Circle of Hope Helps Women Fight Breast Cancer

Fianancial Resources For Fighting Breast Cancer

by Mac Duffy

"Hope Is the Sunshine Within" is the motto of Circle of Hope, Inc., a 501c non-profit created in January 2004 to offer financial and emotional assistance to woman with breast cancer who either live, work, or are receiving treatment in the Santa Clarita area. Colleen Shaffer, founder and Executive Director, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 1999. Following a double mastectomy, she underwent chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in a remission that lasted for 3 years. During that time, she began counseling individuals with breast cancer at every stage of their journey, from initial diagnosis through treatment and reconstructive surgery, and including, for some, the frightening news that the cancer has recurred. In 2002, her own cancer came back and spread to her liver, spine, and hips. Having learned so much from others, and faced with this new crisis in her own life, she made a choice based on her belief that "in every crisis lies an opportunity". She began a new life, determined to show that breast cancer, even at the metastatic stage, is not a death sentence, but a chronic disease amenable to treatment, with new treatments arriving each day.

As of April 2006, Colleen is a 4-year survivor of metastatic breast cancer. Although it appears that she'll be on chemotherapy for the rest of her life, she believes in the day that she is no longer a patient but, instead, a true survivor!

During her own recovery process, Colleen witnessed too many people falling through the cracks. It was heartbreaking for her, having been a hospice caretaker, welfare recipient, and now cancer patient, to realize how devastating it is to be faced with financial burdens when the focus should be on recovery, and so Circle of Hope, Inc. was born. Among their many programs, Circle of Hope sponsors an annual "Theatrical Brunch and Afternoon Tea", one of their most popular events that will take place this year on September 30th and October 1st, each day from Noon to 4:00 pm. Raffle prizes, a silent auction, wonderful entertainment, and fabulous food make for an unforgettable experience. One of the Acts, a brilliant, funny and talented musician, comedian and juggler named Daniel McFeeley is on board, along with other musicians, strolling troubadours, close up magicians, a harp player, and a tea leaf reader, to delight their guests.

Please come and join the fun. If you are interested in participating in the tea, learning more about Circle of Hope, or contacting Colleen for speaking engagements, please call Circle of Hope, Inc. at (661) 254-5218 or visit their website, www.circleofhopeinc.org.