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.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is to provide emotional, physical, social, spiritual support, education and information as a complement to the medical system for people affected by cancer.

 

OUR VISION

 The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre strives to be recognized as a source of support, education and motivation for people living with cancer. their families and caregivers. Our vision is to be recognized throughout North Simcoe, South Georgian Bay, and the surrounding communities as a place of hope, comfort, strength and courage.

Land Acknowledgement

The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinabek people. This includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy and the Chippewa Tri-Council comprised of Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Missisauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.