate or travel long distances during one of the toughest times in their lives.

“Knowing this centre is coming to Kamloops gives me a lot of hope. When I was at the BC Cancer centre in Kelowna, I received excellent care from everyone I met – the receptionists, volunteers, nurses, nurse practitioner, oncologists, dietitian, speech therapist, and radiation techs. I’m grateful for the care I received, and I’m even more grateful that future patients will be able to get that same level of care close to home.”

Brenda Partridge and her husband Gord.

Construction is now underway on the new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops. The immediate goal is to bring radiation therapy services to the region as early as possible and reduce the need for people in Kamloops and surrounding communities to travel to Kelowna for radiation treatment.

The new BC Cancer centre will bring important cancer care services to Kamloops, including radiation therapy planning with a CT simulator, diagnostic MRI, and an outpatient oncology clinic with dedicated exam and consultation rooms. It will also include an interfaith sacred space for patients, families, and staff, modern work areas for care teams, and a 470-stall parkade. The project also includes upgrades to the community oncology clinic and pharmacy at Royal Inland Hospital, strengthening cancer care for the region.

When the centre opens in 2028, it is expected to support 7,500 radiation consults and follow up appointments each year and provide approximately 16,500 treatments for up to 1,200 patients in its first year alone. This means less time on the road, fewer disruptions to daily life, and more time with loved ones.

“As someone who has received life-saving care at BC Cancer, it truly comforts me to know that a new cancer centre is now underway and will bring care closer to home. It’s a meaningful step forward for patients, families, and the entire region.”