Join Me in Making a Difference for Cancer Lifeline
Hey there, friends!
I’m excited to share our annual fundraising campaign, “Fundraising with Friends,” to support Cancer Lifeline. You most likely know I am a devoted Cancer Lifeline loyalist. I guess I can claim that moniker after 28 years of service to its mission--a mission I believe in with all my heart! Cancer Lifeline continues as a vital resource for people facing cancer, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, or survivorship.
Founded in 1973 by a courageous breast cancer survivor at her kitchen table, Cancer Lifeline has continued to blossom into a community of support and caring where no one need feel alone on their cancer journey.
My first interaction with Cancer Lifeline was in 1994 after I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer. I was told I had cancer on a phone call close to 5pm on a Friday afternoon. After spending a very freaked out weekend I discovered the Lifeline. It was Barbara Frederick, the incredible ED, who I would have the honor and delight to work with, who answered the phone. The rest is history.
In 2007 when I was again diagnosed with breast cancer, I personally experienced the incredible services of Cancer Lifeline in the form of a “Share the Care” meeting organized and facilitated by colleagues Mary Ellen Shands and Ellen Zahlis. Through their expertise, a care team of friends and colleagues was created to support my journey through chemo to recovery.
Since joining the Cancer Lifeline team in 1998, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of deep listening, compassion, expertise & creativity consistently offered to everyone who comes through our doors (real and virtual). Hired to establish the Healing Arts for Creative Expression, I got to work with an exuberant community of cancer survivors, and community members. We manifested a vibrant program in a welcoming space filled with inviting arts and craft supplies and an atmosphere where individuals could find a safe haven to explore, process and express themselves without judgement, find relief from the stresses of cancer, and connect with others who understood what they were going through.
I frequently think of the phrase from the movie Field of Dreams. “If you build it, they will come”. This speaks to the reception that Cancer Lifeline received from the moment we opened our doors. From that time to this, Cancer Lifeline continues to extend welcoming arms to people searching for help, support and a safe haven on their cancer journey.
We have continued to grow and change with the times, while still holding to our deeply held values of service. In 2026, we are more committed than ever to continue to serve our community, especially after our recent merger with Harmony Hill Retreat Center, enhancing our services even further.
Now, I invite you to be part of this meaningful mission. Your donation, whatever amount feels right, is crucial and ensuring we continue offering exceptional support to anyone touched by cancer.
Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact and help individuals and families navigate their cancer journeys with heartfelt caring and connection, evidence-based information,
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