The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is a  501c3 non-profit organization funded by private foundations, individual and corporate donations, and fundraisers. 
We embrace anyone affected by cancer through creating a hopeful and caring community providing support, resources, education, and wellness services.  

Our Service Area includes ALL of Oxford County as well as the surrounding towns: Bridgton, Naples, Harrison, Poland, and Casco.
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​We offer one to one support; cancer resource navigation services; in-person, virtual and recorded wellness programs and activities; support groups for men and women; complementary therapy; travel and food assistance; and a variety of comfort items - all FREE - to anyone impacted by cancer....​because no one should face cancer alone.

​The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is also a founding member of the Association of Maine Cancer Support Centers (AMCSC), a network of five cancer related organizations providing cancer-related supports, services and complementary therapies to patients, survivors, caregivers and families in Maine.
Weekly Drop-In hours at the CRCofWM are Thursdays from 9am to 3pm; other weekdays by appointment. Volunteers will be available on Thursdays days to chat with patients and assist with any patient needs. CRCofWM staff is always available to meet with patients and caregivers by appointment, to discuss any specific support needs - please call  (207) 890-0329 or email [email protected]. 

Annual Tree Lighting & Remembrance Ceremony
​December 11th

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Join the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine for our annual Tree Lighting and Remembrance Ceremony which will held on Wednesday, December 11th from 4:30 – 6:00pm.  (Snow day is December 12th)

For a $10 donation, you can order a beautiful “ ‘I am always with you’ Tree of Life ceramic ornament in memory or in honor of your loved one. We will then personalize the back of the ornament with their name and place it on the Christmas tree outside of the Cancer Resource Center.
We hope you will join us for this special outdoor ceremony, where staff from Stephens Memorial Hospital Oncology Department will join us to read the names of patients who have passed away this year.  
 Learn More Here  

Register for the Turkey Trot 4 Hope on Thanksgiving Day! You Can Also Register the Day of the Event!

Don't miss out on the fun! This is our key fundraiser for the year and all money raised goes directly to cancer patients in western Maine. This race is for all ages and all children receive a medal! Choose from a 4 mile run, 1 mile run or 1 mile "Fun Run."
Register Today! 
Register on-line until November 24 or
Register in-person on Thanksgiving Day
Registration Fee - $25
​Bib/T-Shirt Pick-up: 8-8:45 AM Day of the Race
Race Begins at 9AM
Awards at 10AM
PRIZES
Cash Prizes for Top Runners in several Age Groups
All children who participate will receive medals
WHERE
Norway Town Office/Fire Department, 19 Danforth Street, Norway Maine. The course will loop through downtown Norway and continue along beautiful Norway Lake.

Exploring Grief -
​Sessions at CRCofWM

National Cancer Survivor Day 
June 2, 2024

Over 70 people joined us for National Cancer Survivor Day at King's Hill Inn & Barn in South Paris on June 2nd.  Guests enjoyed music from local band "Just Because;" food from Blue Elephant Caterers, and mocktails and other beverages from Sips 'n Saddles. (Photos courtesy of Kate Michaud).

Women's Cancer Support Group
​and Coffee Hour
Meets the third Wednesday of each month
10:30 am to noon

Women need the support of other women, especially when they are facing cancer. Come join other women on their cancer journey at the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine’s Women’s Cancer Support Group. This compassionate, safe group will allow you the space to explore the various feelings, thoughts, and insights you uncover during your journey with women who are going through similar experiences. The group is open to all women experiencing any type of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship. 
Third Wednesday of every month - 10:30am - noon 
at the Cancer Resource Center
Call for more information at 890-0329

Norway Savings Bank Presents Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine with $10,000 “Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award”

PicturePhoto caption: Norway Savings Bank employees present a $10,000 check to Diane Madden, Executive Director of the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, recipient of the “Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award.” Left to right: Amanda Burhoe, Courtney French, Diane Madden and Caleb Grover.
NORWAY—Norway Savings Bank is pleased to announce the recipient of the 3rd annual “Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award” is the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, a non-profit organization based in Norway that is dedicated to embracing anyone affected by cancer with hope and caring through support, education, and services, all provided for free. As part of the award, the Center will receive $10,000 to continue its mission of ensuring nobody faces cancer alone.
“We are very grateful for this award. It will do so much good in the community,” said Diane Madden, Executive Director of the Center. “Our staff and volunteers were excited when they were notified of the award, which will help us in our mission of enhancing life for individuals and their loved ones who are facing the many challenges of cancer.”

