All clear--cancer free

Treatment's done.  Weeks and weeks of daily radiation was hard on Joseph and his family but now that phase is done and the family is waiting for the results of the latest tests.  Questions are swirling through Joseph's mind--Is the cancer gone?  If not, what's next?  When can I go back to work?  When will life be more "normal"?

Joseph's oncologist shares the good news--currently, there is no cancer in his body.  The oncologist tells Joseph that he will likely be tired for a period of time and he will need regular follow up appointments, but he should get back to his regular activities, including work, as his strength permits. 

Two months ago Joseph's life was changed forever.  So was his family's.  Even though he just received the all clear, he knows there is a chance his cancer may return. Over the last six weeks his diagnosis and treatment schedule have defined him.  In fact, the regular visits to the clinic, his oncologist and the other providers were a sort of security blanket.  He was actively doing something about the cancer in his body and the treatment was targeting the cancer cells.  The thought of getting on with his life was hard to fathom.  He knew the cancer had left his body, but he couldn't get it out of his mind.

In early 2012, Angel Foundation's Facing Cancer Together program will expand to include the Family Consult Program.  This program will provide information and support to adults with cancer and their families at four critical points along the cancer continuum:  diagnosis; treatment; advancement or recurrence; and end-of-life.  Meeting with family members, one-on-one and as a group, will provide information specific to the needs of that family.

The Family Consult Program is not offered anywhere else in theTwin Cities, the state of Minnesota and at only a few place throughout the nation.  Angel Foundation is able to offer this new program, and all its programs, thanks to the generous support of this community.  Thank you so much for your support in 2011.  Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families when cancer strikes.

Thank you so much to those who made gifts over the past week:

• Maureen, $25
• Marnie, $50
• Joan, $200
• Steve, $100
• Jeff, $50
• Lee, $100
• John, $25
• Paul, $250
• Lisa, $200
• Mary, $1000
• Paul, $25
• Jody, $100
• Ray, $100

If you have already made a gift to Angel Foundation, Thank You!  If not, please make your gift today and help us meet the $15,000 challenge.  Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families when cancer strikes.

Their children have adjusted to this new normal in different ways.  His daughter Amelia went through a period of tantrums early on.  When the family started going to Facing Cancer Together activities, Amelia was in a group with other kids her age where they talked about cancer, what it is and how it makes her daddy feel tired and sick.  She learned that she did not cause her daddy's cancer and that many of the changes that were happening in her family were happening in other families too.  Joseph and Maria feel she takes great comfort in this fact.

Their oldest, Mark, reluctantly attended a Teen Outreach activity.  He was determined not to participate and he certainly didn't want to talk about his dad's cancer with kids he didn't know.  After spending some time with the other teens, he realized that he wasn't tht only teen who had a parent with cancer.  He was now part of a group where everyone was facing some of the same struggles and fears about their parent's cancer diagnosis.  None of Mark's friends had a parent with cancer, but these kids were just like him, living and dealing with cancer.

Joseph was most worried about his middle child, Nick.  Just two days after Joseph's diagnosis, Nick turned 13.   Deep down, Nick was afraid that his father would not survive.  He was afraid that if he talked about his feelings he would be a "baby" yet the very fact of not talking about it was compounding the fear and anxiety he already felt.

Joseph had little energy to be the dad that Nick needed now.  He worried that Nick's refusal to talk about his feelings would lead to bigger behavioral, emotional and  academic problems.

Several times throughout the hockey season, Angel Foundation receives a donation of tickets from the Minnesota Wild. When Maria received an email from Angel Foundation saying tickets were available for an upcoming Wild game, Maria responded immediately that they would like to attend.  Entertainment had been taken entirely out of the budget as money was so tight with Joseph not working and the costs of treatment mounting.  The family needed a break from the stress and the opportunity to see a Wild game was a welcome diversion.

The night of the game, Joseph and his family were seated with other families they had met through Facing Cancer Together activities.  Mark saw a few of the teens he had come to know and between periods they cruised the Xcel Center.  Amelia recognized some of her friends too and Maria and Joseph appreciated the opportunity to re-connect with other parents in a fun environment.

Nick ended up seated next to a boy, Aaron, who was about the same age.  They were both excited about the game and had a great time cheering on their team.  Then Aaron asked Nick which one of his parents had cancer and Nick pointed to his dad.  Aaron shared that his dad had cancer too but wasn't able to be at the game as he had chemo the day before.  They talked a little about what it's like to live with a dad who has cancer and just that brief conversation with someone who "gets it" lifted a huge burden off Nick.

