I’m not sure when to celebrate my cancer-aversery.
Is it the day we found the first lump (12/18/2004?)
Is it the day of my first official diagnosis (12/29/04?)
Now, that I’ve had a reoccurrence, should I commemorate the day when scan reports outlined the probability of metastatic disease (8/29/13?) Or, should it be the night of Friday the 13th (9/13/13) when my oncologist’s voice quietly gave me the official word – “It IS cancer.”
Throughout this cancer journey, I’ve stumbled upon amazing organizations that have helped my family and others navigate through this experience. So today, in honor of “International Day of Charity,” I’ve listed some of my favorite cancer charities and how you can donate. Their missions serve people in different ways. Some focus on research to find a cure, while others promote early detection to prevent it altogether.
People often ask me what to give a friend or relative who has been recently diagnosed. Thoughtful cards and gifts are always kind. I also suggest to donate money (or time) to a cause related to their cancer.
It’s powerful to think that my life may have been saved because of breast cancer awareness campaigns. After discussing the lump on my chest in 2004, my husband told me to get “one of those mammogram things.” Thank you to General Mills Yoplait lids, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Avon, #SU2C and all the people who have participated in their events promoting the importance of early detection.
New surgical techniques and medications available through extensive research and trials are key to improve a patient’s quality of life. I’ve experienced this first hand. My first surgery, performed in 2005, was slightly less invasive, due a new technique. Also, the medication combination I take today is relatively new. However, cancer can resist treatments and if my current treatment fails, I know that wise researchers from state-of-the-art research labs at Dana Farber and Memorial Sloan Kettering through their The Cancer Couch Foundation donations are working on more focused treatments.
I can’t even begin to thank and promote all the wonderful services and products available to support cancer patients. These organizations need volunteers, funding and often publicity to continue to serve those in need.
So, for all the times you have wondered how to help a friend fighting cancer, here are a few of my latest favorite cancer charities/organizations that I’ve found legitimate and helpful for the patient, their family and the cause.
My Favorite Places to Donate
The Cancer Couch Foundation
Founded by a brilliant neuropsychologist, mother of two, loving wife and wellness warrior with a super power spirit, Rebecca Timlin-Scalera is an undeniable positive force. Within months of her initial stage IV diagnosis, she created The Cancer Couch blog sharing her stories with wit and wisdom from the other side of the couch. Then, a few months later, with a goal to cure stage IV disease or at least find more livable treatments for metastatic patients, she and her husband Tom founded The Cancer Couch Foundation. The foundation is set up exclusively to fund research focused on accelerating treatment for metastatic breast cancer. And they have done just that! The Cancer Couch Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit organization that has helped put nearly 2 million dollars into metastatic breast cancer research to date! 100% of donations and event proceeds are matched and go to fund mbc research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center!
For all those living in New England, The Cancer Couch Foundation’s signature event is every fall. This past September the fundraiser featured a night of comedy and cool music with G. Love & Special Sauce. In past years, Howard Jones and The English Beat have played.
Local Hospital
As a cancer patient, I’ve spent nearly 10-years in hospitals. Both Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital raise money to support their respective causes. Their efforts improve public health for the local and global community. I’ve seen the awareness campaigns, educational events and research trial information readily available for the public to embrace.
CancerCare
CancerCare’s goal is to take care of the patients’ needs outside the medical chambers. They provide phone, online, face-to-face counseling, support groups, education, publications and financial assistance. Oncology social workers offer personalized care, free of charge. When we were trying to decide whether or not to tell our 5-year old about my re-occurrence, a well-informed, sweet oncology social worker guided us to our decision. (We decided NOT to tell him now with her advice.) She also provided a fun, family, pillow-making package.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research
“Don’t Give Up…Don’t Ever Give Up,” taken from Coach Jim Valvano’s ESPY speech, inspires me and many others daily. Those exact words were said to me with such hope and authenticity from an executive at The V Foundation on the day I was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic disease. So, I have a special place in my heart for this organization. The V Foundation funds critical cancer research at prominent cancer centers nationwide. Valvano’s dream of curing cancer might be a reality someday, with the help of research grants and talented medical professionals.
The Get in Touch Foundation
The Get in Touch Foundation is near and dear to me because the founder was one of my first cheerleaders (and a fellow breast cancer survivor) when originally diagnosed in 2004. The mission of the Get In Touch Foundation is to provide breast health initiatives to educate kids about their bodies and provide information to help inform them about the importance of early detection. If detected early, many diseases are treatable.
One%
One% is an organization founded by friends and family of Kristen (Percent) Mureebe dedicated to raising funds for rare cancer research. Kristen was afflicted with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of rare cancer affecting about 250 people in the US annually, and fought courageously during her battle. Through One% the foundation hopes to raise awareness and funds for research and treatment of rare cancers, also called orphan cancers.
Please share with us other amazing places to donate to honor someone who has/had cancer.