The “Patricia Weigel Pay It Forward Award” was created in December 2021 to honor then-CEO, Pat Weigel, who was dedicated to making a positive community impact during her long career in banking. Through a voting process, Norway Saving Bank’s employees chose the Center as the winner from dozens of organizations receiving volunteer support from employees. “The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is such a worthy recipient of this award,” said Weigel, who remains chairwoman of the bank’s board of directors. “Norway Savings Bank has been honored to offer support to the Center since its inception, and the bank is grateful to be able to provide this new path of assistance.”
Norway Savings Bank is committed to contributing to the growth and betterment of Maine and its people. In 2023, the bank awarded $1,055,500 and employees donated thousands of volunteer hours to more than 350 nonprofits. The “Pay It Forward Award” is another example of the Bank’s commitment to giving back to communities.
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“Our employees are doing impressive work at nonprofits that serve a wide range of community needs,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is a warm and welcoming organization making a real difference in the lives of many and it is certainly deserving of this recognition and assistance.”
To learn more about how you can assist the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, call 207-890-0329 or visit www.crcofwm.org. To learn more about Norway Savings Bank’s community giving programs, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.

Tree Lighting & Remembrance Ceremony 

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Thank you to all who attended the Cancer Resource Centers 3rd annual tree lighting ceremony! A special thanks to Charlie of Norway Brewing, for keeping us warm with hot chocolate, warm cider and popcorn! Thank you to the volunteers for baking us treats! We will be thinking of you all during this holiday season and sending some extra love during this time of year. ​

2023
Turkey Trot 4 Hope a Success!

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We are happy to share that the 6th Annual Turkey Trot 4 Hope raised $18,000 for the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine!  Thank you to all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event such a success! 

Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine receives Grant To Improve Access to Affordable Mental Health Services for Cancer Patients in Oxford county

The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine (CRCofWM) is thrilled to announce that it has received a one -year Oxford County Community Building Grant from the Maine Community Foundation.  The funds will be used to improve access to mental health services for cancer patients in Oxford county via a partnership with Oxford County Mental Health Services (OCMHS). A cancer diagnosis is almost always life changing for cancer patients and their families, which often brings significant hardship in many areas of their lives.  The prospect of facing a life-threatening illness, enduring difficult treatment and possibly losing the ability to work due to side effects of the treatment can create emotional distress for some people. 

The current gap in available mental health counseling services has led to wait times of several months to see a mental health professional and many cancer patients eventually go without care.  A collaboration with OCMHS will streamline the referral process and improve access to affordable mental health counseling for cancer patients seen at the CRCofWM who are seeking this type of support.  The Cancer Resource Center will cover fees and a limited number of co-pays per patient. “We care about promoting community wellness and increasing access to mental health services by offering outpatient services to those who are going through the hardship of a cancer diagnosis” said Ashlee Brooks, LCSW, Clinical Director at Oxford County Mental Health Services.

“We are very grateful to the Maine Community Foundation for this opportunity to provide the resources to address a serious, unmet need here in Oxford county.  Many of our clients ask us for help finding local mental health providers to support their emotional needs.” said Diane Madden, Executive Director of the CRCofWM. “Having a local provider in the Oxford county community willing to work with us will help cancer patients get mental health services when they need it most.​

Students from the Fashion Design Program of Oxford Hills Technical School Sew Comfort Items for Cancer Patients 

The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine recently received a variety of comfort items for cancer patients, which were designed and handsewn by Oxford Hills Technical School students in the Fashion Design Program, led by instructor Lori Millett.  The students participated in this after-school endeavor, which also helped them earn community service points towards their graduation requirement.
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 Photo: Lori Millett, OHTS Fashion Design Instructor, Emily Thibodeau, Nanami Daggett. Absent: Jaxton Stein 

Listen to our new Podcast!