After the hockey game, Maria sent a message of thans to Angel Foundation and the Minnesota Wild:

"There is a sense of relief in talking with others who can truly understand what our life is like with the difficulties, the uncertainties and the frustrations...We have been empowered through education and by having fun, laughing and crying with others.  I can't imagine our lives now without Angel Foundation."

Week after week of radiation treatments have left Joseph weak and fatigued (for more of Joseph's story visit our blog at www.mnangel.org).   It has also left him anxious as he has been unable to work.  The costs of driving to and from the clinic daily, parking costs and co-pays have been a financial stress.  An unexpected and expensive car repair put him in the position of choosing between the mortgage payment and the repair bill.  If he didn't get the car repaired, he had no way to get to treatment.

Joseph was already familiar with Angel Foundation as his family participated in Facing Cancer Together activities.  They had also benefited from a gift from Margie's fund to buy food for a holiday meal as part of the organization's annual campaign to help cancer patients during the holidays.  This was different.  Now Joseph needed help and he needed to ask for it.  He had always been able to provide for his family and now he was questinging if he would be able to do that any more.  This reality compounded the distress he felt over the entire cancer situation.

Joseph applied for Financial Assistance and received $600 to help pay the mortgage freeing up necessary cash to pay for the car repair.  His initial humiliation over asking for help was replaced with peace of mind.  He only had a few more weeks of treatment and hopefully it wouldn't be long before he was working and everything was more "normal".  As Joseph wrote in a note to Angel Foundation:

"We are at a loss for words to thank you properly.  It is so nice of you to help us in this day and age when money is in such short supply everywhere and so many people are in need."

The need is great.  That's why angel Foundation's Board of Directors has increased the challenge to new donors to $15,000!  The response to the Board's $10,000 matching grant has been inspiring and each board member has made a personal contribution to raise the match to $15,000.  To meet this challenge by December 31, we will need everyone to get involved.  Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to make a donation to Angel Foundation today.

Angel Foundation has surpassed many milestones in the ten years since our founding.  On July 1, 2011, the amount distributed per qualified applicant was increased by 20%.  In November, the Financial Assistance program processed more applications and distributed more grants to adults in treatment for cancer than any other year in our history.  Margie's fund--a small fund making a big difference--has distributed 40% more in financial assistance this year than last.  By the end of the year, over 1,000 adults will have received more than $500,000 in emergency assistance to help them meet their non-medical basic living expenses.

This is only accomplished thanks to your support.  Help us meeet the $15,000 challenge.

Over the last several weeks you've read about Joseph, his family and his cancer diagnosis.  Cancer's impact on the family has been significant in many ways--physically, emotionally, socially and financially.

Money is tight for the family right now.  The drain of daily transportation for radiation treatment and associated co-pays coupled with a drastic reduction in income has left the family in a financially precarious position.

A Small Fund Making a Big Difference

One day at his treatment appointment the nurse asked about the upcoming holiday.  Joseph shared that he was afraid that this year things were pretty tight and that they would have to scale back on gift giving.  This is hard for Joseph--he has always enjoyed being able to give a special gift to his wife and spoil his children a little over the holidays.  It was hard to think that cancer would implicate itself on his family this way too.

Upon learning this, Joseph's oncology nurse recommended the family for a gift card from Margie's Fund.  Margie's Fund is a small fund of Angel Foundation's Financial Assistance Program made in honor of the organization's found, Margie Sborov.  This fund provides assistance up to $200 and is reserved for families facing extraordinary situations due to cancer treatment.  Every November and December, a special campaign provides gift cards to Cub Foods or Target to help adults in treatment buy food for a holiday meal, gifts or necessities for themselves and their families.  In 2011, over 200 adults with cancer and their families will benefit from this special campaign.

Earlier this year, Margie was selected as an Eleven Who Care recipient for her service to the cancer community and to Angel Foundation.   To learn more follow this link to a recent KARE 11 interview http://kare11.tv/rxQhdh

Thank you again for your support through volunteerism, financial contributions, event attendance and all the other ways you support Angel Foundation.  Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families when cancer strikes.  www.mnangel.org

As family conversation centered on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and all the things they are thankful for, Amelia, Joseph's daughter, gave him a picture she had drawn. It was a typical picture from a five year old--a big sun in the sky, brightly colored flowers, a house and a figure that was unmistakably Joseph. He was the center of the picture, taller than the house with arms outstretched and a huge smile. "Daddy, this is you when the doctor says the cancer is gone", said Amelia.

