Pam Knox battled stage 3 cancer while living in a shelter—now in remission and housed
The Toronto woman diagnosed with breast cancer at a community centre that welcomed her and her cat has moved into permanent housing after more than a year of treatment.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pam Knox was diagnosed with stage 3 right breast cancer in June 2025—the day before her son's birthday—while living at St. Felix Centre, a Toronto non-profit supporting people facing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. She is now in remission as of June 1, 2026, and moved into permanent housing in September.
Knox had been unhoused for two years before St. Felix admitted her and her cat, Joanie, in 2023. When her diagnosis came, she faced an impossible choice. "You're waiting for housing, and you get hit with a diagnosis like that," Knox said. "Sometimes, I would stop and wonder, 'Do I focus all my attention on my healthcare, or do I not focus so much on that because I need to get an apartment, I need to get a place.'"
St. Felix staff arranged her medical appointments, transportation, and prescriptions throughout her chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment. They also helped her search for permanent housing while she was undergoing care. The centre has medical workers who visit clients once per week and medical caseworkers on staff.
Pet-friendly housing was crucial to Knox's plan. "A lot of places are not pet friendly," she said. "I don't want to be pawning my pet off on other people, [but] I don't want to have to give my pet up. This is my family." St. Felix arranged for both Knox and Joanie to move into permanent housing together.
Knox credited the centre's support throughout her ordeal. "Right from the get-go, both myself and my cat, we were both welcomed like family," she said. "God bless that St. Felix knows what they're doing when it comes to being a shelter because they care so much for their clients. I can't say enough about St. Felix."
Brian Harris, executive director of St. Felix Centre, said supporting people through treatment and the search for permanent housing is "a privilege." Knox is sharing her story during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to inspire others and to highlight the critical need for pet-friendly shelters.
The facts
When was Pam Knox diagnosed with cancer?
Pam Knox was diagnosed with stage 3 right breast cancer in June 2025.
When did Pam Knox enter remission?
Pam Knox entered remission as of June 1, 2026.
How long was Pam Knox unhoused before St. Felix Centre?
Pam Knox had been unhoused for two years before St. Felix admitted her in 2023.
What support did St. Felix Centre provide during Knox's cancer treatment?
St. Felix staff arranged Knox's medical appointments, transportation, and prescriptions throughout her chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment, and also helped her search for permanent housing while undergoing care.
