January 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.

Many thanks to the following people for donating their time and expertise as Workshop Leaders/Educators in December:

Stacey Philipsen and Romina M. Laygo, Certified Pilates Instructors and Owners, Joe & Clara, Pilates Inspired Health Club

Evelyn Escobedo, Certified Covered California Educator

Susan Speer, MS, RD, CSO, Certified Oncology Nutrition Specialist

Party Pics! Annual Holiday Celebration

The Cancer Support Community VVSB Annual Holiday Celebration on December 12 was an

amazing evening full of joy, hope and inspiration. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped us celebrate the holiday season.

Many thanks to Bea and Berington Van Campen for entertaining us all evening, Atria Senior Living for donating the vegetarian pasta and garlic bread and Geppino's Sicilian Kitchen for donating a gift basket for the raffle.

Click here to see photos of the fun.

Survivor Story: Madison Jones

At an age when most people are just starting out on the path to adulthood, Madison was dealing with a stunning diagnosis: Chordoma, an extremely rare type of bone cancer. We want to thank Madison for sharing her story, and we hope it inspires you as much as it did us!

In August of 2013, I started college and I also landed my first job at a restaurant. That same month, I had emergency surgery to repair two compression fractures in my neck and to remove the tumor that had caused them. Initially, the doctors believed that the tumor was benign, but further analysis from a few different hospitals proved that this invader was malignant.

On September 11, 2013, I was diagnosed with Chordoma, a rare type of bone cancer. I was 18 years old. The next few months were a whirlwind for my family and I. The prevalence of Chordoma is one in a million, with three hundred cases diagnosed annually. Only a few hospitals in the country are specialized to treat this form of cancer, so we decided to head to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. This last year consisted of eight rounds of chemotherapy, thirty-nine rounds of proton radiation, and three highly invasive surgeries for me. This Christmas, I received the all clear! There are no new tumors and no evidence of regrowth. I'm missing a few more bones, as well as a full head of hair, but I am blessed to have my life.

Click here to read the rest of Madison's story.

Ask the Expert: Focus on New Years Resolutions

Many thanks to Licensed Psychologist Lori Chortkoff Hops, Ph.D. for being our Guest Blogger in January!

Click here to read Lori's tips for sticking with your goals.

On Thursday, January 22 and 29, Lori will present valuable information and tools for taking care of yourself and filling your mind, body, and spirit. Click here for a flyer.

Space is limited. Please call 805.379.4777 or send us an email to RSVP.

More Than Cancer: Small Acts of Kindness Add Up to Make a Big Difference

The holidays were approaching, and things were weighing heavily on the members of the Cancer Support Community's Young Adult support group. "The holidays, the reality of having cancer, the statistics, surgeries, treatments - every member was deeply affected," says Tricia Lethcoe, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist who facilitates the group.

One thing that came up in group discussion was how having cancer seemed to overshadow everything else that made up each member's identity. Tricia thought it would be great to give each person an external reminder that they are so much more than a cancer diagnosis. When the idea of Origami Owl's customizable jewelry came up, it seemed like the perfect fit. Tricia got in touch with Jamie Vargas, an Origami Owl distributor based in Chico.

Jamie was happy to help and went to work finding "sponsors" for each group member - fellow Origami Owl distributors who could cover a portion of the cost of the necklaces. Within just a few days, Jamie had found enough sponsors for every group member, with Origami Owl distributors Julie (Juliana) Herrera, Elizabeth and Patricia Schwind, and Carmen Gallegos all joining Jamie in donating necklaces. Each participant was able to pick charms that represented who they are, what they love, and what is meaningful to them.

Click here to read the full story.

Lululemon Visits Kids Circle

Many thanks to the generous folks at Lululemon for visiting our Kids Circle group in December!

As part of a community outreach program, four Lululemon representatives brought "Comfort Boxes" to each member of the Kids Circle group. The children got to color their boxes and fill them with things that bring them comfort.

"The volunteers from Lululemon were kind enough to reach out to us and the comfort boxes were a great springboard for a conversation about what brings us comfort during challenging times," says Kids Circle facilitator Joyce Boucher, LCSW, LMFT. "The involvement of these women, and their caring and honest interest in the kids' stories and perspective, was empowering for the children and teens in our program."

"Dear Cancer, It's Me" Essay Contest

The "Dear Cancer, It's Me" essay contest is a chance for high school students to write about their personal journey with cancer, or that of a loved one or friend. Both written and photo essays will be accepted until February 9, 2015.

Prizes unclude Apple iPad minis and cash!

Click here for details.

Volunteer at the Cancer Support Community!

Give back, meet friends, and have fun!

We are always looking for volunteers to help out in a variety of ways. Click here for a list of upcoming opportunities, or contact us and tell us how you want to give back.