In this season of giving, what are you thankful for? We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts on our facebook page www.facebook.com/angelfoundation or on our blog at www.mnangel.org.

At Angel Foundation, we're grateful for each of you--our families, donors, volunteers and community partners. Happy Thanksgiving.

Teens supporting teens

"Thank you for saying that--I thought I was the only one," Joseph's son Mark said after listening to Emma, another teen in the Facing Cancer Together teen group. Emma had just shared that since her mom's cancer diagnosis,shehas often feltvery alone. None of her friends had a parent with cancer; none of her friends had a mom who was bald and sick all the time and her friends' moms and dads were at all the volleyball games and other activities. Emma's mom was too sick to bein crowds and Emma was increasingly alone and on her own.

However, the one thing they did do as a family was attend Facing Cancer Together programs. Getting together with other families helped make the whole cancer thing a bit more normal. Here she was "Emma"--not the poor girl whose mom has cancer.

When a parent has cancer, the family life the children are accustomed to evaporates. Facing Cancer Together is a place where families can go to receive the education and support they need to help them meet and manage the many challenges of the cancer diagnosis.

When Maria, Mark's mom, suggested the family attend the Facing Cancer Together Education and Support Series, Mark resisted. What would he have in common with a bunch of kids he didn't even know? He didn't want to go and talk about his dad's cancer--he didn't even want to think about it.

Eventually, Maria was able to get Mark into the car and together with his younger brother Nick, and little sister Amelia, they drove to Angel Foundation. Mark, still determined that he was not going to get anything out of the program, reluctantly joined the other teens. He didn't talk, but he did listen. First, the other kids shared what they'd been doing since the last time--one boy's mom had surgery, another boy's dad had been declared cancer free, and so it went with each kid sharing the normal day to day stuff that goes with having a parent with cancer.

When Emma talked about feeling like she didn't fit in with her friends anymore, loneliness and isolation, Mark recognized the feelings. Emma shared:

"It's really comforting to know that even when you feel like you can't keep going, Angel Foundation is here to support you and help you change your focus from the feeling of despair to 'Wait, I felt like I couldn't keep going? When was that? How could that happen when I have this group?'"

Throughout the evening Mark became more comfortable. Sure, they talked about cancer and one boy was really sad and cried a little. But it was so cool to be in a group where that was normal and everyone understood how he felt. They were able to talk about sadness and fear, but also about joy and happiness. They even were able to talk about some of the ways their parents could still make them crazy--they were teens, after all.

Facing Cancer Together provides critical information and support to families facing a parental cancer diagnosis. Each year over 23,000 Minnesotans are diagnosed with cancer and one in four is the parent of young children. On average, 50,000 Minnesota children live with a parent who has cancer. Angel Foundation believes that families can actually grow stronger, even in the face of great adversity. Facing Cancer Together is here to help them do it.

Make a difference in the life of a family. Support AngelFoundation today and help us meet the $10,000 challenge by the end of the year.

"For once, I didn't know what to do," explains Maria. "This was so very different from the care I was used to providing for scrapes and sprains, fevers and sore throats. I was plagued by questions and by fears."

Maria forced herself to not succumb to the fears and the "what if" questions: What if Joseph doesn't get better, what if we can't afford treatment, what if he doesn't survive? Maria knew she needed to be brave for Joseph and especially for their kids.

The first two weeks of treatment went pretty well. Into the third week, Joseph began to experience some side effects to a much greater degree than most people. He became extremely fatigued and his skin was very irritated. Clothes were uncomfortable even though he was wearing loose, soft clothing. It was difficult for him to sleep and he never seemed to be able to get comfortable as his skin was so sensitive. When he would manage to sleep for a bit, he would unconsciously scratch his tender skin which made it more irritated. It became a vicious circle and not only was he not sleeping, Maria's sleep was being interrupted and she was having difficulty meeting all the increased responsibilities of being caretaker and primary parent.

In addition to general worry about her husband's health and prognosis, Maria was becoming increasingly concerned about the mounting medical bills. Joseph was already missing a lot of work and so was Maria. They had a little cushion but that wasn't going to last long and there was still so much they didn't know about the financial impact of cancer.

