Cancer support center gets big boost

A local cancer support center now will present a nicer face to visitors, thanks to a little help from its friends.

In early January, the National Association of Professional Organizers’ North Carolina chapter sent staff members to the Cornucopia House, located at 111 Cloister Court off Providence Road, to clear out space and make the center more accommodating for its visitors.

The efforts were part of the association’s “Get Organized!” month.

Mindy Gellin, the center’s program coordinator, said she can’t give enough thanks to the group for selecting the house.

“We want to make things as user-friendly as possible for our participants,” she said.

Geralin Thomas, vice president of the association’s North Carolina chapter, helped organize the center’s kitchen.

She said she is pleased with the progress the group has made.

“We knew we could get in and help them,” Thomas said.

Thomas said NAPO had specific reasons for choosing the Cornucopia House.

“They were a perfect fit for us,” Thomas said. “They’ve given so much to the community, and this is our way of giving back to them.”

She added that by participating in the program, the association hoped to create awareness about itself, its Web site — www.naponc.org — and the house.

The Cornucopia House provides education, support and complimentary therapy, as well as various physical programs, for anyone who has been affected by cancer.

The center offers anything from basic support counseling to yoga classes and massage therapies, Gellin added.

“I want to emphasize that our services are free of charge and available to anyone that’s been affected by cancer in any way,” Gellin said.

She said the center provides services not only for people who have cancer, but also for relatives of those affected and even people who are just interested in learning about it.

Becky Carver, the Cornucopia House’s executive director, also voiced her thanks to NAPO. She said anyone who can help the center is encouraged to do so.

“We’re very thankful to have been chosen,” she said.

Thomas said the project should be complete by Friday.

Gellin said the Cornucopia House receives about 200 visitors each month.

She said she would like to see that number increase, especially now that the reorganization is complete.

“We have a ton of resources on how to give and receive help,” Gellin said. “We have ways for anyone affected by cancer to deal with anxiety during their challenging times.”

 

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.