Overview
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded by Heather’s family after experiencing challenges navigating pancreatic cancer care, the Foundation is driven by real change. Leadership includes advocates and professionals with deep ties to the community and a passion for healthcare reform.
Values
- Equity: Access to life-saving care should not be determined by geography or postal code. Our work focuses on closing gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, especially for those in smaller provinces and rural areas.
- Action: We mobilize public support, call on government leaders, and push for policy changes that directly impact pancreatic cancer patients.
- Empowerment: We equip patients and families with knowledge, resources, and self-advocacy tools to navigate complex healthcare systems.
- Community: We foster a supportive network, sharing lessons learned and practical tips to help others facing similar challenges.
- Transparency and Compassion: Inspired by Heather’s legacy as a nurse and caregiver, we prioritize clear communication, empathy, and genuine support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Whom We Serve
- Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, especially those in underserved regions.
- Families and caregivers navigating the complexities of treatment and support.
- Healthcare professionals and advocates seeking to improve outcomes and close systemic gaps.
What We Do
- Provide up-to-date, accessible information on pancreatic cancer, treatment options, and clinical trials.
- Advocate for healthcare reform, including better access to somatic testing and clinical trials.
- Offer practical resources and support to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
- Mobilize community action through campaigns, petitions, and public awareness initiatives.
- Develop educational materials and launch programs like podcasts and starter packs to inform and empower the pancreatic cancer community.
- Engage in fundraising to support research and patient services, and collaborate with national and international partners, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.
Get Involved
Volunteers, guest authors, and partners are welcome to join the Foundation’s efforts—whether through direct service, campaign support, or sharing personal experiences to inspire and inform others.
Role: Community Story Collector
The Heather Cutler Foundation is seeking a compassionate and thoughtful Community Story Collector to gather, preserve, and share the lived experiences of people affected by pancreatic cancer across Canada. In this role, you’ll work directly with families, advocates, and individuals to document their stories—through interviews, written narratives, audio recordings, or multimedia capsules. These stories inform our work, fuel advocacy, build empathy, and bring public attention to what’s too often ignored.
Why Join Us
We were founded in honour of Heather—a mother, nurse, and advocate whose story exposed how Canada’s healthcare system leaves too many behind. Real change starts with real stories. We’re building a living archive of experiences to inform research, influence policy, and empower others. As our Community Story Collector, you’ll ensure no story goes untold and that every contribution is treated with care, dignity, and purpose.
Responsibilities
- Conduct interviews and gather stories from individuals and families impacted by pancreatic cancer (virtually or in writing) with empathy and clarity.
- Create written or audio summaries suitable for web, newsletters, or advocacy materials.
- Support consent and confidentiality by ensuring participants understand how their stories will be used and feel empowered to share only what they’re comfortable disclosing.
- Curate quotes and highlights for use in campaigns, reports, or visual storytelling (with permission).
- Maintain ethical story collection practices, following trauma-informed and inclusive interviewing practices to protect participants’ wellbeing.
Qualifications
- Excellent listening and communication skills; able to build trust quickly and make people feel safe and seen.
- Strong writing or editing skills; able to turn conversations into clear, sensitive, and compelling stories.
- Empathy-driven with a deep care for preserving dignity and voice of those sharing experiences.
- Organized and reliable; able to manage a story log, track consent forms, and follow timelines.
- Familiarity with grief, caregiving, or healthcare; personal or professional experience is a bonus but not required.
- Mission-aligned; committed to equity, health advocacy, and honoring lived experiences in underserved communities.
Role Details
- Location: Remote (Canada-based preferred)
- Time Commitment: ~3–6 hours/week
- Employment Type: Volunteer
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Duration: Minimum 3-month commitment preferred
- Supervised by: Founder and Communications Lead
Organization Description
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit transforming pancreatic cancer advocacy through truth-telling, systemic change, and care-centered storytelling. From national surveys to stop-motion campaigns, we prioritize voices that are too often excluded—especially in smaller provinces and rural regions. We believe stories are not just what we remember; they are how we build a future worth fighting for.
Keywords
Storytelling Volunteer | Patient Advocacy Canada | Lived Experience Collection | Nonprofit Story Archivist | Pancreatic Cancer Community | Remote Volunteer Role | The Heather Cutler Foundation