Cancer Connection

Cancer Connection is a grass-roots non-profit Juneau organization founded by Mike Miller, a popular swimming coach who was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, which brings together health and wellness resources for people residing in Southeast Alaska, thereby empowering them to make sound decisions and choices with the goal of prolonging their quality of life whether in time of crisis or fulfillment. We assist Southeast Alaskans living with cancer, their families, and support systems. We sponsor education and awareness events with the intent of cancer prevention and early detection, and provide travel assistance, support groups, and counseling assistance. A volunteer Board guides the mission and strategies of Cancer Connection keeping its financial resources and focus on the Southeast region. We have a part time office manager Monday – Thursday morning. To be responsive to callers outside that time, board members take turns carrying the on-call cell phone connected to its office phone number.

The people and communities of Southeast Alaska have been tremendously generous and supportive in helping us help our friends and neighbors.

Notes from Cancer Connection assistance recipients:
“Thank you & your organization for all your help with travel expenses & other information you provided.”
“We appreciate all you do for families & patients.”
“Thank you for the $750 Travel Assistance. Having to seek treatment outside of Juneau was an unexpected cost of having cancer.”,
“The Seattle apartment is a great place for folks for respite and recovery.”
“Thank you for your work on behalf of many Juneau citizens who are suffering or who have suffered with cancer, including my wife & many other friends. We have a good friend who is currently receiving your services NOW.”

The contributions received from Pick.Click.Give. support Cancer Connection’s programs:
• The travel assistance program reimburses Southeast Alaskans who need to travel outside their home community for cancer care up to $750 annually. The Lynne Wunsch Memorial travel fund was started in 2002 with seed money from Coastal Helicopters.
• A monthly cancer survivors’ support group meets on the third Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the Cancer Connection office. A person at any stage of their cancer diagnosis and their loved ones are welcome.
• Educational and awareness events such as the Community Health Forum, Beat the Odds Race/Walk, and National Cancer Survivors’ Day celebration/walk are held annually.
• A Library of complimentary wellness and cancer resources are available.
• The Let’s Talk program pairs recently diagnosed individuals with someone who is surviving a similar cancer.
• The one-bedroom Seattle Apartment on 8th and Madison, near major medical centers, is a high-quality, low-cost rental for Southeast Alaskans receiving cancer care in Seattle. It was secured in 2011 to address the hardship of living in Seattle while receiving cancer care.

We are able to provide these resources with the kind and generous contributions from so many individuals and organizations. Thank you for helping us help others!