About Us

Our History

Transition to Betterness began in 1997 with a simple but heartfelt idea.

Co-founders Doris Lapico and Tania Sorge, two local women with shared personal experiences navigating cancer alongside loved ones, recognized a gap in the hospital experience. While medical care was exceptional, the emotional and environmental needs of patients and families were often overlooked. Their initial goal was modest: to refurbish two oncology rooms and create a warmer, more comforting space for families spending long hours in the hospital.

What started as a single act of compassion quickly grew into something much larger.

Over the past 25+ years, T2B has expanded from room refurbishments into a wide network of comfort-based programs and capital projects that touch nearly every corner of local hospital care—from paediatric oncology and palliative care to family support services and community healing spaces.

In 2018, T2B reached a historic milestone by raising $1 million at its 21st Annual Gala, and in 2023 proudly celebrated 25 years of service to the Windsor–Essex community. While the organization has grown significantly, the heart of T2B remains unchanged: people helping people, during the moments that matter most.

Two women are being interviewed by a woman with a video camera in a room with medical equipment and framed pictures on the wall.
Three women standing together at an indoor event, holding hands and smiling at the camera. The woman in the middle is older with white hair. The women on the sides are younger, wearing elegant dresses.

T2B’s impact is deeply woven into the fabric of Windsor–Essex.

Every donation, volunteer shift, and fundraising event directly supports local families -neighbours, friends, and loved ones - facing life-altering illness. Our supporters often give in honour of someone they love, creating a powerful cycle of compassion that continues to grow year after year.

From individual donors and families to corporate partners, T2B is proud to foster a community united by empathy, generosity, and a shared commitment to making difficult days a little easier.

community impact
A hospital room with a bed, bedside table, a blue armchair near a window with blue curtains, and various decorations including a framed photograph and a flower arrangement. 
1997 — The Beginning

Transition to Betterness (T2B) is founded. A volunteer committee is formed and fundraising begins with the first T2B Gala. Funds raised support the renovation of two oncology rooms—marking the launch of T2B’s very first program, Room Refurbishments, and setting the foundation for comfort-based care in local hospitals.

2002 — Comfort Cart Program

T2B launches the Comfort Cart Program, providing complimentary snacks and refreshments to patients and families to help ease the hospital experience.

2004 — Comfort Blankets

The Comfort Blanket Program is introduced, offering handmade fleece blankets to patients—providing warmth, comfort, and a tangible reminder of care they can take home.

2006 — Paediatric Oncology Satellite Unit

With funds raised through the 2005 Support Orange Campaign, T2B unveils Windsor’s first Paediatric Oncology Satellite Unit at Windsor Regional Hospital. This milestone allows children to receive oncology treatments locally, reducing the need for families to travel long distances. The opening of the unit also leads to the introduction of several of T2B’s first paediatric-focused programs.

2013 — T2B Palliative Care Unit

The T2B Palliative Care Unit – The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Wing officially opens at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. The 20-bed unit is thoughtfully designed to bring the comforts of home into the hospital environment for patients and families during end-of-life care.

2013 — Back the Pack Program

T2B launches Back the Pack, a program providing children in oncology care with backpacks filled with educational toys and comfort items, helping reduce isolation and support emotional well-being.

2014 — Holiday Meal Program

The Holiday Meal Program begins in the family kitchen of the T2B Palliative Care Unit, offering families the opportunity to share a complimentary, home-style meal together during special holidays.

A large group of women sitting at round tables in a banquet hall, attending a formal event or conference, with some tables decorated with flowers and purple tablecloths. 
2016 — T2B Youth Ambassadors

T2B introduces the Youth Ambassadors Program, engaging youth aged 10–17 in raising awareness and funds within the community. Proceeds support T2B’s paediatric programs and its ongoing commitment to Ronald McDonald House Windsor.

2018 — Record-Breaking Gala

T2B’s 21st Annual Gala raises a record-breaking $1 million at Caesars Windsor—an extraordinary milestone that strengthens the organization’s ability to expand comfort-based programs across Windsor–Essex.

2018 — Community Recognition

T2B is honoured as a BEA Pillars of the Community Award Recipient. That same year, T2B delivers over 100 Dr. Michelle Prince Comfort Care Totes to patients at the Windsor Regional Hospital Cancer Centre, supporting individuals beginning chemotherapy treatment.

