November 2024 News

Dear CanCare Family,  

As we gather in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of  the power of community, compassion, and unwavering support. At CanCare, we are deeply grateful for each of you — our generous donors, courageous clients, and devoted volunteers. Your commitment is the heartbeat of our mission, helping us provide comfort and hope to those  facing the challenges of cancer.

To our donors, your contributions empower us to extend a hand of support when it’s needed most. To our clients, your resilience inspires us every day to continue our work. And to our volunteers, your selfless dedication is a testament to the boundless spirit of kindness.  

In this season of gratitude, we celebrate you. Thank you for being a vital part of our CanCare family and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and peace.

With heartfelt thanks,

Darcie Champagne Wells

President and CEO, CanCare Caregiver Volunteer

As we pause to  give thanks this November, we want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for our CanCare family. Each of you inspires us daily to  remember the preciousness of life and challenges us to live each day fully. Thank you!

Cancer doesn’t happen in a vacuum, nor does it only affect the person living with a cancer  diagnosis. At CanCare we recognize that cancer affects everyone who  loves the person living with a cancer diagnosis.

November  is Caregiver  Awareness Month and we’d like to express our love and appreciation for all caregivers and our CanCare caregiver community comprised  of over 150 caregivers who have cared for their husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, granddaughter, grandson, aunt, uncle, friend, and extended family.   

You, as a caregiver have your own cancer journey, that of supporting someone with cancer. CanCare offers 1:1 support from our caregiver volunteers, an online support group, and other resources on our website. You do not have to be alone as a caregiver. Please reach out for your own support!

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Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate Debbie Mikan, a long-standing CanCare volunteer and a beloved member of our Prayer and Praise team! Originally from Burgettstown, PA, Debbie moved to Texas in 1998 and has been a beacon of hope and support for our community ever since. As a courageous breast cancer survivor, she brings both strength and compassion to everyone she meets.

With her background in media, Debbie adds even more warmth and energy to our CanCare family. Fun fact: she hosted and produced a cable TV show called Mainstreet  in Kingwood and also worked at KSBJ!   

When asked why she joined CanCare, Debbie shared, “I don’t think anyone should face cancer alone. I needed someone who truly understood what I was going through... Who better to accompany you than a survivor who can be a face of hope?” 

Thank you, Debbie, for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and the light you bring to all of us. We’re so grateful for you! 

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What  an incredible day at the 31st Annual CanCare Golf Classic and Partee!  

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event an overwhelming success! The energy on the course was electric, and the heartfelt stories shared by our wonderful Golf Chair, Michael  Wiesenthal, truly embodied the spirit of CanCare’s mission.
 
It was a day filled with fun, community, and purpose – all in support of those impacted by cancer.
 
We want to extend an extra special THANK YOU to our Platinum Sponsor, Stryker Fuels! Your generosity as our top sponsor this year was truly amazing, and we are beyond grateful for your incredible support. 

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“Like many CanCare families, we dealt with cancer close to  home. We lost both my father and father-in-law to cancer. They were lucky in that they had solid support systems and the best treatment.

We confronted the need even closer to home when my daughter, then a senior in high school, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 17.  While her result was positive, we were exposed to many patients who could have benefited by “a survivor by your side.” CanCare and its experienced volunteers capably fill that role.”

-- George Kurisky, Caregiver, Former Board Member, Donor 

When George was first invited to join the Friends of CanCare board, he saw how hope can be provided to not just clients, but their families and caregivers through  CanCare’s mission. Nearly a decade later, George remains a steadfast advocate, committed to ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone.    

George’s primary goal during his time on the board was to connect as many people CanCare as possible, whether as clients, volunteers, or donors. George believes that a survivor by the side of anyone facing cancer is made possible through outreach and awareness and envisions a future where no one faces cancer alone.

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In our latest  episode, we are joined by the incredible Dr. Candy Arentz, a dedicated breast cancer surgeon who offers invaluable insights into breast cancer care.
 
Dr. Arentz shares her expertise, compassionate care approach, and the impact of support systems on patients' journeys.The advancements in breast cancer care she discusses bring hope that comes with early detection and treatment.
 
Tune in and gain fresh insights from a leader in breast cancer care. Listen via: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere you get your podcasts!   

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