LEWISTON — Those in the greater Lewiston-Auburn community who have experience with cancer are invited to become a volunteer with the Maine Buddy Program.

Cancer survivors or those who have served as caregivers to someone with cancer are encouraged to apply. The volunteer training will be held over two evenings, Wednesday and Thursday, May 4 and 5, at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

The statewide peer support program pairs trained volunteers with individuals who are dealing with cancer in their lives, either through their own illness or the cancer diagnosis of a family member.

Buddies provide emotional support, hope and encouragement to help individuals move through their own or a loved one’s cancer journey.

Erin Witham, program and volunteer manager at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland, provides training, supervision and support for volunteers in the program. Witham stresses that the program especially needs people who served as caregivers for a loved one who was diagnosed with cancer.

Applications should be sent by Monday, April 25, to be considered for the training in May.

The Cancer Community Center supports Mainers facing cancer by providing programs and services such as support groups, complementary therapies, wellness and creative expression programs, educational presentations and social opportunities. All programs are offered for free.

FMI, volunteer: 207-774-2200, [email protected], www.CancerCommunityCenter.org.