By Jeanne Curtin
Special to The Windham Eagle
The first time Rachel Phinney attended the newly formed Windham Cancer Support Group (WCSG) back in 2006, she wore a silk scarf around her head. Though she was gaunt and slight of build, it became evident that she was made from a special type of fabric. She had a strong sense of loyalty, love, and determination that would inspire others. |
| The late Rachel Phinney helped found the Windham Cancer Support Group. Here she is shown with her husband, Allan PHinney. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Phinney became one of six Sistahs that grew out of that group. The others consist of Janet Copp, Rosie Jarry Hebert, Connie Hodgdon, Kim Murray, and Mary Toppi-Beane.
In describing this special bond, Murray says, “Despite all our struggles and our worries, we know we have a core group of Sistahs to rely on through good times and bad.”
Hebert said, “We lift each other up.”
With Phinney’s strength of character and devotion to the group, it was not surprising that in 2009, when the need for a new WCSG leader came to be, she accepted the responsibility. She ran the meetings, scheduled speakers, held fundraisers, attended the Relay for Life and Making Strides rallies.
She also checked in on those who had missed meetings to make sure all was okay.
Phinney’s initial diagnosis was breast cancer. That later returned with ovarian cancer that spread to her intestines. And though the going was rough, she put her head down and charged forward.
Her license plate which read NVRKWT (never quit) and spoke volumes.
Allan Phinney, Rachel’s husband of 54 years, was her primary caregiver.
“She was handed a lot of awful things, and she handled it with grace and dignity,” he said. “She was the toughest, bravest person I’ve met.” Murray agreed.
“Despite being as sick as her body was, Rachel rarely complained or let it show,” she said. “She hated the attention on her and wanted us to assist others.”
In addition to running the Windham Cancer Support Group, Rachel was known for volunteering extensively in the Windham community and was a long term member of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce member.
After 18 years of struggling, Rachel Phinney lost her battle to cancer on Aug. 13.
Members of the Windham Cancer Support Group feel that although her loss creates a huge void, her memory serves as an inspiration for all.
In lieu of flowers, Rachel instead requested donations for the Windham Cancer Support Group, 45 Whites Point Road, Standish, ME 04084 or for donations to be made to the Maine Lab Rescue, 10 Tamarack Lane, Windham, ME 04062.
Windham Cancer Support Group
The Windham Cancer Support Group welcomes all those experiencing any type of cancer and their caregivers. The group meets at the Windham Public Library on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In addition to being a supportive group, the group is there to help in many other ways. According to member Mary Toppi-Bean, the group has cleaned homes, made meals, and raked yards to assist families of those experiencing cancer.
There is also a caregiver group that meets separately at the Windham Public Library. The next three meetings are scheduled for Mondays on Sept. 16, Oct. 21, and Nov. 18. These meetings are typically scheduled as needed.
Want more information? Contact: Mary at 207-776-9674. <
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