Canadian Website...

thanks so much for finding this Michelle - who's behind it? (only took a quick look)
Hey, how about a 5 year party next year?
Janet

Interesting..... It is nice to have a local resource, and I like their Lend-A-Hand section for those who need assistance and those who can offer assistance.

I found this page on the site with information about who they are:
http://www.sharingstrength.ca/index.cfm?page=home.aboutWho

There is a list of Committee Members, which seems to be weighted towards Patient Advocates from various hospitals, as well as people from pharmacy services at hospitals. The funding for the site is from AstraZeneca, a drug company. This could put into question how the information will be used or whether the information will be biased, but they do make a point of saying the following: "SharingStrength maintains complete editorial independence and operational separation from the sponsor of the site, AstraZeneca Canada. None of the content is pre-screened, altered or edited by the sponsor at any time."

BC.org is a non-profit organization, which at least on the surface seems like it would be less biased. Still, a local site is definitely worth checking out and supporting.

Oh, I know. We're not going to get away from the Big Pharma money anywhere we go!!

I think for me the difference is that BC.org is a non-profit organization that gets donations from a number of pharmaceutical firms, vs. the new Canadian website that was set up and sponsored by a single pharmaceutical firm. Having watched how BC.org operates, I've seen how some of their decisions reflect their desire to appeal to potential sponsors (rather than just benefit women with BC), however as a non-profit organization funded by many different companies and groups, I doubt that any one sponsor can have too much influence. On the other hand, a website set up by a single company can lay out their rules, but then could change them at any time. Or just pull the plug on the site if it doesn't pay out for them quickly enough. I get a little queasy knowing that one company is pulling all the strings.

In an ideal world, the Canadian site would have been set up by a Canadian cancer or breast cancer organization, with funding from a number of pharma companies. Still, I agree with you. It's good to have a Canadian discussion board. There are different treatment regimens in Canada, and we face different issues with our public health system. I really do hope that it is successful, and maybe more firms will jump on board with funding.

Thanks Carmelle

Wellspring had some cards on this
when I visited

Will refer others on to this


Best )

Hope your long week-end is great!