THANK YOU!

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER VANESSA ECHOLS:

Compassionate Hands and Hearts had an amazing Pink October. Now that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for supporting us throughout the month. To every person who donated, to every church and business that held a fundraiser for us and organized an event to support us, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. 100%, every penny you raised for us will stay right here in Central Florida to help local warriors battling breast cancer. And to the volunteers who truly are the HEART of Compassionate Hands and Hearts, THANK YOU for your tireless work, commitment and dedication this month and throughout the year. Without you, there would be no Compassionate Hands and Hearts. So volunteers, take a few days to relax......because our next event is Saturday! :) Our work never stops until cancer is defeated forever!

BEST. DAY. EVER

Or at least pretty close.
     We got quite a surprise this week, courtesy of FUN SPOT America.  They chose us as their charity of choice for October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  They raised money through a portion of admissions, pink cotton candy sales, donations from employees and the corporate staff.  And it was obviously VERY successful.  
     Thursday, they surprised our founder Vanessa Echols, at Channel 9 where she works.  FUN SPOT is a partner with the station's community service arm called 9 Family Connection.  Anyway, the COO John Arie Jr., presented us with a big check.  $12,500!!!  Check was not just big, it was HUUUGE.  If you know anything about FUN SPOT,  you know that's one of their famous slogans.  
     We are truly grateful for this partnership for many reasons.  The folks at FUN SPOT believe in our mission.  We are humbled and grateful.  They are a locally owned and operated theme park.  Like us, they believe in local people helping local people.  And they are a very generous business partner in Central Florida, helping many organizations.  They recently hosted the St. Jude walk to raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer.  
      Because of them, we will be able to continue to do what we do, give breast cancer warriors here in Central Florida one less thing to worry about when we help with rent/mortgage, utilities, food for the family or whatever else the family needs.
     Thank you FUN SPOT AMERICA!!
http://fun-spot.com

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN

And so it begins tomorrow.  It's October...Breast Cancer Awareness Month...Pink October....Pinktober.  Whatever you call it, it's the month when breast cancer awareness takes over the world.  :)
     Almost everything you see will be pink, turn pink or have a pink ribbon stamped on it.  BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION!  Just because it's pink or has a pink ribbon doesn't mean it's supporting the cause.
    So before you buy something with the intention of supporting the breast cancer fight, we offer these suggestions:
     1.  Find out if a portion of what you buy is going to the breast cancer fight.  (Check labels, signs around the product, etc)
     2.  What portion is being donated to the cause?  (If you're spending $100 for the item, are you comfortable with only a dime being donated to the cause, or a dollar from your $100?)
    3.  Which organization will benefit from what you buy?
    4.  What do you know about that organization?  (Is its focus research, direct help to patients?  How much of the organization's donations are used for administration, salaries, etc? )
     As you know, we are grateful for research, but we also believe in supporting LOCAL organizations right in your own community, which are helping patients in the breast cancer battle.  
    You can help make a difference, just remember....THINK BEFORE YOU PINK.
    

REALITY BITES

It's been a tough week for our organization.  It's such a wonderful experience for us to celebrate our clients who make it through the treatment battle.  We love seeing them months later and often not recognizing them with hair and health.
     This week has been a lot different, a week that reminds us of the nitty gritty of the breast cancer battle.
    One week ago today, one of our warriors completed her journey.  She was only 33 years old, a wife and mother of three young children.  
     Unfortunately, she died without life insurance.  For the past week, her family has struggled to raise enough money for her funeral and burial expenses.  
      Today we took care of that.  Because of generous donors, we were able to pay the last nearly $2000.00, so her family can now schedule her service.
      It indeed has been a tough week, but it's the reality of what we do.  Not every one of our stories has a happy ending.  But our commitment to the cause continues.  We fight on through our tears and disappointment...until there is a cure.
       Shatrice, we love you and we'll never forget you.

