Are you, or do you know, a cancer survivor, patient, caregiver or advocate for those impacted by cancer? Someone who is passionate about helping others diagnosed with cancer? Someone who inspires others?

Nominate that person (or yourself) to be an Amgen Breakaway From Cancer Champion.

The Breakaway From Cancer Champion will:

• Lead the Breakaway Mile, a celebratory one-mile walk across the finish line of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California
• Participate in jersey presentations at Amgen Tour of California award ceremonies
• Attend the Breakaway From Cancer hospitality area at the 2010 Tour
• Tell his or her story in a public setting and potentially conduct media interviews.

Visit www.breakawafyfromcancer.com/champion to learn more and enter a nomination.

TWCVV will host a private reception honoring Legacy Society Members (those who have included TWCVV in their estate planning with a gift of life insurance, securities, cash, IRA accounts, real estate or any other planned gift) on March 14th at the home of David and Tami Wank with special guest Ann Benjamin, the daughter of Wellness Community Founder Harold Benjamin. Catering is being provided by The Grill on the Alley.

To learn more about planned giving opportunities please click here or contact Suzanne Drace at 805-371-0417.

We are pleased to announce the Honorees for the 19th Anniversary Celebration of Life Gala! These community members have made an enormous impact on TWCVV participants and their families through inspiration, dedication, volunteerism, and support.

Bernard S. Lewinsky, MD, FACR: Celebration of Excellence
Dr. Lewinsky is Medical Director of West Hills Radiation Center and has over 35 years of experience treating cancer patients. His love of nature photography inspired him to transform his office into a Healing Art Gallery where his patients find calm and relaxation during their radiation treatment. Dr. Lewinsky serves on TWCVV's Professional Advisory Board and provides educational workshops to our participants in English and Spanish.

Helen Gateka-Anderson: Celebration of Hope
Helen is the founder and past principal of Bethany Christian School in Thousand Oaks. She has been a source of hope and compassion for her fellow support group members at The Wellness Community throughout her courageous experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ovarian and breast cancer.

John L. Notter, Sr.: Celebration of Philanthropy
John is being recognized for his support of people affected by cancer and of cancer research, as a Community Leader, member of the Board of Directors of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and Chairman of the Board of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. John was instrumental in the development of the city of Westlake Village and is the owner of Westlake Village Inn, Bogies, and Mediterraneo Restaurant.

Lyn Woodley: Celebration of Life
Lyn has dedicated countless hours of service to the cancer patients and their families who come to TWCVV for support and hope. As a front desk volunteer, she is the first to greet visitors and always makes them feel welcome and cared for. She was instrumental in making the 2008 and 2009 Holiday Homes Tours successful.

The Gala will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village on Friday, May 7 from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. To purchase tickets, donate auction items, advertise, or become a sponsor for the gala please call Madeline Sattler at (805) 379-4777.

Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Treatment with Flora Stay, DDS
Thursday, March 25, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
TWCVV, 530 Hampshire Road, WLV
Flora Stay, D.D.S. will discuss the importance of oral health for cancer patients, managing side effects, and preventing painful oral complications during cancer treatment. Click here for details. Please RSVP (805) 379-4777.

Chatsworth: Weekly Support Group for People with Cancer
Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Facilitated by Jodi McIntosh, MFT.
Open to people with all types of cancer.
TWCVV Satellite at the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation
The group is open to people with any type of cancer who are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or up to 18 months post-treatment. The group offers a safe place to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns with other cancer survivors, to exchange information about coping with cancer, and to learn that no one has to fight cancer alone. Advance registration is required for this free group. To register, please call (818) 407-1695.

Spanish-Language Educational Workshop: The Mind-Body Connection
Presented by Marisol Saens, TWCVV Latino Outreach Program Coordinator and Dolores Rodriguez, MSW
Thursday, March 11, 7:00 - 9:00pm
19725 Sherman Way, Suite 270, Winnetka, CA 91306
Participants will learn about the mind-body connection and guided imagery exercises for relaxation that can be used at home. For more information and to register call (805) 379-4777.

Ventura: Success Over Stress with Ed Rockey, PhD
Tuesday, March 23, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
CMH Cancer Resource Center, 120 North Ashwood Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003.
This seminar offers an eclectic approach to managing stress through discussion, hands-on work and take-home activities. Dr. Rockey is a two-time cancer survivor and Department Chair at the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University. Click here for details. Please RSVP (805) 652-5459.

Did you know you can help fund TWCVV's cancer support programs just by eating at your favorite restaurants? All it takes is a quick online registration with eScrip, and you can start helping, with absolutely no cost to you.

Click here to see how it works.

The Garden of Hope continues to take shape on our grounds! We are excited to share our construction plans with you.

The capstone for the Tribute Wall was ordered two weeks ago and is scheduled to arrive by Friday. The plan is to install the capstone, stucco the tribute wall, and remove the protective fencing around the Sycamore trees between March13th and March 27th. Conejo Awards has begun engraving the tribute wall tiles. The tiles can be installed when the wall is stuccoed.

On March 27th Conejo Complete Landscape and Volunteers who have responded to the Disney volunteer call to action are scheduled to trench and install the irrigation lines.

In April, the pavers/bricks and the seats for the gazebo will be ordered and installed.

And, April showers will bring May flowers.

Text the word COMMUNITY to the phone number 90999 to donate $10 to TWCVV's cancer support programs. Full terms and conditions at www.mgive.com/a.

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