The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is a cancer support Centre providing psychosocial support to people living with cancer, their families and caregivers in the community.
How it all started
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) was founded by Sandy Cornell, a cancer survivor. Sandy Cornell was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in May 2008. At that time, she was an active and committed community volunteer, drawing on her background as a both a registered nurse and interior designer. A love of her work and her nurturing nature led her to projects with Hospice Huronia and Physicians Recruitment, to name but two.
When cancer struck, Sandy was determined to fight – to live and to have a full and meaningful life. She also felt if she did not survive that her fight would not be without a purpose. Sandy had the complete and devoted support of her husband, George, her children, Lindsay and Matthew, her extended family and her network of friends.
But something was missing. Not being well enough to travel outside the community for help, Sandy lacked the opportunity to connect with and learn from those who were going through the same fight. And there came the seed that grew into the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.
After her third treatment, Sandy began the work. It started with informal inquiries of people in her community. Each and every person she approached strongly agreed that there was a need for an organization designed to deliver cancer support services in the community. Strengthened by these responses, Sandy resolved to create just such a centre in North Simcoe.
After allowing herself one year to heal after treatment, and with the help of a friend and donor, Sandy gathered a group of skilled community leaders who could contribute to the development of her vision.
An informal board was struck in January 2010 and, later in that same year, a formal board was formed. A name was chosen that would clearly tell the community what we are and who we support –the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.
The Centre was registered as a not-for-profit in 2010 and became a registered charity in 2011. In March of 2011, the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre welcomed its first members in the former convent quarters at the Georgian Bay General Hospital Penetanguishene site.
Learn more about the GBCSC by visiting their website.
Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre
15 Jeffery St.
Penetanguishene, Ontario
L9M 1K5
Email: info@gbcancersupportcentre.ca
Phone: 705-549-6444
Toll Free: 1-877-386-3434