By Scott Petinga

I can’t even fathom how my life could have unfolded if nine years ago I didn’t wake up with cancer. I was becoming a narcissist. Emotionless. Perhaps it was due to middle child syndrome or countless other acronyms that are doled out haphazardly to categorize people that are “different.” Or most likely I was just a complete @%!$# asshole.

Nothing like being scared shitless to make you change your ways and aware of what’s around you. Today, by no means am I perfect. For starters, I forget sometimes how lucky I am to actually wake up every day, because nine years ago, I almost didn’t. Sadly, I can’t remember the last time I told my folks I love them. I should; but always thought they knew how I felt. Most importantly, I don’t nearly thank my wife enough for her dedication, support and her sacrifices. I should; but often times I get too busy and forget.

As time passes by and as my body gets better, so will I emotionally. Plus I can’t help be influenced by individuals who truly have made an impact on me as they work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives. Margie Sborov http://www.mnangel.org, Jonny Imerman http://www.imermanangels.org and Ashley Wise https://www.facebook.com/BattlingBare ... you are undeniably America’s unsung heroes as well as mine.

In closing,

Margie, Jonny and Ashley, thank you for opening your arms and embracing me.

Mom and Dad, thank you for being you. I love you!

Joanna, because of you I am everything. Without you I am nothing.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we salute and thank our amazing volunteers. Please meet Dennis and Maria Steele:

“Life begins when there are no guarantees,” says Dennis Steele, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 and a brain tumor in 2008 and wife Maria was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2004 and a recurrence in 2007. “Life totally changed with my cancer diagnosis. The unknown changes you — it brings you down to earth. Uncertainty shows you what’s important and fosters gratitude for what you have.”

Dennis, Maria and their sons, Grady and Regen, have interacted with Angel Foundation by volunteering at events and attending programs — a living example of how education and support can help families gain understanding, strength and hope as they face the challenges of cancer together.

According to Regen, “I know that I wouldn’t have been able to cope with the cancer of both my parents without this group. It has helped lift me out of the gloom that our family was in before we found out about Angel Foundation.”

To volunteer at Angel Foundation, please contact Brooke Trierweiler, btrierweiler@mnangel.org.

1. Fire up the grill: A little snow on the patio can’t stop a true Minnesotan from the grill in April. So bundle up, shovel a path to the grill, fire it up, and have a barbecue with Rudolphs Bar-B-Que sauce. Yes, Rudolphs. Never mind the homemade sauce, or any other store-bought variations. It must be Rudolphs. Why? For all of 2013, Rudolphs is donating a portion of every bottle sold to Angel Foundation. Stock up, and get cookin’!

2. Practice your golf swing: It might not seem like it today, but summer WILL come. So, golfers, get in the swing of things by dusting off your clubs and signing up for a couple great golf events in the northern and southern ‘burbs benefiting Angel Foundation. Registration is now open for both: Our 11th annual Angels & Eagles Charity Golf Classic is set for July 29 in Bloomington. And in the northern burbs, there’s a new charity golf tourney June 21 in Ramsey with proceeds going to Angel Foundation.

3. Make plans to send a kid to our “kamp”: One of the highlights of our summer season at Angel Foundation is our annual Kids Kamp (this year happening Aug. 6-8 in Eden Prairie). Kids Kamp provides an opportunity for kids to get away and have fun, free of charge, with other kids who are also facing cancer in their families. They participate in activities that help them develop the skills and resilience to meet the daily challenges a cancer diagnosis imposes on the entire family. To raise money for this favorite event, we host a fundraising luncheon each year. This year’s Kids Kamp Luncheon is set for June 27 at Interlachen Country Club in Edina.

See you in the sunshine!

Since 2001, Angel Foundation has awarded $3 million in emergency financial assistance for non-medical needs to adults in active treatment for cancer in the Twin Cities. The need is great, and increasing. In order to help more cancer patients, in 2013, Angel Foundation is poised to give out $1 million in emergency financial assistance.

In addition to ongoing donor support, a variety of events open to the public will drive fundraising efforts to reach the goal this year:

Special Events

A gala, a golf classic, a runway fashion show and multi-day sale are key special events raising funds for Angel Foundation in 2013.

Angel Foundation jump-started the year with a record-setting Angel Awards Gala. The 11th annual gala, which took place Jan. 26 at the Hilton Minneapolis, raised more than $437,000 — an increase of 56 percent over 2012’s gala, which generated $280,000. The event was the most successful gala in Angel Foundation history, with a record 624 guests gathered to honor individuals, families and organizations for their dedication to and passion for the cancer community. Adding to the buzz and success were the event’s emcee, “Desperate Housewives” star James Denton, and the entertainment, GB Leighton, who debuted a song created especially for Angel Foundation.