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Left to right: Diane Madden, executive director & Stephanie LeBlond, LSW, oncology social worker.

​Thanks to the Williams Broadcasting Group for this opportunity to talk about our Center! Pick one of the options below to listen:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cancer-resource-center-of-western-maine-spotlight/id1559762927?i=1000585656956

Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNjgxMjYxLnJzcw/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xMTY2MzM2OQ?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjQv_PMvP77AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TfdZyqnnuC1I2DiwzXYb5

Weekly Wellness
​Classes & Activities

In-Person 
MONDAY
Chair Yoga @ Bridgton Community Center - 10-11am
Craft & Chat at the CRCofWM - 1 -2:30 pm
THURSDAY
Chair Yoga at the CRCofWM - 1-2pm
FRIDAY
Chair Yoga @ Bridgton Community Center - 9-10 am
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Virtual 
MONDAY
"Mind full of Good" Meditation  9-9:30am
THURSDAY
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction   (MBSR)  9-10am

​Recorded Classes
​Meditation, Somatic Yoga & Meditation, Cooking Classes, Chair Yoga, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR),
​and More!

CRCofWM featured in Maine Cancer Foundation Video

​We are so very grateful to the folks at the Maine Cancer Foundation, who over the past few years have provided us grant money to assist cancer patients with food and travel assistance, and operating funds that have allowed us to grow our programs and supportive services for those impacted by cancer in Oxford County and its surrounding towns. Thank you Maine Cancer Foundation for highlighting us in this video!
Need a Comfort Item?
Below is just a sample - we have a large supply of new wigs, comfort pillows, hats, afghans, shawls, seatbelt protectors for chemo ports, chemotherapy shirts, rice heating bags and more!

25 Days of Giving Returns!

The 25 Days of Giving returns thanks to our generous donor, the Brook Family Foundation! This matching gift is in honor of Liz Brook.
Each day, we will be sharing the services that the Center provides to cancer patients and their caregivers. Please consider donating during the 25 Days of Giving as all donations (up to $5,000) will be matched by the Brook Family Foundation. Please remember that all of our services are free to our clients. Your donations help to provide these services.
We embrace anyone affected by cancer through creating a hopeful and caring community providing support, resources, education, and wellness services.

Visit our FACEBOOK Page to learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/893968852804111/

Be a Turkey Trot Sponsor!

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There are lots of opportunities for individuals and businesses to sponsor this event!

Learn More Here!

CRCofWM Receives $5,000 grant for Nutrition Program 

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The Cancer Resource Center recently recently received a $5,ooo grant from ​NEWS CENTER MAINE and the TEGNA FOUNDATION to support work to address the immediate and long-term nutritional needs of cancer patients and their families, while addressing the challenges of food insecurity. This includes support to expand the Healthy Soup Program. Volunteers help staff make healthy soups that are stored in a freezer and available to cancer patients who either can’t get access to nutritious foods or don’t have the knowledge to prepare it.

Cancer Resource Center Receives Gift from Norway Center for Health and Rehabilitation

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Staff from the Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation presented the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine with a check for $4400, the proceeds from their annual ticket auction that was held at the end of October. Staff worked all year to procure items for the ticket auction, which has become a very popular annual event - over 200 items were available - everything from a flat screen TV to handcrafted earrings! This is definitely an event to put on your calendar for next year!



