Schweitzer event to aid cancer center

Cancer patients and their families came to rely on Heather Gibson for her knowledge and compassion, as well as the tangible support she offered.

Gibson, who was 47 when she lost her eight-year battle with breast cancer and died in August, founded Sandpoint’s Community Cancer Services because of her own experience, driving almost every day to Coeur d’Alene for 11 months of treatment. There was nowhere in the Sandpoint area that provided the nonmedical cancer support that she and others needed.

In October 2003, in a home in a residential neighborhood, Community Cancer Services opened its doors, providing help with everything from information about cancer treatments to money for travel costs.

“Really, it was her passion,” said Cynthia Dalsing, a private nurse practitioner who helped Gibson start the center and served on its board of directors until recently. “She was a pretty remarkable person in that way.”

Gibson loved the outdoors and started skiing at Schweitzer 22 years ago with her husband, Greg, a member of the Schweitzer ski patrol. Their two sons also ski.

“Heather has a long history at the mountain,” said Mary Weber-Quinn, Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s village, activities and events director. “She worked at the Alpine Shop on and off for probably 10 years, and her husband, Greg, has worked here about 20 years.

“Their family has been part of the Schweitzer family, and her boys have grown up on the mountain.”

“It’s going to be a special two days,” said Lisa Porter, executive director at Community Cancer Services. “She was an incredibly loved woman.”