Former senator Nicole Dyer-Griffith, having triumphed over stage three breast cancer and subsequent stage four metastasis to her brain, has channeled her personal medical journey into creating The Healing Hub Patient Navigation and Advocacy Centre. The initiative, which held its soft launch at her Maraval residence on December 20, embodies a philosophy of intimate, human-centered care that stands in stark contrast to institutional medical environments.
Dyer-Griffith’s inspiration emerged from the overwhelming public response to her social media disclosures about her 2024 cancer diagnosis. While preparing for the O2N Foundation’s fashion event, she received her diagnosis but demonstrated remarkable resilience by walking the runway shortly thereafter as ‘a visual demonstration of faith.’ Her online vulnerability generated thousands of messages across platforms, revealing a critical gap in patient support systems.
This organic outreach evolved into a moderated WhatsApp support group that now serves over 160 active members. The digital platform provides daily interaction and scientific information sharing, though membership is currently capped to maintain quality engagement. Dyer-Griffith, a qualified nurse, emphasizes the initiative’s patient-driven nature: ‘Every day you answer a question for someone, provide information or support for someone, is a day that you have impacted a life.’
During her outreach, Dyer-Griffith discovered alarming gaps in basic cancer awareness, with many women unfamiliar with mammograms despite managing complex lives. She describes the ’emotional vortex’ that follows diagnosis, where patients face overwhelming advice and information without adequate mental health protection.
The Healing Hub has garnered significant institutional support. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeanine St Bernard endorsed the initiative as ‘compassionate, patient-centred and empowering,’ noting it addresses critical gaps in emotional support, system navigation, and financial guidance that complement clinical care. Oncoplastic surgeon Dr. Lyronne Olivier praised the unique perspective of patient-led support, acknowledging it has enhanced his empathy and patient care approach.
With plans to establish a physical facility in 2026 estimated at $2 million, The Healing Hub aims to provide free services recognizing the financial burdens cancer patients face. Dyer-Griffith revealed her own moment of defeat came when facing $40,000 monthly medication costs, questioning how ordinary people afford treatment. She advocates for pharmaceutical companies to balance profit motives with advocacy funding and partnership support.
The initiative currently employs two trained patient navigation specialists with plans to expand to seven professionals, ensuring comprehensive support when the physical center launches. Dyer-Griffith remains driven by her conviction: ‘If you are not placed on this earth to positively impact the lives of people, then what’s the point?’