The next Angel Foundation special event is Angels & Eagles Golf Classic, set for Monday, July 29 at Minnesota Valley Country Club. Thanks to generous support, this annual event has raised nearly $1 million to help local adults living with cancer and their families. Angels & Eagles features 18 holes of golf on an exclusive, classically styled course, a golf clinic led by a master PGA professional, barbecue lunch, awards, prizes, dinner and more.

In the fall, this year’s Angels & Divas runway fashion show, set for Oct. 6 at the Graves 601, Minneapolis, already promises to raise the bar. Radio station FM 107.1 morning show hosts Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson will emcee the event, and the full Divas committee is already at work.

Angel’s Attic, which also takes place each October, rounds out the year’s special events. The multi-day sale – which features new and next-to-new merchandise donated from estate sales, individuals and retailers – last year raised $127,000 for Angel Foundation.

Fundraising Breakfasts and Lunches

Twice a year, Angel Foundation invites business and community leaders to learn about and support key Angel Foundation programs at a fundraising breakfast or luncheon.

The second annual Friends of Angel Breakfast is set for Thursday, April 25 at Town & Country Club, St. Paul. This event features a keynote address by national inspirational speaker, author and cancer survivor Ruth Bachman and has been organized in response to the growing need for Angel Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance program. Also speaking will be Pioneer Press columnist Ruben Rosario, a participant in Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together program.

Then, on June 27, the Kids Kamp Luncheon will take place at Interlachen Country Club, Edina. The event raises funds for Angel Foundation’s Kids Kamp, set for Aug. 6 - 8 at Eden Wood Center, Eden Prairie. The three-day camp, free to participants, provides an opportunity for children and teens who have a parent with cancer to have fun and find support with their peers, teen mentors and adult volunteers.

Community Fundraisers

Angel Foundation enjoys a busy schedule of community fundraisers benefiting the organization. In 2012, more than 50 community fundraisers generated $125,000 for Angel Foundation. Among these events is the annual Bowling for Angel, with fundraising led by Minnesota Oncology to benefit Angel Foundation.

This year, event themes range from sporting events to film to fashion and business. The recent Run Until You Fly Charity Fashion Show at Salon Ultimo, in celebration of cancer survivor Connie Meyer, raised more than $14,000 (from a goal of $5,000). Upcoming community events include Shakopee Chamber of Commerce “Connecting Women in Business” event (April 25 at Mystic Lake Casino); the second annual Bands Against Cancer (June 15 at Blaine City Hall); and REMAX Results Attaboy Ride (June 16 at Dakota County Technical College).

For more information, go to www.mnangel.org or call (612) 627-9000. To speak with someone about Angel Foundation special events or fundraising breakfasts and lunches, contact Brooke Trierweiler at btrierweiler@mnangel.org. For more information about Angel Foundation community fundraisers, contact Sarah Tower at stower@mnangel.org.

These Lives We Touch stories keep the people we serve top of mind as we go about our work, providing daily incentive to bring our brightest ideas and best work to the meeting table, because so many people are counting on us.

There is no shortage of stories. The need for Angel Foundation programs is greater than ever. This year, thanks to generous donations, we are poised to award $1 million in emergency financial assistance for non-medical needs to adults in active treatment for cancer in the Twin Cities. For every grant awarded, there’s a story behind it that touches our hearts and re-ignites our passion for our work.

So today, we invite you: Pull up a chair to our virtual meeting table. Listen along with us to the stories of a few lives we touched recently:

• Betty is a 62 year old widow recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Her husband died in February 2012, and Betty has been struggling to pay off his medical bills. Her recent cancer diagnosis has left her unable to meet her basic living expenses. She has had many sleepless nights trying to figure out how she will pay all her bills and still be able to eat and put gas in the car. Betty travels from Morton, Minn., to the U of M for weekly treatments. Angel Foundation was able to provide her with a $700 grant to help pay for food and gas.

• Kevin is a married father of two young teenagers (ages 11 and 13), and he has been battling cancer since August 2011. Since he can no longer be left alone, his wife, Carol, had to quit her job. Carol was already on unpaid leave over the summer, which left the family's meager savings depleted. Now, with Carol out of work, the monthly COBRA payments are crippling the family. Angel Foundation was able to provide Kevin and his family a $200 Target card to purchase food.

