September E-News

The mission of CSCVVSB

is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

All programs and services are provided free of charge.

Thanks to The Oaks for participating in our Cups of Courage event on August 15!
Learn more and see photos here.

Caregiver Profile: Silvana Zucca

In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we asked Silvana to share her family's story - how they got through her son's cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how they all found hope with the help of local resources like the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara.

Madison was just ten years old when his doctor gave him and his family the incomprehensible news: the back pain that had initially brought him to the doctor was caused by Hodgkin's lymphoma - a cancer of lymph tissue. At an age when most boys are focused on sports, video games, and hanging out with friends, Madison was dealing with some very serious issues - starting with cancer treatment and recovery.

Click here to read the full story.

Anxiety and Stress Management: Develop and Implement Practical Strategies

CscVvsb VP of Programs Jody Tompkins, MA, LMFT will present a free seminar offering practical ways to manage stress and anxiety for people affected by cancer, including cancer caregivers and family members.

Don't miss this event on Tuesday, September 23 at 6pm at CscVvsb, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village. RSVP at 805.379.4777. Click here for a flyer.

Can't make it to the event or need some tips right now? Click here for some instant stress and anxiety management tips on our blog, courtesy of Jody!

Volunteer Spotlight: Smadar Knobler

In addition to being a talented artist specializing in hand-painted silk pieces, Smadar is a two-time breast cancer survivor. For fifteen years Smadar has volunteered her time and talent to teach watercolor classes to cancer survivors and their loved ones at the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara.

Click here to read Smadar's story.

The artwork produced by Smadar and her students will be on display at a special Art of Survival exhibit at the ABRA Art Gallery on Saturday, September 20. Learn more here.

Legacy Giving Spotlight: Zita Rahbar

Photo by Mark Brandes

"Sleep is overrated." This is how Zita Rahbar explains how she manages owning a business, serving on the board of three organizations, volunteering for the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, and her many hobbies. She adds, "I juggle priorities. I tend to leave myself for last. The way I look at it, I do well for myself by doing all the other things, because I value them so much."

Click here to read Zita's story and find out why she decided to become a Legacy Donor.

Cups of Courage

Thank you to all the amazing participants who came out for our Cups of Courage Event at The Oaks on August 15.

Click here to see photos!

These ladies all decorated bras that will be on display along with their stories of survival at our Paint the Town Pink event kicking off breast cancer awareness month. The event will be on October 7th from 5 - 7:30 pm and is a fantastic ladies' night out to raise important funds for CscVvsb.

"Los Robles Hospital gives a shout-out to Ann Hohimer, who created the Cups of Courage program," said Kris Carraway, VP of Public Relations for Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center (a sponsor of Paint the Town Pink). "We are privileged to be a part of this outreach that honors the sisterhood all women feel in the fight against breast cancer. Continuing to focus on the importance of early detection through mammogram screenings has given way to more birthdays. Let's keep celebrating!"

Please click here for more information and to buy tickets for Paint the Town Pink.

Volunteer Opportunities at CscVvsb

Interested in giving back to the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara? There are many ways to make a difference.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities!