CPCS educator retires, calls job "best in the world"

A Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS) educator is saying goodbye to the job after 15 years.

CPCS held a party for Janice Telford, where she worked as an educator. She would teach students how to protect themselves against preventable forms of cancer. Telford worked as a nurse at the Portage and District General Hospital prior to her time as an educator.

"When I worked as a nurse for quite a few years before, I'd tell the students when I go into school that I had the best job in the whole wide world because people would come not feeling very well and we would get them feeling better," notes Telford. "But now, when I go into the classrooms, I say I have the best job in the world because you're all really well and we can keep you well."

She mentions, she appreciates everyone in CPCS for encouraging her, saying anyone who's dealt with them knows how special they are.

"I'll volunteer and visit the schools. They told me I could come anytime I wanted to visit," notes Telford. "I'm just going to be doing some hearing screening, just so I can keep up with those kids."

Pat Knowles worked as a licenced practical nurse alongside Telford around the mid 90s and will be filling the void in CPCS left by Telford's departure.

Pat Knowles.

"I'm going to be retiring (as a nurse) probably around next spring," says Knowles. "So, when the job came up, I was excited to get into the role, if possible. I applied right away. I knew that this is what I wanted to do, so I was very humbled when Central Plains Cancer Services chose me to come in as an educator."

Knowles is glad that she'll most likely run into Telford at some schools when educating.

Telford's final day will be on Monday, June 26th.