• Shelly is a single mother of two small children. Her youngest child, born premature, has had many health issues. Shelly's diagnosis of breast cancer has had a huge impact on the young family. She is trying to work while receiving chemotherapy treatments, and trying to hold onto her home. Angel Foundation was able to provide Shelly with a $200 Cub card to purchase food for her family.

There are many others like Betty, Kevin and Shelly who need our help. If you would like to help us meet their needs, and help us reach our goal of awarding $1 million in emergency financial assistance this year: Please consider joining us at our Friends of Angel Fundraising breakfast April 25 at the Town & Country Club in St. Paul. For more information, go to http://www.mnangel.org/events/item/51 or call Angel Foundation at (612) 627-9000.

Designed to answer cancer survivors’ most pressing questions, the series' topics include:

March 21: Social Security Disability Insurance, presented by Fay Fishman, Esq.

April 2: Essential Estate Planning Documents, presented by Stuart Bear, Esq.

April 18: Financial Concerns and Dealing with Creditors, presented by Chris Wheaton, Esq. and Brea Buettner-Stanchfield, Esq.

May 7: Short and Long Term Disability Insurance, presented by Kate MacKinnon, Esq.

All sessions will take place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Angel Foundation, 700 South Third St., Suite 106W, Minneapolis.

There is no charge to attend any or all of the sessions, but registration is requested: Go to www.CancerLegalLine.org or call (651) 472-5599.

Next up in our Facing Cancer Together program is a six-week series for families. This free program, taking place on Mondays, March 4 through April 8, 6 to 8 p.m. in Minneapolis, is designed to provide families with the information and support they need in order to face together the challenges of cancer.

Meeting one night a week for six weeks, the families will break into age-specific groups: parents, teens, children.

In adult groups, parenting skills will be reviewed and parents will learn how to communicate with their children in an age-appropriate way, helping them lead their families through the cancer experience and beyond.

Special programs will help children 5-18 to develop the necessary life skills to confront and manage the daily fear, stress and uncertainty that comes from living with a parent or grandparent with cancer.

Each week’s curriculum has a theme that will guide each night's group activities: changes, feelings, support, self-care, strengths and reflection.

Dinner will be provided, and childcare is available for children under 5. There is no charge, but we do request reservations. The series takes place Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 8 and 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.

For more information or to register, contact Janice Haines: jhaines@mnangel.org or 612) 627-9000 Ext. 503.

The event raised more than $437,000 (an increase of 56 percent over 2012’s gala, which generated $280,000), and 624 guests attended (compared to 532 last year).

The gala’s success has set the stage for the organization’s efforts in the coming year: Angel Foundation is now poised to award $1 million in emergency financial assistance to local adults with cancer and their families in 2013.

“This was our most successful gala ever,” says Vicki Stute, Angel Foundation president. “The funds raised will allow us to reach more people who need our programs and spread the word about Angel Foundation in the community.”

“Desperate Housewives” star James Denton emceed the gala, and Brian Leighton of GB Leighton performed an original song he wrote for the event. GB Leighton also performed at the after-party.

Air: Inhale steam and moisturize the air. This can help calm the cough and loosen phlegm.

Nasal: Use a saline nasal rinse or a Neti Pot to clear out pollutants, allergents, and phlegm

Throat: Keep hard candy or cough drop on hand. Suck on one of these to soothe the throat and ease a cough.

Elderberry syrup: The syrup can help thin out mucus and reduce inflammation by taking a teaspoon of this antioxidant rich extract.

Acupressure: Try using this ancient Chinese healing art. When coughing, press the point in the large hollow at the base of the throat.

Body: Stay hydrated to help thin the mucus.

Tea additives: Add honey to your tea; this helps coat your throat and lessen a persistent cough. Add slices of ginger to your tea and steep for five minutes. This is often used for a chronic cough and helps clear out nasal passages.

And here's one more sure to comfort. Try this soothing remedy:

Egg Drop Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth or stock

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 -2 green onions, minced

Salt to taste

A few drops of sesame oil, soy sauce, Srirachi or grated fresh ginger (optional)

Preparation: In a saucepan, bring the 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add the salt, and the other optional ingredients if using. Cook another minute. In a steady stream, very slowly pour in the eggs and stir. Garnish with green onion and serve.

