Filling a Gap: How One Couple Made the GAP Fund a Reality
The following story was published in the GBCSC’s Hope Quarterly in March 2023.
Brian and Anita's cancer journey was the start of an important legacy of support
Brian Millett faced a cancer diagnosis many years ago. Like so many others, he faced a gruelling series of treatments (five days a week over a month) at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, far from his Port Severn home. The days were long stretching from early AM to late afternoon. Plus, there were all the related travel costs.
Now 85, Brian is doing well though he continues to deal with cancer. To mark their 60th anniversary in 2019, he and Anita decided to take the funds they had saved for a special anniversary trip and dedicate them to a GAP (Gas, Accommodation, Parking) Fund at the GBCSC.
“We know what it’s like facing these costs to get treatments,” explains Brian. “We set up this fund to help other people.”
“We’re just two people who understand the need,” adds Anita.
The GAP Fund has become an important support provided to GBCSC members. Throughout the year, dozens of members receive financial support for treatment travel costs including for gas costs, hospital parking fees, and accommodation expenses.
“No one realizes the added expenses when you’re dealing with cancer,” says Donna Huber, Brian, and Anita’s daughter.
She adds treatment costs can often be several thousands of dollars adding another level of stress. She and her husband Conrad have continued to support the fund with significant donations in 2020 and 2021, and hope that others continue to do the same.