THINK BEFORE YOU PINK

And so it begins tomorrow.  It's October...Breast Cancer Awareness Month...Pink October....Pinktober.  Whatever you call it, it's the month when breast cancer awareness takes over the world.  :)
     Almost everything you see will be pink, turn pink or have a pink ribbon stamped on it.  BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION!  Just because it's pink or has a pink ribbon doesn't mean it's supporting the cause.
    So before you buy something with the intention of supporting the breast cancer fight, we offer these suggestions:
     1.  Find out if a portion of what you buy is going to the breast cancer fight.  (Check labels, signs around the product, etc)
     2.  What portion is being donated to the cause?  (If you're spending $100 for the item, are you comfortable with only a dime being donated to the cause, or a dollar from your $100?)
    3.  Which organization will benefit from what you buy?
    4.  What do you know about that organization?  (Is its focus research, direct help to patients?  How much of the organization's donations are used for administration, salaries, etc? )
     As you know, we are grateful for research, but we also believe in supporting LOCAL organizations right in your own community, which are helping patients in the breast cancer battle.  
    You can help make a difference, just remember....THINK BEFORE YOU PINK.
    
     

DESIGNER DOZEN SUCCESS !

Once again, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers.  Our Designer Dozen Purses & Prizes event was a smashing success.  We are grateful for all those who came out to the event and bought tickets in our handbag game of chance.
     We are truly indebted to the generous businesses and individuals who donated new, designer bags for the event.  A special thank you to: Bloomingdale's at The Mall at Millenia, Stanley Steemer of Central Florida, Dr. Craig and Susan Murray, Dr. Dawn Hill, Events Unlimited by M, Magi Hodges of Seminole Masonry, Jeffrey and Monica Campbell of State Farm Insurance Oviedo, KRS Wealth Management, Cool Way Direct, Mercedes Benz of South Orlando, Carmen Steffens at Mall at Millenia, Donald J Pliner at Mall at Millenia, Neiman Marcus at Mall at Millenia and Dillard's Florida Mall.
      And topping off the evening, we had some fabulous handbag models.  Thank you to on air talent from WFTV Channel 9:  Anchors Greg Warmoth and Jamie Holmes; and meteorologist Brian Shields.

      

     

GENEROSITY ROCKS...TOTALLY !

Today we were reminded of just how blessed our little organization is.

A business in Altamonte Springs opened on its day off, to host a fundraising event for us.  The folks at SHREDDER EXPERTS agreed to shred documents for free, if people made a donation to us !
How cool is that?!

So anyone who wanted personal or business documents shredded just came to the business, made a donation and received the service.

We were honored to have Mrs. Windermere, Amy Santiago, join us for the day.  She helped us greet the guests and was a wonderful addition to the day.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the effort !

THE DESIGNER DOZEN

We are quite excited about a big event we have coming up on September 13th.  Save the date.  It's THE DESIGNER DOZEN Purses & Prizes event.  When you come to GIRLS NIGHT OUT, you can buy tickets for a chance to win a designer purse.  We're talking high end, luxury, designer, name brand purses.  But that's not all.  In each purse, will be prizes.  You could also win a spa day, a weekend getaway, dinner at a fancy restaurant and the list goes on.  
    Here's a sneak peak at the wonderful venue where the event will be held.
     Hope to see you there!

HEALTH CARE LAW DEBATE HITS HOME

We met a client today who has strong feelings about the health care law, and for good reason.  She noticed a lump several months ago.  She did not have it check out because at the time she had no insurance.  When she got insurance under the Affordable Care Act, she did go to the doctor.  She was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer.

