About

Guided by compassion, we work to ensure individuals and families impacted by cancer receive meaningful emotional, financial, and informational support.

Our Founder & Story

Never Alone Cancer Foundation began with one person’s experience of cancer and a desire to ensure others felt supported during a difficult time. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004, founder Lyle Bauer spoke openly about the uncertainty and isolation he felt in those early days. He often shared, “When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I can tell you that in spite of family and friends, I had never felt so alone and unsure of what the future would bring.”

The care he received from those around him inspired a simple but powerful vision, to create a community where individuals and families could find comfort, understanding, and practical support when they needed it most. That vision became Never Alone Cancer Foundation.

On April 27, 2024, Lyle passed away. His compassion, humility, and deep commitment to others continue to guide the work of the foundation. His legacy lives on through every act of care shared within the community he helped build. #Forever59

Our Team

Today, Never Alone Cancer Foundation continues to support individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by cancer through emotional, financial, and informational support.

Backed by a mighty volunteer team, our small staff responds with compassion and flexibility.

Everything we do is shaped by a commitment to community and by the legacy Lyle began, ensuring people feel supported, understood, and cared for throughout their experience.

Our Mission

To ensure people impacted by cancer feel informed, connected, and never alone through compassionate and practical help.

Our Vision

A future where every person facing cancer experiences connection, dignity, and real support when it matters most.

Our Values

Compassion
We meet people where they are, offering care without judgment and recognizing the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis.

Responsiveness
We act quickly and thoughtfully, understanding that support is most meaningful when it comes at the right moment.

Dignity
We honour each person’s story, choices, and independence, providing help in ways that respect privacy and self-worth.

Community
We believe support grows through connection — volunteers, partners, donors, and neighbours coming together so no one feels alone.

Practical Care
We focus on real help that makes everyday life a little easier during difficult times.

Board of Directors

Our current board of directors

Therese Labossiere

Co-Chair

As volunteers with NACF, Therese and Pumpkin play an important role in providing comfort, support, and hope to those navigating one of life’s most difficult journeys.

Therese, as NACF Co-Chair, is actively engaged in NACF operations, whether helping plan community events, grant writing, or connecting directly with sponsors, donors and clients, she exemplifies the spirit of compassion and service that defines our foundation.

Professionally, she spent 25+ years at Xerox Canada where she managed the National Consulting Practice. Now, outside of her volunteer work, Therese enjoys travelling, pickleball, bowling, lake life, and spending time with family and friends.

Stephen Green

Treasurer

Hi, I’m Stephen and I have been on the board of Never Alone Cancer Foundation since summer 2019. I currently serve as Treasurer.

Seeing the impact the organization can make for those tackling the numerous challenges that come with fighting cancer motivates me to continue to assist in any way I can.

I’m a Director at MNP LLP and have worked there for the last 10 years. Outside of work and NACF, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and playing hockey.

Linda Stewart

Secretary

My name is Linda Stewart, and I am proud to serve as a Board Member with the Never Alone Cancer Foundation. With a professional background in financial management, accounting, and software customization services for small and medium-sized businesses.

I have also had the privilege of teaching business math and financial analysis courses, sharing my passion for practical financial literacy with students and professionals alike.

Today, I’m honoured to give back by volunteering with NACF, where I provide free tax return services to our clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to use my skills to help ease even a small part of the burden for those navigating life with cancer.

I enjoy spending time at the lake including fishing for the big catch!

Cameron Krisko

Board Member

My name is Cam. I have been a board member with the Never Alone Cancer Foundation for the last 4 years. More recently for the last couple of years, I have taken on the role of Chair of the Never Alone Cancer Foundation Golf Tournament.

I love the difference the organization makes everyday with the many clients we support in the community, all of whom are facing a different battle with cancer.

The passion that our staff & volunteers show for the “little things” is truly inspirational.

As a health care worker, I have a deep understanding of the medical challenges our clients go through & this drives my desire to continue to be involved with the NACF.

Outside of the NACF I love running, golfing & swimming with my son & wife.

Nancy Nowakowski

Co-Chair

Hello, I’m Nancy. I have had the privilege of serving on the NACF Board for several years. My connection with NACF began when the organization supported my sister during her recovery from cancer. Inspired by the compassion and dedication I witnessed, I began volunteering at events and was later invited to join the Board, eventually serving as Co-Chair.

As a dedicated civil servant, I have come to deeply value the time and energy our volunteers contribute to helping those in need. Looking ahead to my retirement years, I hope to dedicate even more time to advancing NACF’s mission and supporting our community.

Outside of NACF, I enjoy wine-making, spending time at the lake, and sharing meaningful moments with family and friends.

Heather Buchanan

Board Member

Hi, I’m Heather. I joined the Board in 2024 after more than 10 years of volunteering with this amazing organization. As a cancer survivor myself, learning the story behind why this foundation was created really resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to be part of a team making such a meaningful difference.

Lyle’s words have always stuck with me: “When I was first diagnosed with cancer… I had never felt so alone and unsure of what the future would bring.” I understand that feeling, and I truly believe in the importance of support in all its forms throughout the cancer journey — emotional, financial, and informational — so that no one ever feels they are facing it alone.

Alongside my personal connection, I bring a background in strategic planning, program leadership, and project management. I’m proud to contribute an operational and forward-looking perspective to the Board, helping strengthen governance, support long-term vision, and turn strategy into real, meaningful outcomes. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do every day and of the way we show up for patients, families, and caregivers — reminding them they are never alone.

Lyle Bauer

Honorary Board Member #Forever59

Dave Black

Honorary Board Member

Shirlee Preteau

Honorary Board Member

Community Partners & Grant Acknowledgment

About

Our Founder & Story