The Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund, originally known as the Paradis Leukemia Fund, was founded in 1978. It is named in memory of Guy Paradis, a resident of the St. John Valley who had erythro-leukemia.
More About Guy
Guy had to leave the familiarity of the Valley in order to receive treatment at Maine Medical Center in Portland, far from his family and friends. While someone from his large family was able to be with him through most of his hospital experience, there were times when he was alone and despaired of the loneliness and isolation he felt while separated from loved ones. He also was deeply touched by the aloneness of some young patients whose family could not be with them.
When he died, Guy wanted those who were in similar circumstances to have the comfort of having family nearby. He willed start-up funding so that other patients receiving cancer treatment would have members of their families with them, especially when treatment was required great distances from home.
Throughout the years, Guy’s “seed” money in conjunction with annual fundraising events such as the Tour de la Vallée, provide assistance to St. John Valley families.
The Charter members
The Charter Members of the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund are Guy's family and friends who established the fund and some continue to oversee it.
Terry Paradis, Roland Paradis, Gerard Paradis, Jacqueline Paradis, Robert Paradis, Françoise Paradis, Danny Paradis, Michael Paradis, Susan Morin, Liz Paradis, Lloyd Paradis, Lucille Paradis, Bobby Babin, James Bouchard, Laurette Mozzerole
Services We Provide
Administered by Northern Maine Medical Center, today’s Paradis Cancer Fund focuses on cancer survivors and their families by providing:
- Financial assistance when there is a need to travel far from home for all or a portion of treatment.
- Sponsorship of monthly support groups that provide an opportunity to meet and share experiences and resources.
- Enhancement of cancer awareness through an annual education seminar.
- An extensive reference library that includes books, DVDs, and CDs on a variety of cancer-related subjects.
In order to accommodate as many people as possible and in accordance with Guy’s wishes there are no financial parameters that must be met in order to qualify to receive assistance from the Fund.
Our Governance & Bylaws
The Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund is organized and maintained by a group of individuals that are committed to providing cancer patients and their families with the assistance they need.
