COMPASSIONATE HANDS&HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH

MEN WHO WALK

2012-02-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

One of our volunteers has written a compelling article about a subject that has been troubling us lately, the men who choose to leave their wives and girlfriends after they are diagnosed with breast cancer. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
http://thewellwrittenwoman.com/2012/02/16/i-have-a-question/

TOUGH WEEK

2012-02-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has definitely been a tough few days for the COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS family. One of our clients passed away last Wednesday. Paula Crow was Tim's wife and 4 year old Ashton's mother. She was also a Tavares, FL police officer.

We had a wonderful outreach with a new client who is Stage IV. The cancer has now spread to her brain. She's a single mother of three beautiful children. Her attitude is amazing ! She's the definition of warrior.

Two of our clients also experienced setbacks in their journey, new tumors discovered. Sigh, just a great big sigh.

So this week has been a cruel reminder of how ugly, unfair and relentless cancer can be. But it's also a reminder of how grateful we should be if we are out of treatment and doing well. We can not take it for granted. There are people right now who are in the fight of their lives.

If you've beaten cancer, you are blessed. But recovery is also a call to action, to do something to help the next patient. Pay it forward isn't just an expression. It's a mission. It's why there is COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH.

VANESSA ECHOLS
FOUNDER

UNEXPECTED BLESSING

2012-01-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

Rarely am I speechless. Today was a rare day.

Community partnerships are very important for grassroots organizations like ours. We have a VERY generous partner. PARK SQUARE HOMES held a unique fundraiser for us in October. They agreed to donate a portion of every home sold during the month to COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS. I was thinking, in this housing market, that's probably going to be a small donation. LOL

I am pleased to report I was wrong. VERY WRONG. Today three execs from the company, including the CEO, came by for the check presentation. The expected small donation turned out to be a very generous check for $8000. For a small organization with a dedicated band of volunteers, this is HUGE !!!

It's so exciting for us as an organization. But more importantly, it's going to help us change the lives of some local breast cancer patients and their families. We're looking forward to what this will allow us to do !

Vanessa Echols
Founder

HEALTHCARE FRUSTRATIONS

2012-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

**SPECIAL NOTE: This post is from one of our COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH clients. She beautifully and eloquently describes the frustration many patients feel as they navigate their way through the health care system during their treatment phase.

I never imagined when I quit my job and relocated my family from Seattle to Orlando to attend law school, that nearly one year to the date, I would receive the most devastating news of my life. On July 18, 2011, my life changed forever when I received the phone call that every woman dreads; my physician called and told me that I have breast cancer. I was in shock; I am only 31 years old. However my shock quickly turned to anger as I began to navigate the healthcare system.

My journey started on June 3oth when I visited the ER after experiencing extreme swelling of my right breast. During my ER visit I was told that I likely had a breast infection and I was given antibiotics with directions to follow up with an Ob/Gyn. During my appointment with the Ob/Gyn she told me she felt a lump, and ordered an immediate diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. During my mammogram and ultrasound the radiologist found two suspicious lumps and an inflamed lymph node and ordered a biopsy. Four days later was told that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very rare form of breast cancer. Only 1-5% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are diagnosed with this form of cancer.

One year ago I was employed, working at a major Seattle hospital, and through my job I had superb health insurance that covered my entire family for little cost. However, my husband and I decided to give up our careers and relocated over 3,000 miles so I could pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and attend law school. While we both planned to secure employment after relocating, due to the state of the economy we were forced to apply for state Medicaid assistance in order to have health insurance benefits for our children (ages 6 and 4) as well as for ourselves. During the course of one year I have successfully completed my first year of law school. I have also applied for hundreds of jobs, yet despite my education and skill level, I still remain unemployed, and because of this, my family and I remain on Medicaid insurance.

After receiving my diagnosis I quickly learned that the type of insurance you have greatly affects how you will be treated. Due to my status as a Medicaid recipient, and despite my terrible diagnosis and prognosis, I was repeatedly turned away by doctors because they did not accept my insurance. I was even told by one doctor’s office that they did not care about my diagnosis, because my health is not their concern, they need to get paid, and Medicaid does not pay full cost. I could not believe that a doctor’s office was not worried about my health; is this what America has become? I felt that because I have Medicaid, the doctors that turned me away felt I was not a person worth treating. Was my life suddenly not worth saving? I even asked my sister, “should I die because I have state issued insurance”?

While I am very grateful for the wonderful and caring doctor’s that have accepted my insurance, and are trying desperately to save my life through chemotherapy, a surgery, and radiation; I am still angry and hurt that because of my state issued insurance I was turned away when in need of life saving treatment. I cannot help but to break down in tears because it is difficult to accept that because of my insurance, my life is viewed by many doctors as less important than the life of someone who has “good” insurance. Is my life less valuable now that I’m a Medicaid recipient than it was one year ago when I had “good” insurance coverage? I certainly do not think so. No matter what I am still a mother, wife, daughter, sister, law student and friend despite my insurance status; and there are many people that would miss me if I were gone, and to them my insurance status doesn’t matter, they want me to live; and be healthy. I just wish the doctor’s that turn people like me away would focus more on caring for patients than making money.

GRATITUDE

2011-12-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

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 !

2011-12-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2011-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

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 ?!

2011-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!

2011-08-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

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 !

2011-08-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2011-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

2011-08-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

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 !

2011-08-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

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.