Left to Right: Heather Jackson, Falishia Ward, Diane Madden (CRCofWM), Katherine Hatch

"Slaying the Dragon" to Support Breast Cancer Awareness 

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Brian Otterson of Norway steers a dragon boat on Saturday on Lake Pennesseewassee in Norway. Darn Slover/Sun Journal
About 35 people turned out on Saturday, October 14th, many decked out in pink clothing and leis, to ride in a dragon boat ride to recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Many thanks to the Sun Journal for covering this story!
Read Full Story

Cancer Resource Center Distributes Care Baskets to Cancer Patients in Western Maine

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CRCofWM Volunteer Margie Bartlett
​with Care Baskets
Utilizing monies received through fundraising efforts and donations, the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine was able to make 50 Care Baskets to distribute to cancer patients located in western Maine who could use some extra help. The Care Baskets contain cleaning supplies, paper products and personal hygiene items.  This is the third year of the project, which began during the COVID 19 pandemic as a result of many cancer patients not being able to purchase these items with their food stamps. Several volunteers came in to help put the baskets together. 

Set Your Spring Health and Wellness Goals
​with Barb!

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Make an appointment with Barb to talk about any any health and fitness goals you might be thinking about. Barb is a Certified Health and Wellness coach who can help you clarify what is important to you, help you explore ways to reduce stress, and help you navigate how to begin making meaningful changes in your health and wellness. Call Barb today at 890—0205 or email her at [email protected]

Other Free Community Activities

Wellness Share at Center for Healing Arts, 180 Main St., Norway;  2nd Saturday of each month, 10am to 2pm. Free event offering Reflexology, Massage, and more. For more information: Charlotte LaBelle – 207-890-2177.

Drum Circle at Center for Healing Arts, 180 Main St., Norway – 4th Saturday of each month, 11am to 2pm. Free event, drums available for use. For more information: Dan Gravel - 207-604-0323 or Nel Bernard - 207-312-9955.
Teta Sprague met with Diane Madden, executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, to donate more of her beautiful handmade quilts that will be given to individuals facing cancer.  
 FOOD ​RESOURCES &
FREE MEALS IN WESTERN MAINE
ABOVE: Free Community Food, Meals and Food Pantries in Western Maine resources developed by our friends at Healthy Oxford Hills! DOWNLOAD

CRCofWM Featured in Maine Community Foundation's Oxford County Fund Celebration Video 

We are very grateful to the Maine Community Foundation's Oxford County Fund for honoring the CRCofWM and several other Oxford county non-profit organizations at the recent celebration of the Oxford County Fund's anniversary at the Alan Day Community Garden.  The Cancer Resource Grant was recognized for their efforts in community building and was awarded a gift of $2500.

Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine receives Grant to Help Cancer Patients with Travel Assistance
The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine (CRCofWM) announced that it has received a two year travel grant, totaling $40,000, from the Maine Cancer Foundation, to help cancer patients in western Maine get to their cancer treatments and medical appointments.  Transportation access and cost is a barrier to health for many residents living in rural western Maine. It has far more serious consequences for cancer patients needing radiation treatments, as they are facing a daily roundtrip of 100+ miles- often for a 5-6 week period. The financial burden of a cancer diagnosis forces patients and their families to reallocate household budgets to accommodate this additional unbudgeted, travel expense.  Because of the sprawling landscape and lack of public transportation in western Maine, many cancer patients must rely on family or friends to drive them to their treatments. “We are very grateful to the Maine Cancer Foundation for this generous support,” said Diane Madden, Executive Director of the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine.  This grant allows us to provide travel assistance in the form of a gas card, which is the most convenient method.”  “Maine Cancer Foundation is dedicated to reducing cancer in our state and ensuring all Mainers, regardless of where they live, have access to their cancer care,” said Katelyn Michaud, MCF’s director of grantmaking. “We are proud to support the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine in providing transportation assistance to cancer patients throughout western Maine.” To learn more about the eligibility criteria to receive travel assistance, email [email protected] or call (207) 890-0329.

Hope, Strength, Courage & Support

When you see the Flag...
​We are open!

Please stop by!

We offer free resources and programs for those affected by cancer.

Location & Hours

59 Winter St.
Norway, ME  04268

​Phone:  207-890-0329

Drop-in Hours
Thursdays 9:00am to 3:00pm