Financial worries were compounded by the concern Maria experienced about their children's acceptance and understanding of their father's disesase. Like so many families, it was hard to put the words together to talk about Joseph's cancer in a way that each child could understand. Maria sensed that each one, in their own way, was anxious and depressed. Their oldest child, Mark, was nearly 17 and seemed to be taking it the hardest. Always outgoing and involved in school activities and with his friends, Mark was needed to helpmake sure that his younger brother and sister gotto their after school activities while Maria was with Joseph. More and more he was being asked to prepare dinner or run errands. When Mark was home, he was spending a lot of time by himself, in his room.

Research and experience show that communication is the single most important variable in how a family functions as they live through the cancer experience. Angel Foundation's Facing Cancer Together program helps individual family members, and the entire family, strengthen and improve their communication skills to improve the psychosocial functioning of the family. Family members learn that open, honest, accurate and age appropriate dialogue, early in the experience, contributes positively to a family's well-being during this time.

Facing Cancer Together provides education and support for families with school-aged children and a parental cancer diagnosis. "There is a sense of relief in talking with others who can truly understand what our life is like with the difficulties, the uncertainties and the frustrations...We have been empowered through education and by having fun, laughing and crying with others."

This program truly makes a difference in the lives of families when cancer strikes. Be part of the answer to families seeking support in dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Maximize your gift and help us reach the $5,000 challenge put forth by Angel Foundation's board of directors.

Like many cancer patients, Joseph has experienced a sudden and dramatic decrease in earnings as he is unable to work full-time due to his treatment schedule and the ill effects of treatment. This is leaving his family in a precarious financial position. Studies show that due to the physical and psychological toll of cancer treatment, cancer patients are often unable to work, are underemployed and many eventually lose their jobs at a rate three times that of the general population. This also has an impact on the primary caregiver's ability to work and Joseph's wife, Maria, has needed to use many hours of vacation time to care for her husband.

Joseph's situation is not unique and many in our community have faced the same financial challenges while they undergo cancer treatment. Some cancer patients struggle with the decision of fulfilling their treatment to avoid leaving their family bankrupt or with insurmountable debt.

There is help for famlies like Joseph's. Angel Foundation's Financial Assistance Program helps adult cancer patients meet their critical non-medical basic needs such as housing, utilities, food and gas.

Last week you learned about the Power of 10 challenge grant that Angel Foundation's board of directors has put forth to new donors and current donors that want to increase their gift. If you're not a donor, double the impact of your gift by making a gift today and being part of this challenge. If you already support Angel Foundation, thank you! You can help us meet the challenge by increasing your gift by any amount. When you support Angel Foundation, you make a difference in the life of a familiy when cancer strikes.

No one is immune fromreceiving a cancer diagnosis. One day you don't have it, the next day you do. Angel Foundation provides vital information and support to families, families like Joseph's, who are facing cancer.

Once diagnosed, Joseph soon realized that while he had the cancer, every member of his cherished family was affected--his wife, Maria, his two teen-aged sons, Mark and Nick, and his little girl, Amelia. His family's life had turned upside down. As he and Maria searched for answers to their questions they found Angel Foundation.

"Angel Foundation's Facing Cancer Together program helped us learn how to talk to each other and support one another through this horrible disease," states Joseph. "We learned how to talk to our children and answer their questions openly and honestly in a way they could understand. It was heartbreaking when we learned that our little girl's tantrums were likely due to the anxiety she felt around my cancer. In Amelia's mind, I was sick because she was being punished for being naughty. Through Facing Cancer Together, we learned how to talk to her about this serious disease in words and ways she could understand."

Angel Foundation's board of directors, of which several are cancer survivors, knows the value of this programming and has stepped forward with a challenge to new and current donors to Angel Foundation. In our 10th anniversary year, the board has put together a Power of 10 challenge grant of $5,000 to match donations from new dnors. This challenge will also match increased gifts from individuals who are already donors to Angel Foundation. The Power of 10 challenge will expire at the end of the year--please make your gift count by being part of this challenge today. Families like Joseph's depend on it.

Over the next 10 weeks, you will learn more about Joseph and his family and their journey through the cancer experience on this blogpost. Joseph's family is just one of thousands of area families facing. Their storyrepresents the challenges that many families face when cancer intrudes on their life.

