The new administrative coordinator for South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR) in Morden hopes to double the clientele using the organizations resources this year.

Tracy Peters, who lives in Thornhill, started at the position in December after Deb Thiessen filled the role of clinical coordinator, and is passionate about increasing awareness in the area.

"I was very excited to jump on board with something that is close to my heart," said Peters who was diagnosed with a rare cancer three years ago, but never knew what SCCR could do for her or her family, though she wishes she did.

"It would have been a fantastic thing for our family at that time," she said. At least once a week she hears people say they wish they had known SCCR was around.

"We want to change that," Peters said.

One reason Peters suggested SCCR isn't as well known to people with cancer as the organization would like, is the demographic being diagnosed is often seniors who don't use Facebook or the Internet where SCCR does much of their marketing.

Doctors and nurses have partnered with SCCR to inform patients recently diagnosed with cancer what the group can offer them, but Peters suspects the advice is lost in the weight of the news. Instead, waiting until the person has had time to acknowledge their situation could be more helpful in spreading awareness.

In 2017, around $5,000 has already been donated to SCCR which Peters calls a fantastic start to the year. Also, a large donation was willed to the organization stipulating that the funds support the transportation program which delivers people to Boundary Trails Health Centre and hospitals in Winnipeg to receive cancer treatment.

The SCCR's transportation program serves communities from Cartwright and Crystal City to Morris and Emerson. It's a large area with many people requiring rides, without which, some would not be able to attend their appointments.

"We are blessed to be with them on their journey," said Peters.