Barrhead Community Cancer Centre Team Recognized as 2025 RhPAP Rhapsody Nominees
In June 2025, the Barrhead Community Cancer Centre (BCCC) team was proudly nominated for the RhPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award—a provincial honour recognizing outstanding rural healthcare professionals. While the award ultimately went to another deserving group, we believe our team is made up of true heroes who deserve a heartfelt community spotlight.
From chemotherapy and cancer treatment to social and emotional support, the BCCC team offers more than just medical care—they provide comfort, hope, and stability to patients facing one of life’s toughest battles.
The nomination highlighted the contributions of a multidisciplinary team that includes:
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Registered Nurses: Linda Knapp, Daniella Weirenga, Bailey Weber, Kristina Hoefels, Shelley Kaey, Charlotte Hill, Hope Meier, Donna Simoneau
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Clerks: Renee Kobes and Krisha Aarsen
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Physicians: Dr. Kent Bernes, Dr. Abdeldaim Tawfik, and Dr. Egbertus Bletterman de Waal
“The team’s compassion and dedication to delivering specialised care locally make them healthcare heroes to the patients, families, and communities they support,”
— Lorianne Edwards, in her nomination statement.
Real Heroes, Right Here at Home
Together, they ensure that cancer patients in Barrhead and surrounding areas receive top-tier treatment without the burden of travel to larger cities. The Centre, one of 11 across the province and the first to open in 1996, has also supported patients from communities as far as Slave Lake, Bonnyville, Hinton, Drayton Valley, and even the Northwest Territories during times of crisis such as wildfires and staff shortages.
Volunteer Violet Schriever, who donates her time at the clinic, has seen the team’s impact firsthand:
“When the patient is stressed, I watch the team members hold their hand or place a hand gently on their arm and assure them they will be there for them.”
“The Barrhead Cancer Clinic team brings sunshine to their patients while they are going through a trying time. They have such big hearts.”
While the spotlight may shine elsewhere during awards season, we want to shine it right back on our own team at the Barrhead Community Cancer Centre. Their tireless efforts, compassionate care, and community leadership continue to inspire us every day.
Let’s rally together and show them how proud we are. Share a smile or a “Hello”, or stop by the Centre and let these local heroes know how much they mean to all of us!