1991
Barbie Chartier is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, beginning the Chartier family’s childhood cancer journey.
OUR STOIRY
Built from lived experience. Rooted in Northern Ontario families.
NOFCC began with one family’s experience and grew into a community of care for Northern Ontario families facing childhood cancer.
Our Beginning
A family’s experience became a community of care.
NOFCC was founded from lived experience, grief, determination, and a deep understanding of what Northern Ontario families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer.
Where the story began
For past president Lorraine Chartier, the journey began in 1991 when her youngest daughter, Barbie, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. Life changed quickly for the Chartier family. Lorraine spent much of her time caring for Barbie’s medical needs, while the rest of the family balanced work, school, travel, and the responsibilities of home.
During treatment, Lorraine and Barbie spent long periods in Toronto, often at Ronald McDonald House or in hospital, as Barbie underwent surgeries and chemotherapy. Like many Northern Ontario families, they experienced the strain of being far from home, separated from family routines, and away from the local supports that can make such a difficult time feel less isolating.
After Barbie passed away in 1996, Lorraine continued looking for ways to support other families facing childhood cancer. Together with her daughter Michelle, and bereaved parents Janet and Guy, she worked to rebuild local support for families in the Sudbury area.
Why local support mattered
The founding families understood the isolation that can follow months of treatment away from home. They also understood the geographical challenges Northern Ontario families face when support groups and services are located hundreds of kilometres away.
After unsuccessful attempts to bring back Rainbow CanCare, the group joined with other parents and founded Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer — NOFCC — in the fall of 1998.
Growing the Mission
From emotional support to practical help across Northern Ontario.
In 2000, NOFCC began fundraising to provide financial assistance to families while continuing to offer emotional support. What began in the Sudbury region gradually expanded to serve families across Northern Ontario.
Fundraising was not always easy, but Lorraine remained committed to helping families in outlying communities. She often reminded others that Northern Ontario families face challenges that are different from those in larger southern centres, including distance, travel, smaller communities, and limited access to nearby specialized care.
That belief continues to guide NOFCC today: northerners supporting northerners through one of the most difficult experiences a family can face.
Milestones in the NOFCC story
These moments shaped the organization’s early path and continue to reflect why local, Northern Ontario-based support matters.
1996
After Barbie’s passing, Lorraine Chartier continues seeking ways to support other Northern Ontario families.
1998
Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer — NOFCC — is founded by parents and bereaved parents in the Sudbury area.
2000
NOFCC begins fundraising to provide financial assistance alongside emotional support.
Today
NOFCC supports families across Northern Ontario through care, connection, resources, and community generosity.
NOFCC Today
Still rooted in Northern Ontario families.
Today, NOFCC continues to support families across Northern Ontario through financial assistance, practical resources, emotional support, fundraising, and community partnerships.
The organization has grown, but its purpose remains deeply personal: to help families feel less alone and more supported during childhood cancer care.
The work continues.
NOFCC is not government funded and is not supported by any hospital. The organization relies on donations, fundraising events, volunteers, and community support to continue helping Northern Ontario families.
You can help
Support Northern Ontario families facing childhood cancer.