Behind this incredible sale are dozens of volunteers giving so freely of their time and energy to make Angels Attic the best sale of new and nearly new merchandise ever. They have been working for months collecting, pricing, and displaying items often in punishing heat and humidity yet they always have energy to laugh and joke.

This generosity of time, spirit, and stuff will have an enormous impact. The money raised will mean that more and more families will be able to make their mortgage payment, cook a healthy meal, get to their doctor appointments, and/or send their children to our summer Facing Cancer Together Kids Kamp. We are truly grateful! Now time to shop

By Missy Lundquist, co-director of Angel Foundation's Facing Cancer Together program

On October 3, Angel Foundation will begin the Education and Support Series for the Facing Cancer Together program. This years series will bring some exciting changes: we will be holding the series at the new Angel Foundation office and we will extend the series from five to six weeks in length in response to many requests from families.

The Education and Support Series is held twice a year for families facing a parental cancer diagnosis who have minor children. The group will meet six weeks in a row with other families facing cancer to discuss a different topic each night. Topics include change, feelings, support, self care, strengths and making meaning of the experience. Each of these topics is addressed in a specific parent group, childrens group, pre teen group and teen group at the same time, but in different age appropriate ways.

The goals of the Education and Support series are to forge resilience by improving communication in the family and broadening each familys network of support. We are excited to provide our families with Angel Foundations new homea place where the seeds of communication and support are planted and nurtured.

If your family or a family you know is interested in our Education and Support Series, please contact Missy Lundquist at 612-627-9000 x507 or mlundquist@mnangel.org .

A favorite quote and one that Ive considered many times when reflecting on the significant impact that volunteers - these honest workers - provide to non-profit organizations. Minnesota is rich in volunteers; ranked 3^rd in the nation with more than $1.5 million people giving of their time and expertise each year. How fortunate we are to have such a wealth of resources to
work with.

Angel Foundation is one of the fortunate organizations that reap the benefits of this time and talent. Whether its providing administrative support for special projects and data entry, greeting guests at a fundraising event, or providing a gentle shoulder to a family member facing cancer, Angel Foundation volunteers truly enhance the quality of our organization and the experience of our adults facing cancer and their families.

Typically, we try not to specifically bring attention to one fundraising event over another, but I would be remiss not to mention Angels Attic. This phenomenal event, first held in 2010 has been faced with profound challenges this year. In the past few days, for instance, the organizers have faced the need to move 80,000 square feet of donated merchandise from one space to another in less than a week. However, through the perseverance and dedication of several hundred volunteers led by a handful of extraordinary people Kay Melemed, in particular, this huge move was accomplished, with enthusiasm, humor, plenty of muscle, and a positive, can-do attitude. Knowing Kay and our volunteers as we do, we never doubted that this and other challenges would be overcome.

The tiny pushes are many; but Angel Foundation has moved forward because of them. True heroes are among us. Our many thanks!

By Vicki Stute, president of Angel Foundation

When an adult receives a cancer diagnosis, not only are dreams threatened--often their everyday financial security becomes precarious. Lost work time for the patient and the caregiver can threaten the very livelihood of a family. Some people are fortunate--their employers are willing to accommodate erratic work schedules, extended time off and lost productivity. Others like Mary and Johnare less lucky: On the same day that Mary was diagnosed with cancer, her husband John received a letter that his position of 26 years was elminated, effective immediately. He would receive no severance and his health insurance was terminated one day later. Ina single day, their hopes and dreams for themselves and their three children were shattered. Within just a few weeks, this family was seeking support from Angel Foundation to help them make their mortgage payment.

We often talk about the value of a $25, $100 or $1,000 gift and the positive impact it can have on a family with an adult cancer diagnosis. Gifts of all sizes make a difference--$250 can support a child who has a parent with cancer attend Kids Kamp; $500 can help a family make a mortgage or rent payment and a $50 Holiday Station gas card can help another pay for gas to get to daily radiation treatments.

There is no disputing the measurable impact of financial contributions to Angel Foundation. But not everything can be measured. A cancer diagnosis is an extremely isolating experience. That's hard to understand when the statistics show that more than one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life.

When an adult living with the uncertainty of the cancer diagnosis receives financial support from Angel Foundation it shows them that there are people in this community that care. Just when they think they arealone and have lost much control over their life, they receive financial assistance, a financial gift, from Angel Foundation. They are often amazed that this supportcomes to them from people they don't know and people they will never know. The staff of Angel Foundation are lucky--weget thethank you callsand read the daily thank you notes that financial assistance recipients send, grateful that complete strangers careand understand the financial struggles of cancer.

