Humanizing daily life in hemato-oncology, one gesture at a time

In a hemato-oncology unit, days feel longer, routines change, and the connections formed there become essential. For both hospitalized patients and their loved ones, the hospital becomes a living environment for weeks, even months. It was within this reality that caregiver Geneviève Proulx, with the help of nurse Andrée-Anne Veilleux and unit manager Anna Zavgorodnyaya, had the idea to mobilize the community to create a more human and welcoming space.  

This initiative led to the creation of the Fonds Repaire tranquille (Quiet Haven Fund), supported by the CHUS Foundation. Its aim is to provide a more welcoming and comforting space, offering solace, privacy, and small comforts throughout what is often a challenging journey.  

As the caregiver for her husband Mathieu, who has cancer, Geneviève Proulx has been present daily for two years at the Hemato-Oncology Unit of CHUS Fleurimont. There, she discovered a deeply human environment where strong bonds are forged over time, but where the spaces didn't always reflect that warmth.

Motivated by the desire to honor those fighting the disease, Geneviève first created the "Wall of Heroes," with the volunteer help of nurse Andrée-Anne Veilleux and several staff members. A few months later, she wondered how to take it further.  

"I wanted the floor to feel a bit like home. For example, my husband was hospitalized for 21 weeks in 2025, so I was often here. I remember seeing a family crying directly in the hallway. Another time, a little girl stood alone in front of a closed door. We had nothing to comfort her. Then, it clicked: we had to do something to make the place warmer, more intimate."

Very quickly, the needs on the ground became evident. The existing small family lounge offered little space to relax, chat, or simply take a moment for oneself. On the floor, there was no coffee, no microwave to warm up a meal, and no refrigerator to store food. There was also no real place to be alone, call loved ones, or experience emotions away from prying eyes.  

With the collaboration of Anna Zavgorodnyaya, head of the Hemato-Oncology Unit at Fleurimont Hospital, Geneviève and Andrée-Anne took the time to draw up a list of needs together. Quickly, the discussion grew, extending beyond the small lounge to include all 20 rooms on the floor.  

Humanizing daily life, floor-wide

The wave of solidarity was felt throughout the community, making it possible to raise the necessary funds to begin the complete redesign of the small lounge, now named Le Repaire tranquille (The Quiet Haven), as well as the initial purchases for the entire Unit.  

For the comfort of patients and their loved ones, smart TVs with carts and headphones, as well as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, sofa beds, and comfortable chairs have been installed in several rooms. To take their minds off things, smart tablets, coloring books, erasable boards and pens, board games, and about fifty books are now available.  

Geneviève and her volunteer collaborators also made sure to address other very specific needs. Snacks are provided, as are various forms of support for individuals experiencing financial difficulties.

Extended hospitalization kits and end-of-life support kits have also been implemented, always with the aim of offering comfort and dignity. This list will continue to evolve over time, in response to expressed needs, the team emphasizes.

"We didn't know how much the project would grow at first," says Andrée-Anne Veilleux. "We adapt to each family, to each unique situation. By talking with them, we better understand their needs and circumstances."

Precious moments and very real impacts

Geneviève and Andrée-Anne never doubted the importance of creating a fund like this. They see its impact daily.  

“We truly realized the Fund makes all the difference the day we saw two hospitalized women bonding in The Quiet Den, watching television. This space allows patients to leave their rooms and build connections,” says Geneviève.

Another memorable moment comes to mind: “There was a patient who spoke neither French nor English and never left her room. One day, she came to the lounge to play rummy. Thanks to the smart TVs, I was even able to offer her a movie in her own language.”

The installation of boards with markers in the rooms, so that loved ones can draw, write encouraging notes, or leave photos, particularly touches her. “It’s one of the things I hold dearest among what we’ve done,” she says. “One morning, my partner, whose condition had significantly worsened, woke up saying he was giving up the fight because he was fed up. Then, he opened his eyes: he saw all the messages of love on his board and realized he couldn’t leave, because too many people still needed him. That gave him the energy he needed to keep fighting.”  

Geneviève, Andrée-Anne, and the Unit Chief, Anna Zavgorodnyaya, are already cooking up several ideas for the project's next steps. “All these little things make a difference when you’re hospitalized,” Anna emphasizes. “We don’t want to become a five-star hotel, but these thoughtful gestures matter. Every donation contributes to a more humane care experience.”  

Help ease their daily lives by making a donation.

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