Angel Foundation is special because of the individuals who encompass the organization - our family participants, our donors, the dedicated staff and our volunteers.  Hundreds, if not thousands of hours are provided each year by talented individuals devoted to making a difference in the lives of adults with cancer and their families.  Teen mentors willing to share their own parental cancer experience with their peers, or a couple who sells raffle tickets at our annual Angel Awards Gala to raise funds, or an executive sharing expertise in corporate communications,  influences and shapes the two mission-based programs of Angel Foundation.  The gifts these individuals share directly impact the experience of a mother recently diagnosed with cancer who needs emergency financial assistance or allows for a family to strengthen its communication and find hope even in times of uncertainty. 

And so, during this holiday season we give thanks to our Angel Foundation volunteers who make our lives and those that we serve, special.  In the words of Helen Keller, “The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.” 

Each of your tiny pushes is a gift and makes you a hero to all of us at Angel Foundation.  We are in awe of the gifts you’ve given—your time . . .
your talent . . . your expertise. 

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of adults with cancer and their families. 

With gratitude,

Vicki Stute
President
Angel Foundation

Recently I posted a photo of Max, a therapy dog, at our Education and Support Series on the Angel Foundation Facebook page. Max came to visit with the kids who are attending our sessions. After posting, I noticed an interesting trend; the majority of people who ‘liked’ the  post were parents whose children have benefitted from a therapy dog visit at one of our groups. This response was the impetus for me to highlight this program facet in this blog.

Buster is famous!

In 2006, Dori Weisbrod started  volunteering  with Facing Cancer Together. It was at her suggestion that Buster, her boxer therapy dog, join us as a volunteer at Kids Kamp to become the first therapy dog to work with our families.

Buster and Dori's work became so vital and meaningful to our families that it caught the attention of  Dawn A. Marcus, author and MD.  Marcus captures moments, actions, and interventions of Buster in her newly published book:  Therapy Dogs in Cancer Care: A Valuable Complementary Treatment. In this book,  she explores the valuable role of therapy dogs in programs caring for cancer. She notes that “dogs that visit patients with cancer have been convincingly shown to reduce stress, loneliness, and mood disturbance.”  At Angel Foundation, we notice the  benefits of a therapy dog on the entire family when a parent has cancer.

In Marcus’ book: she summarized  “the presence of the therapy dog often enhances positive interactions between children and staff and fosters an improved ability of children to benefit from other interventions. For example, when children participate in a group in which a dog is present, staff have noticed that children tend to be more attentive, focused, and better listeners.”  At Angel Foundation, we have  noticed children, who may have a hard time connecting with the adults and other children, will gravitate to the therapy dog and will share feelings with the dog they may not share with others.

Kids' quotes:

Buster has had a  lasting effect. Here are a few quotes and outcomes from his visits:

“Buster makes you feel heard.”                                                             
 --11 year- old boy

“The reason I like Buster is he never says to me ‘you’re going to be okay.'” “He just listens."
--6 year-old girl

“I can tell Buster feels the same way I do sometimes."
--8 year-old boy

These visits have had long-lasting effects on the children. Some children still ask for Buster. One family got a dog after their positive interactions with Buster.

Following Buster's lead:

Unfortunately, Buster died of cancer a few years ago but he paved the way in helping to create and shape our dog therapy program. We have been fortunate to have visits by many therapy dogs including  Bailey, a black lab, and Ben, a golden retriever, who have followed in Buster's footsteps.

Most recently, Max, another golden retriever, has been joining us. Max’s handler, Shannon says that “Max listens to everyone and is also quite perceptive; he knows when someone wants comfort or attention.” She notes that “when people are with Max they appear to just be enjoying the moment.”  At Kids Kamp this summer, she recalls a little boy “who seemed to be a bit of an outsider. He was great to Max and with Max and with this his peers saw a different side of him.”  She adds, “this was his opportunity to shine.”

Our Mission:

These interactions and outcomes from therapy dog interaction help us achieve Facing Cancer Together’s mission by:

•  enhancing communication--through increased conversation with other kids petting the dog, the handler,  and with the dog
•  Lessening isolation
•  Reducing distress level
•  Expressing  feelings
•  Fostering healthy self-care--being with an animal: if the children have a hand on the therapy dog, I noticed they are able to listen even more effectively to our conversation.

