Kim Block's Speech - 9/27/09

"I haven't necessarily "used" the services of the Cancer Community Center, but like many of you, what happens there has changed my life.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones, to have known Jane Staley, the founder of the Center.  When a group, led by Jane and Lisa Gorman, was gathering to establish what would become the Center, I was asked to join in the effort - and leapt on board.  I leapt because I knew firsthand what families go through when someone they love has cancer. I knew that while medical care is crucial in those times - you can't treat the body, without treating the soul.  It was Jane's vision that there would be a place in Maine where people like her - people with cancer - could go to just be themselves, whatever that might be, at any given time.  A place where the cancer was acknowledged - in ways both spoken, and unspoken - but where it didn't have to rule your life.  It could be part of your life.   A place where tears and laughter could combine, sometimes in the same moment.  She wanted a beautiful, comfortable space - a place that was "alive", even though the people who came there might be afraid of living.   A place of comfort, support and purpose.

From cooking classes, to the Buddy program, to support groups, to yoga, to movie nights to decorating bras - I couldn't believe how many of the men brought their own - (just kidding) - the Cancer Community Center is that and more.  So how has it changed my life?   In so many ways.

In the people I've met serving on the Board, while covering stories, and at events like these.  People who show me over and over again that compassion, courage and love are powerful medicine.  I've seen how a sense of "community" can help those who feel alone and frightened.  Even those who never thought of themselves as "support-group" types, have found something to help them heal, when they walk through the doors of the Center.  And I've made some amazing friends. 

I'm not going to kid you.  I worry about the Center.  I do my best to support a lot of wonderful "causes" in our community - and they are all struggling in this economy.  But many of them have an "umbrella" organization that is behind them - a national or state partnership.  The Center is here because we have given it life - it is our job to sustain it.  I shudder to think that someone might think the services offered at the Center are somehow "expendable" - that research funds trump Tai Chi or support groups.  Please tell everyone you know that is not true.  Cancer patients need medicine - but they need and deserve so much more.

It's been nearly twenty years now since I last wrapped my arms around my Dad, who was losing his battle against cancer.  I've been remembering it a lot this week, because Patrick Swayze died of the same cancer that took my Dad.  My Dad - a doctor himself - was able to show me that there can be joy even in the darkest of times.  How the simplest of acts can lift the spirit.  And how pain and grief can turn to purpose and hope.  He told me not to lose myself in that grief.  To honor him by continuing on, trying to make a difference in the world.  His dream.  Jane's dream.  Our dream.

I haven't "used" the services at the Cancer Community Center, but it has changed my life.  Walk on!"       ~Kim Block