It is a great reminder that in the midst of the debate about the disastrous health care website roll-out, mass confusion about signing up and the real costs involved for some families, it has made a profound difference in the lives of others.  For this client, it's not about the politics, it's about a person fighting for her life.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION IS NOW ONLINE

Several of our clients are featured in the documentary, STARTING THE CONVERSATION:  Relationships and Breast Cancer, co-produced and written by me, the founder of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, Vanessa Echols.
     Almost every breast cancer patient has thought about this issue or talked about it in private.  But until now, few have discussed it openly.  That all changed with this project.  Several bold breast cancer warriors stepped forward to talk about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affected their intimate relationships.  
      What they have to say is enlightening, startling and in some cases, heartbreaking.  I encourage you to watch and leave your comments about the issue.
www.startingtheconversation.info

    

STARTING THE CONVERSATION

STARTING THE CONVERSATION !  That's exactly what we hope happens after you see this new documentary.  It was co-written and co-produced by the founder of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, Vanessa Echols.
      The documentary looks at an issue on a lot of survivors' minds, but it's a topic few have been willing to discuss openly, until now:  What happens to intimate relationships when some is diagnosed with breast cancer ?
      This project came about because so many of our clients have experienced separation, divorce or serious marital problems while they were going through treatment.  
       The documentary features breast cancer survivors whose marriages collapsed during treatment, and couples who talk about how their marriages were actually strengthened after the diagnosis and treatment.
       The documentary premier is Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the Werner Auditorium in the Ginsberg Tower at Florida Hospital on Rollins Street in Orlando.  It is open to the public.
      Here's a preview:
www.startingtheconversation.info

THINK BEFORE YOU PINK

Yes, it is that time of the year again.  It's October and that means almost everything you see will be pink or have a pink ribbon on it. We appreciate that so many people want to buy these products in an effort to support the breast cancer cause.  But here's a word of warning for you.
     There are a few questions to ask yourself before you make these purchases.  One:  Is a portion of the profits going to a breast cancer-related organization?  Two:  If so, how much is going to the cause?  Three:  How does that organization use its donations?  How much goes to research or patients?  How much ends up being used for administrative costs?
     That's why we say:  THINK BEFORE YOU PINK !

PURSES&PRIZES

We are SO excited about a big fundraising event coming up for us Saturday night, August 24th.  CBS RADIO here in Orlando is hosting an event called GIRLS NIGHT OUT.  It's a party for girlfriends, moms and daughters, sisters and sisterfriends.  There will be fashion, food, drinks and more fun.  But there's also a charitable component to it.  And there's where we come in.
     At the event, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS will be hosting a PURSES & PRIZES event.  You're invited to join us.  We have 22 designer purses (COACH, MICHAEL KORS, COLE HAAN, DOONEY, KATE SPADE, etc) and they're all NEW!  And one (or perhaps more than one) could be yours!
     But that's not all !  All of the purses come with a prize package.  For instance, one purse may have a weekend getaway theme, so inside the purse will be gift certificates for a hotel stay or theme park excursions.  The "pamper yourself" themed purse includes spa treatments, beauty makeovers, etc.
      To win a prize, it's  simple, purchase a packet of tickets (prices range from just $10 to $100 ! ).  Then place your tickets in the bag next to the purse you'd like to win.  You may want to put all your tickets in one bag or spread them around.  That's the fun of it, guessing how to increase your odds.  :)
     Can't wait to see you tomorrow night !
     Oh, it's not all girls.  Four male members of the WFTV Channel 9 news team (Greg, Jamie, Brian and Jorge) will be there as our official purse presenters.  This, you have to see.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION:

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS recently embarked on producing an important video project.  We've become increasingly disturbed by the number of clients whose marriages become a casualty of the breast cancer fight.  We were curious about why.  So we're sitting down with breast cancer survivors to have a frank and honest conversation about the nitty gritty of what happens to the marriages when cancer enters the picture.  How does it affect intimacy, sex and every other aspect of the relationship?  It's a subject most breast cancer survivors talk about privately with their family or friends.  But now, we're bringing it out in the open and STARTING THE CONVERSATION.
     You can see a preview of the video project here.  (Just click the arrow near the top of the page )

www.startingtheconversation.info

A RECORD BREAKER

We're quite proud of ourselves today.  We broke a COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS record on Saturday, April 13, 2013.  We had an outreach for FIVE, yes FIVE breast cancer warriors.  

