Hope & Cope founder Sheila Kussner passes away
By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban
Sheila Kussner, who inspired and touched generations of Montrealers with her bravery and dedication to supporting people with cancer for more than 40 years, passed away last week at the age of 91.
Kussner, who lost part of a leg to cancer at the age of 14, founded Hope & Cope in 1981 at the Jewish General Hospital to improve the lives of others in the community affected by cancer — both patients and their loved ones. The Hope & Cope Wellness Centre opened in 2007, the first such stand-alone centre in Montreal. The centre, which is recognized internationally, offers support services to patients for free.
The organization’s tribute stated that, “Her contributions and unparalleled fundraising efforts over more than four decades have truly transformed the way our society cares for and supports people with cancer. Under Sheila’s leadership, Hope & Cope pioneered the concept of organized peer support for people living with cancer and their families. Working in collaboration with the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Hope & Cope became integral to the hospital’s approach to oncology support. Sheila’s fundraising was legendary, gathering tens of millions of dollars in support of Hope & Cope.”
Suzanne O’Brien, President of the Hope & Cope Board of Directors, said that “Sheila intuitively understood that people who have had cancer themselves are uniquely qualified to support those who are newly diagnosed. We mourn a remarkable and compassionate woman who has impacted us all in so many ways. Since the day she founded Hope & Cope, Sheila’s pride in her staff and volunteers knew no limits. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her passion for helping cancer patients live fuller, richer lives despite their diagnosis drove her every day. On behalf of the organization she founded, we extend our deepest sympathies to Sheila’s beloved family.”
Kussner was also a recipient of numerous honours — an Officer of the Order of Canada, Officer of the Order of Quebec, and Commander of the Order of Montreal; held honorary doctorates from McGill University and the University of Montreal; and a Governor Emerita of McGill University.
She was also awarded many community service awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Jewish General Hospital, the Robert Fisher Fellowship Award (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City), the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award (Association of Fundraising Professionals – Québec section).
As well Kussner spearheaded the development of oncology as a separate discipline in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, raising $30 million to establish the Department of Oncology. She also played a lead role in securing funding for the Jewish General Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and other Oncology-based programs. She was an early and passionate advocate for establishing a strong research core to Hope & Cope’s programs. Recognizing that research and evidence must underpin cancer support activities, she helped establish the Christine and Herschel Victor – Hope & Cope Chair in Psychosocial Oncology – the first such research chair in Quebec.
Tributes poured in following news of Kussner’s passing from friends, community notables and Hope & Cope volunteers.
Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather posted on X: “’A woman of valour who can find? For her price is far above rubies.’ This verse from Proverbs fit Sheila Kussner perfectly. Her incredible work in philanthropy, her founding of Hope & Cope. Her kindness. She is irreplaceable. May her memory be a blessing.”
Federation CJA posted to Kussner’s family, “we extend our sincere condolences for the loss of Sheila Kussner Z”L. May you and those dear to you be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and may your cherished memories bring you the strength to navigate this time of grief.”
A Hope & Cope volunteer wrote: “What an exemplary lady she was! When at a very young age, Sheila Kussner was struck with cancer, her mother told her ‘Sheila, you can make it bitter or you can make better! Sheila certain made it better!’ May you rest in peace dear lady, I cannot forget you.”
Kussner’s funeral was held August 9.
Donations can be made to Hope & Cope by calling 514-340-8251 or by visiting hopeandcope.ca. n
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