After surviving three different types of cancer, Denny Warner grabs life by the handlebars - literally.

An avid cyclist for 13 years, Denny will participate in the 50-mile Breakaway from Cancer charity ride in Thousand Oaks this Sunday, February 8. This is his first time in the popular annual cycling event, a result of his fellow support group members at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura encouraging him to sign up.

Denny was diagnosed with renal cancer in November, 2005. His left kidney was removed in January, 2006. Just a few months later, doctors discovered an aggressive form of stage III cancer in Denny's bladder. He also survived two occurrences of skin cancer.

"I feel like I can contribute by helping my group members. Sometimes I like to make jokes to keep things uplifted. My wife is always saying, 'Why are you guys always laughing in there?'"

Now with no evidence of cancer, Denny credits his healthy lifestyle, constant support from family and friends, and his biking. Throughout his experience with cancer, Denny has always kept his mind on the finish line. "As long as I can ride my bike, I'm happy."

Join Team Columbia athletes on Sunday, February 8, for the 2009 Breakaway from Cancer fundraising ride in Thousands Oaks. Click here to learn more.

The holidays were a busy time at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, and now you can see the many fun memories that were created during that special time of year.

We invite you to browse the photos that were recently added to our website, www.TwcVv.org.

Click here to check them out!

Pictured: The Wellness Community's annual holiday party was a true family affair, with people of all ages gathering to celebrate life, hope, and community.

These days, a click is a powerful thing. With just a few clicks, you can join our Facebook community.

We have two pages:
On our community page you can view and post photos, keep in touch with fellow participants, and get a sneak peak at upcoming events.

Our Causes page is a tool for spreading awareness and raising the funds that help us provide our free programs of support and education.

Please join our Facebook community and help spread awareness of our services.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is seeking a few volunteers for an exciting new eBay project!

If you have experience with eBay and would like to make a difference in the lives of people with cancer and their families, please contact Maddy Sattler at 805.379.4777 or email maddy.sattler@wellnesscommunityhope.org.

The writer Goethe said, "Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together."

This was clear at the recent holiday parties for the Latino Outreach Program of The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura. The community pitched in to make sure the events for San Fernando Valley and Ventura County participants would be enjoyable, in spite of the tough economic climate.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky made a donation to the holiday party fund. Frances Ross, a friend of Latino Outreach Program coordinator Marisol Saens, asked her friends to donate to the fund in lieu of birthday gifts.

"It felt absolutely delightful to know I helped make the holiday party possible," said Frances, a Brentwood resident. "My wish is that everyone that came to my birthday party will 'pay it forward' and continue to make life a little bit easier for other people and communities."

The Life Choir and Los Necios del Valle donated their time and considerable talents to entertain the participants. The "Aliados," or volunteers for the Latino Outreach Program, brought food for the Valley participants.

More than 80 people attended the Ventura County holiday celebration, where food was generously donated by Community Memorial Hospital, Yolanda's Mexican Cafe, Baja Fresh, and Casa Lopez.

Marisol Saens, Coordinator of the San Fernando Valley program, expressed her appreciation on behalf of all the participants. "It is heartwarming to see how the kindness of just a few community members made the holidays brighter for many people."

Pictured: Participant Martha Pecer with her son, Eric, at the Latino Outreach Program's holiday party for San Fernando Valley participants.

Want to Spend Valentine's Day in wine country? The Far Out Wineries of Paso Robles are presenting President's Day Passport Weekend, February 13-16. Click here for details.

Want to experience the Tour of California without all the racing? Sign up for the JUSTIN Tour of Paso Bike-a-thon, February 19! The 15-mile ride takes you across the Tour of California finish line the same day as the racers. Celebrate with friends at a wine and cheese reception at The Wellness Community, highlighted by a possible appearance of a major celebrity following his race finish. Click here for details.

Proceeds from these events benefit the Central Coast Satellite of The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura.

Mark your calendars now for the 2009 Celebration of Life Gala, Friday, June 5 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

Look for details in future editions of The Wellness Community e-News!