Role of therapy dogs at Angel Foundation:

• Children have the option of visiting the therapy dog one-on –one with the handler and can ‘talk’ with the dog about they   are feeling.
•  As a group, children visit with the dog and have the opportunity to interact with it--Dog stays in room and children know  he is there if they need to visit with him (maybe feeling sad, etc)

On a personal note:

If it’s up to me, we will always have therapy dogs in our program because I know, first hand, how important  unconditional love is especially when in the midst of treatment. When I was treated 15 years ago for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, my dog  Skooter, was the dog  by my side. As I would lay on the couch recovering from another round of chemotherapy, Skooter would sit by my side and be present.  She was there as I cried, screamed (at no one in particular!) and when I  meditated. Even though my husband, Ben, was of  tremendous support, he had to go to work everyday. Skooter was there 24/7 and would listen to it all!

Do any of you have a connection past or present, with a pet or other animal that really helped you during the cancer experience or any other difficult experiences in your life?

By Janice Haines, co-director of Angel Foundation's Facing Cancer Together program

Today, thousands of nonprofits in Minnesota will come together to raise millions of dollars in just 24 hours through Give to the Max Day and GiveMN.  GiveMN is a collaborative venture that has helped transform philanthropy in Minnesota by connecting and engaging donors with causes that are important to them.  Their hope is for donors to: Click. Contribute. Change your world.

Why should you choose to give your donation to Angel Foundation? Well, here’s how we help: For families seeking financial assistance, you help them ease the financial burden and worry that a cancer diagnosis can place on the household.  Your support also provides education and support needed to gain lasting skills that not only strengthen, but forge resilience in the whole family.  We focus on the lives to be lived and work every day to help families confront and manage the significant change that a cancer diagnosis imposes upon them.

Be an angel.  For the 2012 Give to the Max Day, we’re hoping you will choose to give to Angel Foundation and help more local adults with cancer and their families when cancer strikes.  A challenge grant of $25,000 from Angel Foundation’s Board of Directors is available to inspire new and renewed gifts from donors.  This means you will double the impact of your gift on Give to the Max Day, providing much needed emergency financial assistance and education support to adults facing cancer and their families.

Together, we hope to raise more than $25,000 in new and renewed gifts on Give to the Max Day and we’re counting on your help!  Please to go our GiveMN page  and give generously.

Thank you for your support!

What does generosity mean?  To some it means the giving of their time, money or possessions to those less fortunate.  But if you are without time, money or possessions, can you still be generous?  

I received a letter from a recipient of one of our Financial Assistance grants who is being treated for cancer.  She had nothing to call her own, but was the most generous person I have ever met.  I’ve posted her letter below as an example of what generosity truly means.

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  Words can’t express how much this assistance means to me.  I’ve been sitting on this email for a few days trying to decide the best way to use this generous grant.  I’ve come up with an idea, but want to run it past you first to see if this is acceptable and within the program guidelines.

Since I’ve been homeless for nearly a year now, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been invited to live with my sister and her husband in their small home.  Although I contribute $40 per month (out of my $200 per month general assistance payment) to help offset some of the additional expenses they’ve had to incur as the result of me living here, I know they are struggling to pay all of their bills. 

Therefore, I was wondering if it would be possible to have the grant money applied to gas and food cards?  If so, I think that 2 gas cards in $100 denominations and 2 food cards in the same denominations ($400 total) would be very helpful in allowing them to catch up on some utility bills by applying the money they ordinarily would have used for gas and groceries towards these debts instead.

If this is ok, I would also like to request that the remaining $200 award balance be put back into the program in order to help another equally-deserving applicant.”

By Jennifer Kielas, program coordinator for Angel Foundation’s Financial Assistance program

However, not surprisingly, so many of these changes involve deep and penetrating loss—loss of control, loss of energy, a loss of freedom, or loss of a sense of security. When looking at the volume of loss families experience when facing cancer, the disease can seem so powerful. How does a family respond to all this loss? Unfortunately there are no easy answers. But sometimes naming those losses in a group of people who not only understand what you are grieving but share those same losses, can lighten the load and increase your strength to move forward. There is tremendous power in that group experience that is stronger than the cancer. Individuals can then focus on what they have and what they have gained that cancer can’t take away. It is like the poem whose author is unknown, “What Cancer Cannot Do.”

What Cancer Cannot Do
Author: Unknown

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

This weekend that poem and the discussion of loss in group was on my mind as I read a new book by Michael Feinstein entitled, The Gershwins and Me. What an amazing legacy of music George and Ira Gershwin created. I have always enjoyed one of their songs in particular, “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”  Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers sang it in two different movies. The premise of the lyrics is that memories shared by loved ones are not lost when those people are separated. But that song has new meaning to me now after reading the book. I didn’t realize when George composed the music and his brother, Ira, the lyrics, that George was living with an undiagnosed brain tumor. Feinstein eloquently describes the meaning that song had for George right before his death and how the song filled the airways after his death commemorating his life.

