Welcome Abbie Wiggin, B.A Honors, OCGC
Manager, Community Programs and Resources
Abbie earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Studies and Bioethics from the University of Toronto in 2018. Her studies centered on the social determinants of health and related public policy, as well as moral and ethical considerations in medical practice and research.
After graduating from the University of Toronto, Abbie earned an Ontario Graduate Certificate from Humber College, in the emerging profession of Systems Navigation. As a Systems Navigator, she is trained to help individuals manage and coordinate their care. Whilst acting as an advocate and guide for patients, families, and members of vulnerable populations, Abbie’s work focuses on assisting clients through complex and interrelated systems, focusing on fortifying autonomy and fostering a patient-centered relationship. Whilst employing a strength-based model and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, she is trained to assist clients throughout the continuum of care.
Abbie joined Melanoma Canada in May 2021 and has since served in a variety of roles. With the guidance and mentorship of Mary Zawadzki, she has assisted in the promotion of new physician education programs, connected with patients through various support services, and supported the development of resources on our website. As such, Abbie has had the opportunity to connect with patients, caregivers, and various professionals working in the field of melanoma and skin cancer.
Abbie is grateful for the opportunity to continue building relationships with patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and healthcare professionals and to support the Peer-to-Peer and other volunteer programs. She is thrilled to continue to contribute to Melanoma Canada’s important advocacy and educational work and to make a positive impact in the Canadian melanoma and skin cancer community.
Welcome Sydney Desjardins
Digital Fundraising and Community Engagement Specialist
Sydney Desjardins is our new Digital Fundraiser and Community Specialist. Sydney graduated from University of Calgary with her Bachelor of Communications and Media studies. Throughout her time in university, she was an intern at the Ronald McDonald house, which is where she found her passion to help people through her marketing. Sydney also interned at a Dermatology clinic in her last year of university, where she learned about skin cancer and became passionate about raising awareness around preventing and treating skin cancer. For the past year, Sydney worked at the University of Calgary as a marketing specialist, where she learned about the importance of marketing and connecting through digital platforms. Sydney is excited to continue to raise awareness around skin cancer, being a digital support for our patients, and learning more about the ways we can help across Canada with Melanoma Canada.
Do you have a melanoma or skin cancer testimonial you would like to share with the Melanoma Canada community?
Contact Sydney Desjardins
Digital Fundraising and Community Engagement Specialist
SDesjardins@melanomanetwork.ca 905.901.5121 | 1.877.560.8035 x 105
