Anne Goff, a retired nurse, a former caregiver, and a member of the Gorham Cancer Prayer and Support Group (“GCPSG”), has spent her recent years helping those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

The GCPSG, formed in 2010, provides those coping with cancer a place to share their stories.  This group, comprised of members of all ages, “is not just for cancer patients.  It’s for caregivers, too,” said Goff.  Previously a caregiver herself, Goff looked after her mother during her fight against cancer until she lost her battle ten years ago.  Since then, much of her time is spent helping those affected by the disease.  “I always say that I receive so much more than I give,” she said.

The group, which meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Cressey Road United Methodist Church, follows the acronymic creed “CARE,” which stands for Confidentiality, no Advice, Respect for all members, and making an Effort to listen.  “We are there to listen without judgment and to offer support, not advice,” said Goff.

One of the group’s missions is to send cancer care bags to those who have recently been diagnosed.  “We try to fill it with things that will help them the most while they undergo treatment,” she said.  To combat a constant chill, they stuff the bag with a fleece blanket, slipper socks, a knit hat, and microwavable comfort wraps.  To help with dry mouth, a common side effect of treatment, they provide a reusable water bottle and sour or ginger candies.  Lastly, to relieve some of the emotional distress of a diagnosis, they include herbal teas, a journal from the Maine Cancer Center, and note cards adorned with artwork made by one member’s wife.  The bags themselves, sturdy canvas totes, are embroidered with the GCPSG’s logo by Gorham’s own NESA, Inc.  “We’ve given out well over 300 of these bags since we’ve started,” she said.

The group also reaches out to cancer patients near and far with thoughts and mementos of support.  “We call them ‘prayer angels.’  We send cards and notes of encouragement to people who we’ve heard are diagnosed.  One time we sent them to a woman in New Jersey, and she was blown away by all of the prayers and support from people she had never met,” said Goff.  Despite these “angels” and the prayers bookending each meeting, this group is not intended to be religious.  However, “many people who are not religious have found that prayer helps them cope with their situation,” she said.

In addition to the emotional, spiritual, and physical support the GCPSG provides its members and the greater Gorham community, the group is glad to provide financial support as well.  “When someone is diagnosed, they often can’t work, and that puts a strain on family income,” said Goff.  With the aid of donations, “we’ll do things like give gift certificates or pay for an oil delivery – just small things to help.”

Over the years, the group has had to part with several members.  “We’ve lost close to twenty members of our group,” said Goff.  One of the founding members, Martha Harris, passed away in February 2013 at the hands of cancer.  “She was a close friend of mine, and she was beloved around town.  Little did she know…” said Goff, trailing off for a moment.  “It was around this time of year she was diagnosed.  The thing about cancer is that you just never know who it will affect.”

This is perhaps echoed most clearly in her work volunteering at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (“BBCH”) where she provides support and assistance for children and families grappling with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  “I’ll be honest.  There are times when I think about them as I go to sleep and when I wake up,” she said of the closeness she can feel to a patient or a family.  “But I learned how to cope during my nursing career.  You can’t get too involved – you need to have a life outside of the hospital.”

Goff and her family also volunteer for Camp Sunshine, a nationally celebrated camp in Casco, Maine for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.  It is the only camp of this kind in the nation that also invites the child’s entire family to attend.  Goff and her family experience the full spectrum of emotion at Camp each year, from scooping ice cream onto a smiling child’s waffle – “we let them have whatever they want” – to grieving with families at solemn bereavement ceremonies.

Not all her stories are sad.  “That’s what I always tell people!” she said, laughing.  From her involvement with the GCPSG, BBCH, and Camp Sunshine, she has her share of joyful stories: some of cancer victims healing, some of ill children enjoying a moment of normalcy, and some of courageous families finding strength after the passing of a family member.  “Many people who have lost a child to cancer volunteer at Camp Sunshine or find other ways to give back.  These parents are always so generous to give to someone else going through the same thing,” she said.

Goff is similarly generous.  She has found her purpose: to bring light to those whose lives cancer has darkened.  “There are so many ways to give back,” she said.  “You just need to find your own little niche that’s meaningful to you.”

For more information about the GCPSG, visit www.cresseyrdumc.org.