Accepting an invitation from Central Coast Founders, Deborah and Justin Baldwin, 7-Time Tour de France Champion and cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong, visited The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura's Central Coast Satellite in Paso Robles. Having recently come out of retirement, Lance was competing in the Amgen Tour of California with Team Astana and raising awareness of the universal fight against cancer.

During his visit to TWC, Lance spent time with cancer patients and Central Coast founders and staff and spoke to them about their personal cancer experiences. He also addressed a large crowd of fans who cheered on his efforts both in cycling and the war on cancer.

On Saturday, May 9, join the fight against women's cancers by joining TEAM 110 and participating in the 2009 Revlon Run/Walk.

Join 50,000 survivors, loved ones and friends, united in the common dream of finding a cure for women's cancers.

Now in its 16th year, the Revlon Run/Walk is LA's biggest fundraiser for women's cancers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura.

Please be sure to join TEAM 110 and enjoy the free transportation provided by The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura to and from the event.

Click here to join.

Pictured: Team 110 gathers for the 2008 Revlon Run/Walk.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura has published a Report to the Community highlighting program and financial data from 2008.

Here are some highlights from the report:

• In 2008, TWC V/V served more than 3,160 individuals through 23,668 service hours.
• The number of participants served grew 35% over the previous year.
• 88 cents of every dollar donated to TWC V/V goes toward direct program services to participants.

As a member of our community, you are invited to read the report. We welcome your feedback! Please send us an email and let us know what you think.

Click here to read the 2008 Report to our Community.

We are pleased to report that Denny Warner, a cancer survivor and Wellness Community participant, successfully completed the Breakaway from Cancer charity race on February 8.

Denny sped past the $75 fundraising minimum, raising $1,080 in just three weeks!

Click here to see photos from the event!

Read more about Denny in The Acorn newspaper.

There is still time to RSVP for a magical afternoon with your family!

On Sunday, March 15, professional magician Greg Wilson will amaze and entertain with a fun, family-friendly magic show. The free event is from 2-4 pm at 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village. Light refreshments will be served.

Daniel's Day of Magic was created by the Board of Directors as a tribute to former Board Chair Daniel Jacoby's fun-loving spirit and love of magic.

Seating is limited. We ask that you RSVP by March 11 by calling 805.379.4777 or via email. When responding via email please include your full name, a daytime number, and the number attending.

Your grocery list now includes "making a difference in the lives of people with cancer." Next time you stop by the grocery store, you can support The Wellness Community with a simple swipe of your club card!

Albertsons and Vons supermarkets contribute a percentage of your grocery purchases to TWC V/V, at no additional cost to you. All you have to do is register, and it's easy!

Click here if you are an Albertson's shopper. Click on the Community Partners logo on the right.

Click here if you are a Vons shopper.

If you are already registered, please renew your membership using the links above. Thank you for supporting The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura!

March is National Colorectal Awareness Month. In that spirit, we are pleased to feature Janell Banit, a four-year rectal cancer survivor, as our March Face of Wellness.

"I was diagnosed with metastatic rectal cancer in September of 2005. I began treatment immediately but also started working with a therapist to help me work through my feelings about death. She wanted me to get connected with The Wellness Community as soon as possible, but between my daily radiation appointments and the gradual decline in my energy level, I wasn't able to attend an orientation until after my first surgery in January of 2006.

During my participation at The Wellness Community I have taken advantage of nearly every program offered. I joined a weekly support group. I attended the relaxation and yoga classes. I enjoyed the "Look Good, Feel Better" workshop and lectures like the ones on hospice and sexuality after cancer.

The interactions with my group members have been the centerpiece and most valuable aspect of my participation. I came to my group without hope. They gave me support and wisdom so my courage grew and eventually I found the hope I had lacked. I will treasure always the deep and loving connections I made with each one of them.

I am married to Dave Tofanelli, a wonderful man I waited all my life to meet. We have been married for eight years and we are raising my 16-year-old son Austin together. We love to travel and eat in great restaurants. Spending time with my sisters and brother and their families over holidays is a special treat for us that we all look forward to. I serve as a lay counselor in the care and shepherding office of Calvary Community Church. I also love to dance argentine tango.

I facilitated a Wellness Community orientation for the first time in February and I'm looking forward to staying connected with those who have just begun their battles in this way."