"Dear Angel Foundation,

Our family thanks you so much for the grant to assist us with our rent. During this difficult time, we found so much comfort in knowing there are people out there that truly care about what we are going through. Now we really believe in angels. Thank you so much."

Never doubt that your gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the life of a family.

What struck me at that moment was that these young children hold so many emotions at onceworry about their parent and the ultimate fear of the unknown...and yet their strong desire to just be a kid. This is what our Kids Kamp is all about. We give the children the opportunity to share their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental group and at the same time allow them to play, laugh, and just have fun.

I am amazed every day by the resilience, courage, and hopefulness of these young children. I am so thankful and proud that Angel Foundation can provide this life-changing experience for children who have a parent with cancer.

By Margie Sborov, founder of Angel Foundation

The evening was made possible by donors Ann and Vince OBrien, who made the winning bid of $6,000 for this live auction item at the Angel Awards gala in January to benefit Angel Foundation. Proceeds from this generous donation will make a difference in the lives of a dozen financial assistance recipients in active treatment for an adult cancer diagnosis. Overall, more than $100,000 was raised at the 2011 Angel Awards gala.

Chef Zimmern was joined by Gavin Kaysen, James Beard Foundation 2008 Rising Star Chef of the Year and one of Food and Wine Magazines top 10 new chefs for 2007, and local chef Vincent Francoual, owner of VincentA Restaurant, and a 2010 James Beard Award Semi-finalist for Best Chef in Midwest.

Each of the chefs created his favorite dishes to offer diners an outstanding menu. All ingredients used were donated by the chefs. Zimmern brought foods he had collected internationally including honey from Syria and spices from China.

Guests dined on such entrees as Paccheri Pasta, roasted lamb, Hamachi crudo and Bayou Pigeon Gumbo.

I have no words to express our gratitude to these chefs for the incredible dining experience they gave our guests, says Margie Sborov, founder of Angel Foundation. She and her husband, Dr. Mark Sborov, donned white coats to act as servers for the evening. It was fascinating and fun to sit in the kitchen and watch the chefs prepare, interact and speak so passionately about food, says Margie. It was an unforgettable evening for all.

And foodies not at the table could follow the meal preparation online as Zimmern shared the experience with more than 1000 followers on Twitter, raising awareness for Angel Foundation.

We offer special thanks to Nancy and Dave Kaysen, who hosted the dinner in their home and Chef Gavin Kaysen for traveling from New York City to prepare this incredible meal with Andrew and Vincent.

According to Psychology Today.com, "Laughter is good medicine" is not just an old wives tale. In one of the magazine's online articles, Michael Miller, M.D. from the University of Maryland says that "laughter offsets the impact of mental stress." The article also states that "laughter establishes, or restores, a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people. In fact, some researchers believe that the major function of laughter is to bring people together. And all the health benefits of laughter may simply result from the social support that laughter stimulates."

On July 16, Facing Cancer Together's Teen Outreach participants put this theory to the test with a visit to Comedy Sportz (www.comedysportztc.com) in Minneapolis. The teens enjoyed a comedy show and took part in an improv class that allowed them to let go of their inhibitions and any stress they were feeling from their parent's cancer diagnosis. Through improv, the teens learned how trusting their first instinct and thought enabled them to go more with the flow in their lives and how this flexibility can help with real life challenges. Finally, we learned that sometimes you just have to laugh!

So, put laughter to the test in your home. . .tell someone a funny joke, rent a funny movie or go to Comedy Sportz like we did!

Let us know how you bring laughter into your home. We'd love to share your ideas with other families.

By Kelly Theesfeld, coordinator of Angel Foundation's Teen Outreach program

And then there is the emotional impact of such funding. An additional $100 may give the patient confidence to schedule that next appointmentbecause theyll have transportation covered, says Kelly Theesfeld, coordinator of Angel Foundations Financial Assistance program.

She recalls one recent financial assistance applicant, a woman in her 50s diagnosed with breast cancer, who walked two hours to get to her appointment because she had no money for transportation. Because her appointments are during the day, it was difficult for her to find a ride with everyone working. In providing her with emergency financial assistance, It means someone saying yes to her request for helprather than no, no, no , says Kelly. Here is an organization that can say yes and say it quickly.

