Our Founder

Our Mission

Remembering Our History

Jane Staley, the Cancer Community Center founder, believed that support was essential to healing.  Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1994, Jane sought a place that offered support and information as well as a sense of community for adults affected by cancer.  She soon discovered that support services commonly available in other parts of the country were, at the time, non-existent in Maine.  This realization motivated her to organize a steering committee consisting of friends, business leaders, community leaders, oncology professionals and cancer survivors in the state, with a driven determination to establish a no-cost cancer support center dedicated to life and living.

Beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment, the steering committee conducted in-depth interviews with many community leaders and oncology professionals.  Their findings not only confirmed the need for a support center in Maine, but established guidelines on program emphasis, a facility "wish list" and other factors critical to success.  In the fall of 1998, the Cancer Community Center opened its doors.  Today, the Center serves adults living with cancer and their loved ones without referral and at no cost.

It is no coincidence that "community" is our middle name.  After all, we are a center envisioned and created by fellow members of the Greater Portland community.  We offer free programming, thanks to a community of neighbors who donate time, money and talent to make it all possible.

Guiding Principles