A cancer journey is one most people do not want to face alone. For the past 20 years, Cancer Resource Centre has been alongside cancer patients and their loved ones, serving as an educator, confidant and friend.
The nonprofit organization, which is marking two decades of service this year, provides a place for those affected by cancer to gather in a non-medical setting. It is a place where people can make personal connections with the staff and others affected by cancer.
Cancer Resource Centre (CRC) started in a small office suite in 2003. Members of CRC’s founding organization, the Community Cancer Research Foundation, soon thought the center needed a bigger home to help people throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. In 2008, the CRC went through a renovation to increase its capacity and serve more people.
Since then, CRC has expanded by offering programs at Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and the Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point.
“When we opened our doors 20 years ago, we only offered services in Munster,” Director of Cancer Care Services Jennifer Sarkey said. “We now host classes and programs throughout Northwest Indiana. We've been able to cast a wider net to provide services to the community.”
One of CRC’s main missions is to offer support and education. In addition to offering a library full of helpful books and periodicals, the CRC has a staff of nurse navigators to help patients through their cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship. Going through this full journey with patients presents a unique opportunity for nurse navigators and the staff to get to know people on an individual basis.
“We have people who come through our doors daily who are so grateful for what the Cancer Resource Centre has offered them,” Manager of Outreach Anthony Andello said. “We have volunteers who know the patients and have conversations that make them feel like a family. The patients know they can come into any of our offices and know that they are welcome. It is a place for them to understand their cancer and get help, but it’s also a place where they can help others who are going through the same journey.”
This wide breadth of care is reflected in CRC’s Garden of Meditation and Healing, which was generously donated by the family of June Hawk-Franklin, who turned to Cancer Resource Centre during her own battle with cancer. In addition to being a tranquil place to rest, the garden serves as a gathering place for wellness classes, such as yoga, art therapy, meditation and more.
“The Cancer Resource Centre promotes the well-being of patients and their loved ones at no cost to people who are touched by cancer,” Andello said. “We turn no one away who is seeking help along their cancer journey.”
Another way the community can connect with the CRC is through a variety of events and fundraisers, such as the Unite & Fight Walk & 5K Run, Hoop Dreams for a Cure, Lights of Life and more.
This year marks the 18th annual Unite & Fight Walk & 5K Run. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1 at John Friend Sports Athletic Complex at Munster High School. For more information, visit myccrf.com/uniteandfight/event-info.
“Our ultimate goal is to serve cancer patients and their families — to be there for them in every capacity we can. We are so grateful to receive support from local businesses and residents to further our cause,” Sarkey said. “No one has to face a cancer journey alone. The Cancer Resource Centre is here to prove that.”
To learn more about the Cancer Resource Centre and its services, visit myccrf.com.