Emergency funds also recently helped a single mom who has been living with cancer for several years. She has been taking out school loans to make ends meet. Worried about her financial situation, she says, Im not afraid of dying, but Im afraid for my children.

Each day at Angel Foundation, we are reminded of the enormity of cancers impact through similar stories of newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families. We are humbled by the strength and courage of those we serve. And we are grateful to our funders for their support, allowing us to increase our financial assistance to patients enduring cancer treatment and the physical, financial and emotional toll that accompanies it. We strive to bring recipients empathy, encouragement and compassion.

There is more than money in that envelope, says Kelly. There is reassurance and the gift of time, a chance to take a breath to determine what course to take next as they face this huge change in their lives.

Nicoles parents were family-centered people. Her father, Richard was very much in love with his wife and was known as Papa to his grandchildren. Linda was the best mother Nicole and her two sisters could ever have had and a wonderful Nana to her grandchildren. Richard loved to hunt and be outdoors. When Linda wasnt attending to her family she was out on her motorcycle or at the casino. Family life was good.

In 2001, Richard was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and by late 2008 the disease had progressed to the point where he was hospitalized for complications of the disease. Shortly after he entered the hospital, Linda was diagnosed with very late stage cancer and after just a few short weeks she died in January of 2009. Richard died less than one year later in early January 2010.

For many years, Linda was the sole wage earner as Richard was too ill to work. Money was tight as she missed a lot of work taking Richard to and from doctor appointments and serving as his caregiver. As a single mom, Nicole was strapped financially and it was hard for her to watch her parents struggle. Linda and Richard turned to Angel Foundation where they got the help they needed to pay rent and other bills. According to Nicole, They appreciated it more than anyone knows.

I couldnt help my parents when they needed it, but Angel Foundation was there for them. Now its my turn to help, she says.

Thank you Nicole and Steveyour generosity is making a difference in the lives of families when cancer strikes.

For more information about how you can celebrate a special occasion and support Angel Foundation, call 612.627.9000. Check out other stories from our participants in the latest issue of AngeLink. Read now

But what does it mean for a family to think positively when one or more members are living with cancer? Does it mean they only see the bright side of things? Only allow their happy feelings to show? Not really. Research shows that an important part of building family resilience in the face of a cancer diagnosis is that each family member is able to express and accept a wide range of emotions from tenderness, love, hope and gratitude to such negative emotions as anger, disappointment, or frustration.

At our Facing Cancer Together Spring Series each of the childrens groups created Feelings Boxes to initiate the discussion about the full range of emotions often experienced in a family when a parent is living with cancer. Learning how to identify and express those feelings and how common these feelings are in response to a cancer diagnosis can be very freeing for children and adults.

What becomes valuable is the ability to buffer distressing feelings with what Froma Walsh, a leading author on family resilience, describes as a positive bias. In other words, be keenly aware that half of the glass is empty but still take strength from the part that is half full. Given the inevitable highs and lows that are a part of facing cancer in the family, having the ability to appropriately express all of their feelings allows each member more room in their Feelings Box for joy, love, and hope.

For more information on how to create your own "Feelings Box," see our Summer issue of the AngeLink newsletter.

Angels & Hogs 2011 will take place on Saturday, June 25 beginning at Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson in Eden Prairie at 11 am. Bikers will enjoy a ride to Henderson, MN and then to AutoMotorPlex in Chanhassen where they will enjoy the After Party from 3 pm-6 pm. The After Party will feature live entertainment, food, beverages, raffle, and opportunities to tour AutoMotorPlex “garage condos” housing unique and exotic motorsports collections.

For more information and to register, click here.

Unable to participate in the Angels & Hogs Bike Rally? Come out for an evening of fun at Summer of Angels happening that same day beginning at 7 pm. For more information, click here.

Angels & Hogs 2011 will take place on June 25, from 11 am – 6 pm, beginning at Wild Prairie Harely-Davidson® in Eden Prairie. All bike brands are welcome.

This year’s event will include a ride to Henderson, MN and then to AutoMotorPlex in Chanhassen for the After Party where there will be opportunities to tour AutoMotorPlex “garage condos” housing many types of rare, vintage, and exotic motorsports collections. Learn more about AutoMotorPlex in Kare 11's Land of 10,000 Stories.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.mnangel.org/events/item/2. But hurry! Register by June 20, and you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad®! Click here to see photos of last year's bike rally.

