Walking into the office of Pals is like a hug.

For many cancer patients in Bermuda, it is the warm embrace they need — not just at the end of life but from the very beginning of their diagnosis. For more than four decades, Pals has been known for its compassionate end-of-life care.

But today, thanks to advancements in treatment and a growing focus on wellness, our message is a little different: cancer care is about helping people live well — physically and emotionally — throughout their cancer journey.

Pals was founded in 1980 by nursing volunteers and has grown into Bermuda's leading home-based cancer care organisation. Our mission is to provide personalised care in a home setting, free of charge, from diagnosis through end of life. We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of age, income or background.

Our services include skilled nursing care, psychosocial support, pain and symptom management, medical equipment loans, counselling, financial assistance and bereavement support. Last year, we supported more than 400 cancer patients and their families with services delivered island-wide. In 2024, our clinical team made in excess of 4,000 patient visits. We are proud to partner with Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and other healthcare providers to ensure patients experience co-ordinated care.

A unique feature of our approach is early intervention. By encouraging referrals at the time of diagnosis — not only at end of life — we can provide care that eases physical discomfort, reduces anxiety, and empowers families. Patients and families have consistently shared that Pals care “significantly reduces stress”, “increases their peace of mind” and “allows families to focus on quality time together”.

This kind of impact is possible only through the power of community. Pals relies on the generosity of donors, corporate sponsors and volunteers to sustain our services. Our annual budget is approximately $2.3 million, all of which comes from you — the community.

In the long run, we envision a wellness centre — a dedicated space to support living well with cancer. This centre would offer holistic programmes that address emotional wellbeing, nutrition, physical therapy, peer support and survivorship. Our goal is to shift Bermuda's approach to cancer care from isolated treatments to community-centred, continuous support, improving the quality of life for patients and families alike.

If you or someone you know is living with cancer, we encourage you to contact us early — the sooner a patient is referred, the more we can improve their quality of life. Pals is here to walk alongside you from Day 1 through every chapter of the journey.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference, we welcome your support. Volunteer. Donate. Partner. Spread the word. Help us ensure that no one in Bermuda faces cancer alone.

Because when you walk through our door, you don’t just get a hug — you get the care and support you need.

• Colleen English DeGrilla is the executive director of Pals Cancer Care