I’m writing this letter to ask for your help—to change the world. The world I’m speaking of is the world of loneliness and hopelessness that can overwhelm someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately most, if not all, of us have lived in that world—either personally or through a family member or friend’s diagnosis. Jim and I have lived in that world—since October 1987 when my sister, Linda, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor; since September 2001 when Jim was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; since January 2002 when Jim’s son, Gregg, was diagnosed with a brain tumor; and whenever a friend has been diagnosed with cancer.
Fortunately, there are organizations whose sole purpose is to help us cope with cancer’s effects. Several years ago, Jim and I became acquainted with one of those organizations—The Wellness Community. The Wellness Community is an international organization dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in free, professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and stress-reduction classes, people affected by cancer can learn skills to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope, regardless of the stage of their disease.
Specifically, Jim and I have been supporters of The Wellness Community of Central New Jersey (TWC-CNJ) since it opened its doors in November 2004. My sister, Susan, was one of this chapter’s founding members, and she has served on its board since its inception. Through this association with TWC-CNJ, Jim was one of the first participants in The Wellness Community’s virtual support group, where he interacted with people in Texas, Nevada, Massachusetts, California and New Jersey. And, we’ve just learned that TWC-CNJ will join forces with the Lance Armstrong Foundation for a new program called "LiveWell! Life Beyond Cancer." The free program, offered at 10 venues across America, is designed to help cancer survivors make a smooth transition from active treatment to cancer survivor. Jim has received much support and encouragement from TWC-CNJ. Their programs do make a difference.
My sister, Susan, has participated in TWC’s marathon fundraiser, “Strides for Hope”, for many years – and has inspired me to participate this year! So, on April 27 I’ll be walking 10.6 miles in Big Sur (along the Pacific Coast Highway), along with Susan, my niece Tiffany (Linda’s daughter), and my niece Amy (Susan’s daughter), plus other runners/walkers from several states who are supporting TWC-CNJ. Collectively, there will be hundreds of us participating in this event to support the various Wellness Community chapters across the country. Each of us is committed to raising a minimum of $3000 for The Wellness Community.
I’d be most grateful for your sponsorship. Whatever amount you can contribute will be acknowledged, and will be very much appreciated. I’ll be walking in memory of Linda, and in honor of Jim and Gregg. I would be honored to walk in memory of or honor of someone you love. Please let me know that. You may send donations to The Wellness Community of Central New Jersey’s office. Checks should be made payable to TWC-CNJ, noting that this is a marathon sponsorship of me. You may also donate online. At the bottom of theon-line donation form, there’s a sponsorship box in which you can note “sponsoring Jan Chisholm”, or something to that effect—just be sure to include my name somehow!
While Wellness Community programs cannot cure cancer, they do offer life-affirming education, support, and hope to those who are LIVING with cancer. Thank you for helping to make this dream a reality.
Jan |
