Skip to content

Abbotsford woman starts charity to support cancer patients

Cancer in Common provides funding and support to help ease burden

An Abbotsford-based charity is providing funding and support for people living with cancer.

Cancer in Common The Charitable Foundation was founded by Brooklyn Paterson of Abbotsford after she went through her own cancer diagnosis two months before her 27th birthday.

Almost one year later, her spouse was also diagnosed with cancer.

“The cost associated with two back-to-back diagnoses was astonishing, and not a day goes that we are not grateful for the support we received,” she says in a video about the organization.

Cancer in Common supports cancer patients across Canada with needs such as finding transportation for appointments, finding a therapist to help through such a difficult time or helping to ease the financial strain.

“Whether it’s medications and medical equipment or basic hygiene and living expenses that you can no longer afford, we’re honoured to stand beside you,” Paterson says.

The organization also aims to encourage networking events and support groups, whether online or in person.

Cancer in Common was created as a society in December 2022 and gained charity status in November 2023. Tax receipts are available upon request for donations of more than $100.

Visit cancerincommontcf.com to apply for support, make a donation or get more information.



Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
Read more