Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine Hires New Executive Director ​

PictureDani Searle, MPH
The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine (CRCofWM)  have hired Dani Searle, MPH, as the organization’s new executive director.  Searle will replace Diane Madden, MBA, who has served as executive director since March 2019, and who will officially retire in December.

“We are excited to have Dani join our team,” said Ted Morton, Board President of the CRCofWM, which was established in 2014 to provide free wellness and supportive resources to individuals and families in western Maine affected by cancer.“Dani’s public health knowledge, combined with her experience working with the Maine Cancer Foundation and leading the Maine Impact Cancer Network (MICN), will allow her the ability to hit the ground running.  She is well versed in local, regional and state-wide efforts to improve access to care for patients and families.  We have no doubt that she will have a positive impact in continuing to advance the Center’s mission.”

“Diane helped us grow the CRCofWM from a drop-in center to a place that serves multiple needs – emotional support, comfort, supplies, and loving care,” said Judy Stone, former Board President and current Vice-President of the CRCofWM.  “Further, she expanded the Center’s reach beyond its walls and into communities and homes in order to meet critical needs.  Thanks to Diane's vision and talent, we have been able to  grow the Center's scope of care and geographical reach through innovation and grant support. Our Center and the Western Maine community have been enriched by her leadership. While we are sorry to see her go, we are excited for her as she starts this new chapter in her life.”
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Searle, originally from Colorado, currently lives in Westbrook. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her three dogs Ansel, Bear, and Roman, whether it’s hiking a new trail or wandering along the coast. She loves experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, browsing the local farmers market for fresh finds, and getting lost in a good book on a quiet afternoon. Searle will begin work at the CRCofWM in late November.

National Cancer Survivor Day 2025 at King's Hill Inn & Barn

Over 75 people attended a National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration on June 1st, organized by the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine and hosted by King's Hill Inn & Barn of Paris, Maine. Guests enjoyed music from local band "Just Because;" hors d'oeuvres by Blue Elephant Caterers, and mocktails/beverages from Sips 'n Saddles.  Guest speakers included Kristen Short, local breast cancer survivor and founder of Short Folks for Hope, a Maine foundation that grants "wishes" to cancer patients (shortfolks.org); and Ray Ruby, Executive Director of the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Meet Kelsey Brockett- 
​Cancer Resource Navigator

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We are excited to welcome Kelsey Brockett to our team here at the Cancer Resource Center as our cancer resource navigator. She will take over for Barb Perry, who retired in December. Kelsey has worked in both counseling and social services. Besides meeting one on one with new clients, Kelsey will facilitate our monthly women's support group.Kelsey lives in Waterford, Maine with her husband Mike and their two children. Kelsey is a life-long Mainer, and loves all aspects of the State. In her free time, she spends time adventuring outside with her family, exploring flea markets, crafting and sewing, and reading a good book. She also loves animals, and Kelsey and Mike own a small goat farm. She can be reached at 207-890-0205 or [email protected].  

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

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.
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Photo 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.

Registration now open for 2025 Tee Off 4 Hope Golf Tourney at Paris Hill Country Club

We are excited to announce that on Friday, September 19, 2025, we will again be teaming up with historic Paris Hill Country Club to host our annual Tee Off for Hope Golf Tourney, to benefit the Cancer Resource of Western Maine (CRCofWM). Funds raised at this event are critical to our mission, and those facing the challenges of cancer need our help now more than ever. We hope you will consider either being a sponsor or forming a team. There are several sponsorships levels available - all support is tax deductible.  
 
If you would like to be a sponsor, register to play, or make a donation, please contact call us at (207) 890-0329 or email [email protected] or download and compete this form and return to us: 2025_tee_off_for_hope_sign_up_sheet.pdf
 
There will be prizes for several contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive, etc. as well as a silent auction.  You will also be served a buffet lunch in the newly renovated club house.
 
We hope to see you on the green on September 6, 2024!