But now our centre is one year old, Fifers who use it and who have been helped by the services on offer will testify they couldn't imagine life without our striking building in the grounds of the Victoria Hospital.
One person who know what a difference a year can make is Elizabeth Adams, Maggie's Fife Fundraising Co-ordinator, who looked back on the first 12 months of our centre.
She told The Press: "It's been a really emotional year, especially when I think back and realise there are some people who used the centre initially who are no longer with us.
''Instead of dwelling on the sad side of that, the way I see it is at least they got the use of the centre and were able to come along."
In the past year over 4000 people have used our centre, receiving help and support in the areas they need the most - whether that be information on cancer from the library, help with benefits or even trying t'ai chi or art therapy.
"It's been a really quick year," Elizabeth continued,
"It's phenomenal what people are still doing for us. The range of different fundraising activities still overwhelm us - there's just too many to mention - and I'm still overawed with everything that people are doing to support us. We also find the people who use the centre also want to do something for us as well, which is great."






But as has always been the case with Maggie's, there's no signs of anything slowing down now the first anniversary has passed and Elizabeth and her team are looking ahead and looking forward to welcoming many more people in need in the coming months and years.
"It's great to be able to see people coming in and taking ownership of the building. It's also nice to see folk helping themselves to a cup of tea or coffee, meeting others in their support group and talking through things.
"I know there's still people out there who are unsure of what we do here at Maggie's. When I speak to groups of people, sometimes they assume the centre is a hospice.
''When I let them know what's really on offer I tell them it's so important to pass onto others that we are open Monday to Friday and anyone can drop in without an appointment.
"They can get help and support on a wide range of things and we can answer any questions they have.
"We also really appreciate the support of the Fife Free Press, especially when it comes to raising awareness."


I got involved because I want to make a difference


OVER the years our Maggie's Appeal has highlighted many inspirational people with inspirational stories to tell.
And a year on from the opening of Maggie's Fife, we can start a new chapter, and tell the stories of the amazing people who are battling cancer with the help and support of our very own Centre.
One such inspirational Fifer is Molly Balfour (70) who, despite battling cancer for the second time, has a positive outlook which is both humbling and heart warming.
She talked to The Press this week to convey just how much Maggie's has helped her.






"The first time I used Maggie's was Edinburgh in 2000 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
''I went in a couple of times and I always used to think how lucky the people of Edinburgh were to have their own Centre.
"When I read about the Maggie's in Fife I was really excited and I immediately wanted to get involved in fundraising. I made up a quiz which raised money and that's how I got involved."
Then two and a half years ago, in what would have been a bitter blow to many, Molly was told the cancer had spread. "One of my first thoughts was that at least there will be a Maggie's Centre nearby this time," she admitted.
She also explained her positive outlook and determination not to just sit back and accept her lot.
"I chose to be an active participant and Maggie's has been a way I have been able to do that.
''I have been described as a model of positivity but I have had to get into the way of that.
''At first I couldn't control the feelings of why this was happening, but I got a grip and made the decision to enjoy my life.
"I suppose I am blessed that I have been born wearing rose coloured glasses.
''I want to make a difference - what else do you do if you have cancer? You have to make something of the experience."
By attending Maggie's, Molly has received advice on nutrition and has also attended relaxation classes, art therapy classes and is part of a support group, which has helped her take a more holistic approach to dealing with cancer and build her confidence.
Indeed, the information Molly received from Maggie's about nutrition has pushed her on to becoming an advocate of the benefits of organic food.
"Maggie's plugs the gaps within the Health Service and our centre is definitely something to be proud of."
Molly is one of many across the Kingdom fighting their own battle with cancer in their own way and is a shining example of how our centre can help - all anyone has to do is take the first steps over the threshold and see what Maggie's has to offer.