How one Mainer turned a cancer diagnosis into her life’s purpose.
Article | June 5, 2026
Breast cancer survivor Cora Fahy has found purpose through advocacy, helping JAX’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) connect genomic science with the needs and experiences of patients across Maine.
Cora Fahy is many things. She is a physical therapy assistant, a sister, an aunt, and a wonderful friend. She’s also a breast cancer survivor. Ten years ago, a cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life. Today, that experience continues to shape how she shows up for others.
Launched in 2016, MCGI bridges the gap between the rapidly evolving breakthroughs of precision oncology science and its real-time use for patient care. MCGI equips healthcare providers, clinical care teams, and patients across Maine with world-class ongoing education, collaborative case review of complex genomic testing results, and expanded access to advanced tumor testing and clinical trials. Over the past decade, the initiative has helped thousands of patients and providers realize the promise of precision oncology for better outcomes.
“Cancer can change your life, but it can also give you a purpose,” Cora said. As a physical therapist assistant, cancer exercise specialist, and certified lymphedema therapist, she has spent the last decade turning her own cancer experience into advocacy and support for others.
She connected with MCGI after years of advocacy work with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. Living on Mount Desert Island with JAX’s Bar Harbor campus in her backyard, she explored the JAX website, discovered MCGI, and immediately connected with its focus on genomics and patient care. She connected deeply with the mission.
Celebrating 10 Years of MCGI
Built to scale. Empowering care teams. Personalized oncology without compromise.
Today, Cora helps MCGI communicate more effectively with patients and families who are navigating difficult and often overwhelming decisions. Through the Patient Advisory Committee, she and others provide feedback on how best to share complex medical information with patients, and help patients understand what questions to ask during appointments to engage with their treatment plans.
“The cancer community and the science community, they all really want to do some great work with patients,” Cora said, adding that the Patient Advisory Committee gives them an important perspective that can make that impact “even better.”
The work, she said, also helps empower patients to play a more active role in their care.
And it’s empowering to me and it’s empowering to others.
Cora Fahy
Survivorship beyond treatment
For Cora, survivorship extends far beyond treatment itself.
“Cancer survivorship is from the date of diagnosis through the balance of life,” she said. “Cancer does not stop at the last chemo, at the last radiation, at the last surgery.”
That reality continues to motivate her advocacy work and her belief that patients need access not only to treatment, but also to information, resources, and community.
“I really wish I’d known about the resources that are out there,” said Cora. “I wish I’d known about places like MCGI. I wish I’d known what they did and how they can provide information to your oncologist for your specific treatment.”
She believes genomic testing and precision oncology are changing what is possible for patients facing cancer diagnoses today.
“What would we be missing if we didn’t have MCGI?” she said. “We’d be missing a huge amount of information. We’d be missing the ability for people to understand genomic testing and how to make decisions on their treatment.”
Adjusting the sails
Along the way, Cora has found strength in a quote given to her by a friend shortly after her diagnosis.
She stood in the storm. And when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.
“There will be things that come at you sideways, and you have to figure out how to adjust,” said Cora. Today, she hopes sharing her story helps others feel less alone — and more empowered to seek support and understand the options available to them.
“Getting involved with MCGI helped me turn something that was difficult and challenging into something purposeful,” she said. “Not just for me, but for others.”Give to MCGI to support equitable access to precision cancer care. Donate
As MCGI marks its 10th anniversary, Cora sees its work as essential to the future of cancer care in Maine and beyond. Supporting MCGI and JAX is vital, she said, “to keep us moving forward and saving lives.”
Support MCGI
MCGI was founded by bold philanthropy. It has been sustained by collaboration. And it continues to grow through shared belief in a simple truth: every patient deserves access to the cancer treatments transforming survival—no matter where they call home.
Give to MCGI to support equitable access to precision cancer care. Donate
Learn more
MCGI 10-Year Celebration
Join us on October 14 to commemorate a decade of transformative cancer care for the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative.
Diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, Henry Grandgent expected a future of long hospital drives and distant specialists. Instead, the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) brought world-class cancer care to his island community.