They are all in different phases of the journey.  They're either just beginning the battle, right in the thick of it or in it for the second time.  

We're constantly amazed at what happens when we bring together a group of breast cancer patients who don't know each other.  They come to us shy, sometimes uncertain and often apprehensive about what's in store.  But it doesn't take them long to realize they have so much in common.  They have similar experiences and feelings.  And they speak the same language:  breast cancer patient medical speak.  

Our gatherings are always mixed with the right amount of tears, laughter and encouragement.  We are blessed to be able to provide substantial financial assistance for these breast cancer warriors.  That's important.  But sometimes the best medicine for them is just to know that someone cares.  That's important too.

Fight on Wanda, Fredda, Blanca, Jennifer and Tami !  We love you !

AND WE'RE OFF !

I was thinking the other day that I've been too busy to blog.  In this case, that's a good thing because it means COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS is busy fulfilling its mission.  

     But every now and then, we encounter situations that break out hearts.  One of our clients has postponed treatment because her husband doesn't want her to have a mastectomy.  I still don't understand that.  Women feel forced to choose between their husband and their lives.  Seems like an easy choice for some, for others, it is not.

     Not sure how we can help these women.  Part of me wants to hit them over the head and ask, "Are you crazy?"  The other half just wants to wrap my arms around them, even though I don't have the words to say.

     Heartbreaking.  

Vanessa Echols

FOUNDER

MAKING OUR MISSION HER OWN

It's always so rewarding for us to see how people and other organizations embrace our mission.  One of our dedicated volunteers has truly made our mission her own.
     Karen Wise is a local and outstanding seamstress.  So a few months ago, she decided to make pj lounging pants for our clients.  And what a great blessing it has been to them and to us.  Karen shows up at our outreaches with her tape measure around her neck and goes to work !  The reaction from the clients is always rather amusing since some of them swear us to secrecy about their measurements.  LOL.
     It truly is a labor of love and Karen does a beautiful job.
     But one of the more interesting aspects is how she comes up with the money for the material.  But perhaps that's a story for another day, if she'll allow us to tell it.  It is quite hilarious !

HOW IN THE WORLD DID WE DO IT?

      I think that's the question we were asking ourselves after our marathon fundraising weekend.  We are SO grateful to the organizations and individuals who supported us with fundraisers during the month of October.
      One weekend was a particular interesting one.  We started the day with Cut For The Cure at Ravin Hair in St. Cloud, FL.  The stylists there donated their proceeds for the day and there were plenty of other activities and fun events for the day.  Then, there was a car show in Sanford, FL with proceeds donated to us.  After that, a Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon sponsored by the Delta Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Orlando, with more proceeds for us.  The day ended with a mother/ daughter fashion show fundraiser for us in Lake Mary.   Whew.   And it all went off without a hitch.
     We are thankful for all who believe in our mission to give back 100% of our donations to LOCAL families walking the breast cancer journey.

PINK PARTY

You're invited to join us Friday, October 12 for a Pink Party at BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES at the Altamonte Mall.  Party time is 4:00.  You'll have a chance to win a BRIGHTON gift card, EDEN SPA gift certificate or a pink basket of surprises.  You'll also see BRIGHTON's 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness jewelry.  And don't forget, the ALTAMONTE store is donating a portion of the proceeds to COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS. Hope to see you there!

THANKS BRIGHTON ALTAMONTE MALL

Special thanks to BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES in the Altamonte Mall.  The store will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the breast cancer awareness collection to COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS during the month of October.  
    We had a wonderful kick-off breakfast this morning.  Thanks to all who came out to support us.

    The 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet is stunning !  
    Be sure to look for us in the Altamonte store throughout the month of October.