ROBERT VENTE
2011 Heroes of Marin — Presented by the Pacific Sun and Circle Bank
Nancy Novack Courage Award by Dani Bu rlison
W
hen Nancy Novack was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2004, she had no idea how her life would change. And the community around her had no idea what good would come out of her difficult journey once she fully recovered a few years later. Upon meeting Novack, it is difficult to imagine her in poor health. Vibrant, lively and teeming with positivity, she has taken her gratitude for her full recovery from cancer and created a gift for those fighting—and otherwise affected by—cancer throughout Marin County and beyond. Her nonprofit organization, Nancy’s List, is her “thank you gift” for surviving. “When I was first diagnosed, I had no idea how serious it was,” says Novack, 67, on a recent morning in Mill Valley. “My doctor said ‘stage four’ and so I asked him to tell me about stage five.” As some know all-too-well, stage IV is as advanced as cancer gets. At this point it has spread to other organs in the body such as the liver, as in Novack’s case. After undergoing 21 chemotherapy treatments spread out over the course of two years, she came to realize the importance of having not only the financial ability to cover all the additional costs—like the white blood cell boosters she needed to self-administer at home—but the crucial need for a supportive community. She set out to help people connect to resources and one another and Nancy’s List was born with the goal to help improve the lives of the many people who are living with cancer and those who love and care for them. “One of the first things I thought of when I recovered was about the people who don’t have access to money,” says Novack. “Most of the people dealing with bankruptcy are
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people living with cancer. We have to take care of each other.” In response to her own needs while battling cancer, she began compiling a list of resources, including financial assistance organizations and links to scholarships for children. Soon, she found herself adding lists of support groups, information for caregivers and resources on nutrition; she even developed a buddy system for simple everyday tasks and support. Through her work with Nancy’s List, Novack has developed an especially soft spot for children living with cancer. As Marin has no treatment programs available for youth with cancer, many must travel to Oakland Children’s Hospital, Stanford Hospital or UCSF Medical Center for their numerous appointments. And, she says, treatment for children is often longer than it is for adults. Nancy’s Club infuses a little fun into the lives of children living with cancer. Last year, Novack began a free sailing program for children and adults with cancer with Pegasus Voyage’s Stage-four cancer survivor Novack founded Nancy’s List with a mission: ‘No one will ever go through cancer alone.’ Richard Gillette. “The children and teens really have my heart,” she says. “They are so inspiring and it means a lot when a family gets to share something so special.” Aside from connecting people to + Every week more than a dozen + When not volunteering her time resources, Novack is determined to people who have received a with outreach to people living keep anyone from having to face cancer cancer diagnosis contact Novack. with cancer, Novack works as a alone. Even small, everyday tasks can be Although a lot of people seeking private practice clinical psycholoa challenge for individuals and families support are local, many others gist. facing cancer. The forum helps connect are referred to Nancy’s List from people to volunteers who run errands, around the country. + In addition to offering a million prepare meals, baby-sit, give rides to resources, Nancy’s List also has a + Sailing trips for people living with club for children and teens who appointments and even walk dogs 14> cancer are free and available to are battling cancer or who have a for people with cancer. adults as well as children, thanks loved one with cancer. The service Through Nancy Novack’s selfless to Nancy’s List and Pegasus Voyis free of charge. devotion, hundreds of people around the ages. Check event listings at www. country are living life with a little more nancyslist.org for upcoming trips. + Because of the unique structure of ease. As a survivor, she is also a symbol Nancy’s List, the nonprofit is often of hope for countless + Novack hopes to expand the not eligible for foundation grants more throughout the children’s cancer programs to and relies heavily on donations world. For this, she is include fi eld trips to Giants games, and fundraising events. To dothe Pacific Sun’s Hero Audubon Canyon Ranch and more. nate or find out about upcoming of Courage. < events, visit www.nancyslist.org
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