GRATITUDE

We had a great day a few days before Christmas, shopping for gifts for our new client.  She only asked for help buying two bicycles, one for her daughter, one for her son.  Four of our volunteers met the client and her boyfriend, the children's father, at a local discount store.  They picked out the bikes and were ready to go home.  We shocked them by telling them we had two shopping carts and we expected them to fill both of them with toys and clothes for the kids. It was such a joy watching them pick out the things they thought they wouldn't be able to give the children this year.  
     As we were checking out, we noticed our client with tears flowing.  She said she couldn't put into words what she was feeling.  But she didn't have to.  Her emotion spoke volumes.  She and her boyfriend both kept telling us how grateful they were for all we were doing for them.  
     But here's what's strange.  We felt grateful to be able to do it for them.  We feel like we get more enjoyment out of giving, than the clients do in receiving.  It's a win win.  And we're blessed to be a part of it.

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

During our outreach with a new client today, she talked about the fear of breast cancer.  The question came up, if you were afraid when you got your diagnosis, what were you afraid of?  People who haven't walked the breast cancer journey, often ask, "Were you scared you were going to die?"  The general consensus from the 7 survivors at our outreach, was no.  Any fear we had was because of two things:
   1.  The unknown.  Many of us feared the treatment process, what would it be like, feel like?  How would the side effects affect us?  One volunteer said, "I don't like new experiences."  We all laughed, but she does have a point about how we as humans react to change.
   2.  Those we'd leave behind.  Those who don't fear dying, still have a burden for those we would leave behind.  Several survivors remember praying for the chance to see their children graduate from high school, grow up, get married and have families of their own.
    Your thoughts on fear?

BREAKTHROUGH !

The SAN ANTONIO BREAST CANCER SYMPOSIUM is going on this week.  So, we'll be hearing much encouraging news about breakthrough in the breast cancer fight.  It looks like there's been an amazing development for those who are battling late stage breast cancer.    Here's a link to a story that appeared December 7, 2011 on WORLD NEWS with Diane Sawyer.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/breast-cancer-drug-breakthrough-15109167

STYLE FOR A CAUSE

We were very honored to be chosen for an event called STYLE FOR A CAUSE, organized by stylists at LUNATIC FRINGE SALON in Altamonte Springs, FL.  Stylist Amy Raith had the idea to pamper breast cancer survivors for the day and raise money for COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH through a raffle.  It was a successful event from start to finish.  Our client/friends felt like rock stars with makeovers, wig styling, scalp massages and hand massages.
    Here's a wonderful video from the event, produced by photographer, Heather Rice.
http://animoto.com/play/89BVDd3RvZB8sUHMSUoHMQ

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PINKTOBER

Wow.  What a month.  I am truly grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support for COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH this month.  Several local organizations held very successful fundraisers for us:
    LADIES OF HARLEY in Clermont held a motorcycle Poker Run called RIDE FOR THE CURE.  
    The Delta Omicron Omega chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Sorority donated proceeds to us from the Breast and Ovarian Cancer luncheon.  They're decided to partner with us again next year.  Wow.
    SALON INXS held a surprise fundraiser for us in the salon, then mailed us a check.  Wow again.
    Local builder PARK SQUARE HOMES is donating $500 for every new home from the month of October.  
    LUNATIC FRINGE SALON closed down the salon for an afternoon and pampered our clients who are going through or recently completed treatment.  And they made a financial donation ! Double generosity.
    Then I got a call this afternoon about an effort called SCRAP FOR THE CURE, local scrapbook enthusiasts who held an event for us over the weekend.  Another check is on the way.
     I am so amazed at how generous people are.  And I realize they know we strive to be good stewards of those donations.  100% of our donations go directly to breast cancer patients and their families in Central Florida.  So our donors know they are helping people right here in our community.  And we are grateful !
Vanessa Echols
Founder
COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH

SURVIVOR OR THRIVER ?

I had a chance to interview GOOD MORNING AMERICA anchor Robin Roberts this week about her breast cancer journey.  I asked her about the fact that she likes the term thriver more survivor.  She said survivor seems to say you're just hanging on, whereas thriver says you are living with vigor and a renewed purpose.
    Your thoughts?  Are you a survivor or a thriver?  Here's my interview with Robin.
Vanessa
Breast Cancer THRIVER


http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/vaness-echols-talks-gmas-robin-roberts/vDr5j/

THINK BEFORE YOU PINK

I always joke that you could slap a pink ribbon on anything and we breast cancer survivors would buy it.  I have been guilty of this myself.
     So this year as we kick off PINKTOBER, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'd like to remind you to 'THINK' before you 'PINK'.  Companies have certainly realized by now that there is money to be made in pink ribbon items.  They're everywhere and on everything.  But if you are truly interested in supporting the cause, ask yourself a few questions before you buy:
    1.  Is a portion of the proceeds from this item being donated to a breast cancer cause?
    2.  If so, how much is being donated?
    3.  Which organization/ program is getting the donation?
    4.  Is this group active in my local community, helping LOCAL breast cancer patients?