2023 — Celebrating 25 Years

Transition to Betterness celebrates 25 years of providing comfort to patients and families across Windsor–Essex—marking a quarter-century of compassion, community support, and meaningful impact.

2024 — Ride to Survive Fundraiser

Transition to Betterness hosts its annual Ride to Survive cycling fundraiser, bringing together riders, sponsors, and community members for a day of connection and support. The event raises critical funds to sustain T2B’s comfort-based programs across Windsor–Essex hospitals.

2025 — Inspiration 100 Grant Recipient

The Dr. Michelle Prince Comfort Care Tote Program is selected as a recipient of an Inspiration 100™ grant, receiving $10,000 in funding to further support patients beginning chemotherapy treatment in Windsor–Essex.

2025 — Community Support Revives Paediatric Art Cart

Local students and families from Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School rally together to donate art supplies, helping restock and revive T2B’s Paediatric Art Cart Program, bringing creative comfort back to children receiving hospital care.

Two women smiling and posing together at an event with a backdrop featuring logos and text, including 'Karmanos Cancer Institute' and 'Saks Fifth Avenue.' The woman on the left has long brown hair and is wearing a blue dress with ruffles, while the woman on the right has long black hair and is wearing a sleeveless red and black patterned dress.
Black circular sign with white text and flower illustration. The sign reads "Transition to Better Wellness" and includes the website "T2B.ca".

As healthcare needs continue to evolve, so does T2B.

We remain committed to expanding comfort-based care, enhancing existing programs, and identifying new opportunities to support patients and families across Windsor–Essex. With the continued support of our community, we will keep building spaces of warmth, moments of connection, and lasting legacies of care.

Together, we are transitioning to something better.

looking ahead
Four women holding a large check in front of a live band playing in a restaurant or bar. The women are smiling and dressed in business or semi-formal attire.
Two young women sitting behind a table with a black tablecloth at an indoor event, promoting Transition to Betterness; one woman has long blonde hair, the other has long dark hair; the table displays informational posters, brochures, a jar of candies, and a large Moesa coffee cup.
Group of eight women standing in front of purple and white balloons, posing for a photo. Most women are wearing white shirts, purple shorts or skirts, and sunglasses, with bibs displaying names and a logo. One woman wears a black shirt and skirt. They are outdoors, with a wooden fence, potted plants, and buildings in the background.

100+

Dedicated Volunteers

Local

Comfort Based Programs

Patients & Families Comforted

100K+

Two women at a celebration or party, one sitting and the other standing. The sitting woman has long dark hair and is wearing a black dress, smiling and holding a dessert. The standing woman has blonde hair, wearing a colorful floral dress with a pink
Two women standing in front of sports cars holding checkered flags at a racing event.
Group of people outdoors, some dressed in camouflage, posing in front of a backdrop with hashtags and logos, some flexing muscles, smiling, and making gestures.
Three women sitting at a banquet table smiling at a celebration, with one holding a bouquet and everyone dressed in semi-formal attire, some wearing distinctive headpieces.
Elegant table setting with a menu, three lemons, a glass of water, a bottle of syrup, and white hydrangea flowers.
Kid-Comfort-Blanket.jpg
A woman with long wavy brown hair smiling and clapping at a gathering with other women.
Group of women in evening dresses holding a large check for $54,000 at an event with decorative hanging lights.
A smiling man with glasses wearing a wide-brimmed hat and red shirt, sitting in a golf cart on a golf course, with golf clubs behind him.
Four men in blue shirts smiling on a golf course, holding signs with hashtags and a logo, with houses in the background.
Two women standing in front of a red event poster for 'The Ride to Survive,' promoting the David Scott Hunter Memorial Ride scheduled for September 21, 2024. One woman wears a red sleeveless top, sunglasses, and ripped denim shorts, holding a drink.
A person wearing a white face mask and a light gray sweatshirt standing behind a table with Easter-themed baskets and raffle prizes. The table has a black tablecloth with the logo and website of Zain's Easter Gram Fundraiser, and a yellow poster with
Two young women smiling and making peace signs while standing in front of a vehicle that says "Giddy Up Go" on the window, outdoors with trees in the background.