Gong for cancer patients to ring stolen from Kitchener Cancer Centre
· Toronto Sun
This story begs the question: Who would do such a thing?
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Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after someone stole the gong that cancer patients ring when they’ve finished their treatment at the Waterloo Regional Health Network’s (WRHN) Cancer Centre in Kitchener.
“We are aware and investigating,” police spokesman Chris Iden told the Toronto Sun on Monday.
Cassandra Easton, a spokesperson for the WRHN, said the gong was in place last Monday, April 27, but gone when a patient went to use it on Tuesday, April 28.
“The WRHN Foundation is working with the donor who originally donated the gong, and are looking into replacement,” she said.
Cancer program ‘deeply disheartened’ by gong theft
In an official statement, Desa Hobbs, Vice President, Patient Care and Regional Vice President of Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, said: “We are deeply disheartened by the disappearance of the ceremonial gong at WRHN Cancer Centre, which holds significant meaning for our patients as they mark important milestones in their cancer journey. This gong is more than an object, it represents resilience, hope, and the strength of patients along their cancer journeys. While we are saddened that it was taken, we want to reassure our community that the WRHN Foundation is in the process of replacing it so patients can continue to celebrate these powerful moments. We remain committed to supporting our patients and ensuring these traditions endure.”
The tradition is for patients to get their photos taken striking the gong, while nurses, doctors and volunteers give a round of applause.
While striking the gong has become a tradition at the former Grand River Hospital, the ringing of a bell has become symbolic with the end of cancer treatment worldwide.