For those unable to participate in the ride, but who have a passion for everything motorsports, you’re in luck. On that same day, following the Angels & Hogs After Party, will be Summer of Angels, a fun and relaxing evening event hosted by Maeyaert & Associates where you and your friends can enjoy tasty BBQ, live entertainment, tour AutoMotorPlex “garage condos,” and support local families facing cancer. Summer of Angels will be from 7 pm – 10:30 pm. For more information and to register, visit http://www.mnangel.org/events/item/5.

Over the past month a group of 15 families have come together every Monday to participate in Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together Education and Support program.  We’ve talked about the Power of 10 there, too.  One week in the teen group we talked about the top 10 emotions they experienced when they learned their mom or dad had cancer.  The teens came up with the following list:

1.       Confused:  Why my family?  What does this mean for my future?  My mom’s so healthy—how could this happen?

2.      Angry:  It’s not fair.  My family doesn’t deserve this.  Why me?

3.       Stressed:  I have to cook dinner most nights and pick up my sister from dance lessons.  When will I be able to get my homework done?  When will I get to have some fun?

4.      Lonely:  I feel different from before the diagnosis.  None of my friends understand what I’m going through.

5.       Loved:  Lots of people—aunts, neighbors, my mom’s friends—are helping cook meals and clean the house.

6.      Concerned:  What will happen if the chemotherapy doesn’t work?  Why is mom always so tired?

7.       Special:  I feel different and my friends don’t really know what to say to me now.

8.      Anxious:  What will the doctor say today?  How bad is it really?  What does Stage IV mean?

9.      Worried:  What if mom doesn’t get better?  Who will take care of my little brother?  Who will take care of me?

10.   Hopeful:  Treatment’s over.  Maybe the cancer is gone now?

 A cancer diagnosis unlocks a flood of emotions, fears and questions.  Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together supports families as they navigate this new world by encouraging open and honest communication between family members and helping each member of the family face the diagnosis with resilience and a positive attitude for the future.  

No other organization in the Twin Cities meets the needs of adults with cancer and their families like Angel Foundation.  Thankfully, Angel Foundation is here for them.  Your partnership as a volunteer or donor will ensure that we are here for years to come. 

Studies show that the arts can cultivate a healing and positive environment contributing to reduced stress, anxiety, and sense of isolation. Research also indicates that the arts can benefit patients and caregivers (in this case the teens) by aiding their physical, mental, and emotional recovery, and provide a respiteeven for a short periodfrom the adult caregiver role that they have likely assumed.

At a time when teens are trying to distance themselves from their parents and become more independent, a parent's cancer diagnosis can derail them from their normal developmental track putting them at risk for long term negative outcomes. This project is one valuable way to keep them connected with their peers and keep them on track.

As one teen summed it up: "This piece represents the beauty and love Angel Foundation provides for us and our families." We agree.

Vicki joined Angel Foundation on Wednesday, December 1, and she has been settling in beautifully. Her professional career spans nearly 20 years of executive leadership with four chambers of commerce and various non-profit organizations.

During her career, Vicki has driven strong performance through vision, innovation, creativity and change, as well as through her passion for quality service focused on mission-based results. With Vicki's proven track record of success in organizational development, we are confident she will be a strong leader as we expand our programs and services to the cancer community and enhance our relationships and donor base.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to lead this incredible organization of dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors," says Vicki. "Through continued growth and innovation over the next few years, Angel Foundation will be poised to provide renewed hope and support to more families facing cancer."

As we celebrate and welcome our new leader, we also say a bittersweet goodbye to our former executive director, Marsha Lietz. Marsha made the decision to step down from her role after realizing she needed to dedicate more time to supporting her aging parents. But she is by no means leaving Angel Foundation behind, as she will continue to serve on our board of directors.

 "The decision to leave the ED position was a difficult one, but one that was made easier when we found Vicki," says Marsha. "She brings a strong experience base and passion for our mission that will serve Angel Foundation well in the years to come. I look forward to working with and supporting Vicki as I move into the board of director role."

Vicki also brings a special cancer connection to Angel Foundation, as she lost her mother to cancer and has witnessed the effects of the illness on many of her friends and family members. She understands the needs of those we serve and is eager to leverage her non-profit and business expertise to positively impact those living with cancer.