    If the answer to ANY of those questions is no, give some thought to whether you really want to buy it, no matter how cute it is.  LOL.
    AND HAPPY PINK OCTOBER !
Vanessa
Founder, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, INC.

BURN FOR THE CURE ?? SERIOUSLY ?!

Got a rather unusual fundraising offer this week.  A cigar rights group has decided to hold a fundraiser for a breast cancer organization in October.  They want to call it BURN FOR THE CURE and hold it at a local cigar shop.  Wanted to know if COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS would like to be the recipient of the funds?  Seriously?!
     Let me get this straight, smoking and raising money to help cancer patients.  I just can't see past the notion of inviting our friends and supporters to an event at a cigar shop.  I asked several of them what they thought about the idea.  After they finished laughing, no one seemed to think it was a good idea.  One friend likened it to holding a PETA fundraiser at a meat market.  One even suggested we hold a right to life fundraiser inside an abortion clinic or the AA meeting at the local liquor store.  
     Ah, fundraising can be a slippery slope.

DOUBLE WHAMMY

      Sometimes we meet new clients who amaze us with their strength.  Our newest client is one of those.  She's fighting breast cancer right now.  That is enough battle for most people.  But she's also the mother of four children, three of whom have autism.  Yes, three children with challenges of their own.
      That is certainly enough to make most people fold under the pressure.  But not this warrior.  Two of our volunteers went to visit her yesterday and came away in awe of her hope and joy.  We were blessed to be able to make a real difference in her family's life yesterday.  They were hours away from the power being shut off.  We delivered a check to keep the lights on.
     We're planning a group outreach for the family this Saturday.  And we can hardly wait to meet them !

STUDY TARGETS AFRICAN AMERICANS

Boston University has just received a nearly $20 million dollar grant to specifically study how breast cancer affects African-American women.  Cancer in this ethnic group is often more aggressive and strikes women at a younger age.  And although African American women are less likely to get breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it, when compared to women of European ancestry.  Here's more info:


http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes/2011/08/boston-university-lead-research-breast-cancer-african-american-women/xlzyd9TxU8OuyLc3rvPZEL/index.html

I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT

WOW !  You simply must see Martina McBride's video for her song "I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT".  The video is so beautifully shot with everyday and celebrity cancer survivors and caregivers.  And the lyrics are moving and powerful.  It is such a tribute to those who have fought the fight.  I was particularly struck by one woman on the video who talked about how when you're diagnosed with cancer, the people who care about you are also diagnosed with cancer.  Warning, you might want to have a tissue close by.
Vanessa Echols
Founder, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4MURYsv3k

FORE !!!!

We'd love to have you join us Saturday morning for a wonderful golf tournament which benefits COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS.  The tourney is at the beautiful Shingle Creek course in the Orlando area.  Even if you don't golf, come out and hang out with us for the day.  Here's more information about the tournament and registration.
       http://www.forecharities.com/

WE'RE ON TV !

We are thrilled to be featured in WFTV's 9 FAMILY CONNECTION minute, encouraging people to get involved in local charities.  The promotional spot airs Saturday August 13 during the morning and noon newscasts.  But you can watch it here.


http://www.youtube.com/user/CHHBCO1#p/u

UNLIKELY PARTNERSHIP ?

Looks like the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has found itself in a bit of a pickle.  It's teamed up with HOOTERS for a fundraising effort.  And that hasn't gone over too well with critics, blasting the organization for getting cozy with a restaurant that some say exploits women.  Is this in bad taste or all for the cause ?   Here's a link to an article with details.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/hooters-cancer-drive-a-bad-business-combo-127440043.html

YOU'RE INVITED

Denied !
    There's outrage in South Carolina over a patient being denied coverage for breast cancer.  And there should be outrage.  He's being denied coverage, because HE'S a man !  If he were a woman, he'd qualify for a federally funded, state run program.  He's 26 years old, proof that breast cancer can really strike anyone, at any time.  It's time for the federal law and the state program to catch up with the times.
      http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44065422/ns/health-mens_health/

SHORTCHANGING CANCER PATIENTS

NY TIMES has an interesting article about the business of cancer drugs.  It is sad and maddening at the same time. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/opinion/sunday/ezekiel-emanuel-cancer-patients.html?ref=opinion

WELCOME !

Welcome to the official COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH blog.  :)  We have a specific mission to reach out to breast cancer patients and their families here in Central Florida.  100% of our donations go directly to local patients.  We call them our client/friends.  From time to time, we'll be posting stories about them (with their permission of course), our many activities, news about the breast cancer fight and our partnerships with other grassroots organizations like us who are helping local patients cope with the every day challenges that come with waging war against cancer.  Thanks for stopping by.