BNCA Community Grant Recipients


Participants in the Ironstone Farm Equine Encounter Retreat.

The BNCA has provided grants through our Community Grants Program, including a recent $5,000 grant to Ironstone Farm Equine Encounter. Ironstone Farm offers one-day retreats for cancer survivors, using the power of horses to remind survivors of their own strength. The retreats are open to men and women who have, or had, a cancer diagnosis. Professional facilitators at each Equine Encounter use the special relationship between people and horses to help people build a renewed sense of self, increase confidence, regain trust, and learn to feel the support offered by truly wonderful horses.


Participants in the Livestrong Program at the Torigian YMCA

BNCA also recently made a $5,000 grant to the LIVESTRONG Program at the Torigian Family YMCA – Peabody for Adult Cancer Survivors. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a wellness program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis.


The Torigian YMCA creates a welcoming community in which survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.


The association also provided a grant to the Melanoma Education Foundation to Provide Facial Scanners in 26 North Shore High Schools. Facial scanners are an educational tool to help people understand the damaging effects of the sun.


Students using facial scanners.

Through the use of ultra-violet rays, these scanners allow people to see layers of skin not visible to the naked eye. Used for middle school children through adults, this tool helps identify the areas of your face most impacted by the sun and show the benefits of sunscreen in blocking UV rays.


Models displaying alternative designer radiant wraps.

Further, BNCA provided Radiant Wraps at the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Radiant Wraps are alternative designer gowns for breast cancer patients to wear during radiation treatments. A flattering and stylish alternative to the hospital gown, helping patients to feel confident, pretty and secure.


Boston North Cancer Association is also a frequent sponsor for the North Shore Cancer Walk and the Annual Walk for Hospice.


BNCA Professional Grant Recipients

BNCA is also able to fund individuals looking to improve or supplement their professional skills and training, including several of Lahey Hospital staff who attended the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) 42nd Annual Congress in Denver, Colorado.

“Thanks so very much for the Professional Development Grant so I could attend the 42nd Oncology Nursing Society Congress Conference in Denver. The conference was great—had many different seminars where I learned new things as well as others that were a good review of information already I knew. It was also great to meet and chat with other nurses. Thanks again for your generosity. I do appreciate it.” - Carma Hudon