In the midst of the aching challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis this song is a poignant reminder of the limits of the disease. To me it also exemplifies the power that comes from being part of a larger community of people who can share the experience and in some way lighten the load.

They Can’t Take That Away from Me
George and Ira Gershwin

The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No, no they can't take that away from me
The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no they can't take that away from me

We may never, never meet again
On the bumpy road to love
Still I'll always, always keep the memory of

The way you hold your knife
The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No, no they can't take that away from me
No, they can't take that away from me

We may never, never meet again
On that bumpy road to love
Still I'll always, always keep the memory of
The way you hold your knife
The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No, no they can't take that away from me
No, they can't take that away from me

Billie Holiday singing in 1957: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd7CZybUZWw

 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly5Tb8UGg-I&feature=related

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

The last few months have been a whirlwind for the Kreft family following Abby’s breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery in June. Abby’s husband Dave switched jobs and the family moved to a new home in July. This mother of three, Evelyn 7, Saul 5, Eloise 3, recently completed a course of chemotherapy treatments. As her friends and family are well aware, Abby is as strong as they come—she says that although cancer has taken her hair, “I won’t let it take my love for life.” 

Abby’s children reflect her strength. Soon after Abby was diagnosed, Evelyn came up with the idea of ordering shirts and selling them, with the proceeds donated to a cancer organization. The shirt’s slogan, “Abby fights like a girl,” is a nod to the song made popular by Shania Twain.

The family has a large support network and has sold more than 200 shirts. Because Evelyn and Saul loved their experience at Angel Foundation’s Kids Kamp this past August, Evelyn chose to donate the funds from the sale to Angel Foundation. “Thanks for being such an awesome foundation,” says Dave. “We have seen the power of what you do!”


Evelyn and her family recently visited us to deliver an oversized check made out to “Cancer Camp” for $1,400!  “The kids were really jazzed up to use an oversized check for the presentation,” says Dave.

 At Angel Foundation, we are humbled and amazed that at such a stressful time for this family, they thought of giving back to other families facing a similar challenge.

On Abby’s CaringBridge site, she offers a quote from Marcia Wieder that sums up her philosophy:  “Every day, do something that makes your heart sing.” Through this generous act, Abby and her family have made our hearts sing at Angel Foundation—and will help make a difference in the lives of other families when cancer strikes.

You can find just about anything at the sale within almost 90,000 square feet of space in departments including antiques, furniture, men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, household items, toys, electronics, jewelry, sporting goods, art, music, and so much more.  In shopping the sale, buyers will find treasures and in turn, proceeds from their purchases will help Angel Foundation program participants find hope—through emergency financial assistance and education and support programs. Because all merchandise is donated, nearly 92 percent of all proceeds go to Angel Foundation programs.

Kay Melemed and Judy Kauffman, organizers of the World's Largest Garage Sale for more than 30 years, created Angel’s Attic in 2010 to benefit Angel Foundation.  The first year was a great success, attracting more than 2,400 people to the sale and raising $43,000.  In 2011, the sale raised more than $100,000 for Angel Foundation, more than double that of the previous year.  This year’s sale is poised to raise even more with twice the floor space of 2011’s sale.

“We have volunteers that pick up items all year long,” says Kay.  These items mostly come from estate sales, but some brand-new items are donated from stores.

Angel’s Attic is possible thanks to more than 100 volunteers, who pick up, unload, and sort the items and work as cashiers.  Most volunteers have a cancer connection of their own, whether living with cancer themselves or knowing someone who does or has had the disease.  “My favorite part of Angel’s Attic  is the volunteers who work together as one big family to help Angel Foundation,” says Kay.

So as this autumn season begins, we look forward to another great sale.  We hope to see you there!

By Sam Wroge, marketing intern at Angel Foundation   

One woman who participated in the “Making Memories” topic night shared her thoughts, “At a time when families are putting out thousands of dollars in medical bills it was really nice to get some photos taken at no cost. We don't often go have a professional photo taken of us as adults.  It was also nice she did some of my husband alone.   We appreciate the gift.”

Most recently, on Monday, we held a college night for Facing Cancer Together participants in the Angel Foundation office.  Consultants from College Connectors were invited to discuss the college search process with the 10 participating families.  Topics discussed included finding the college that fits the student, student assessment, college admission tests, college characteristics, types of applications, search tools, college visits, and paying for college.  Families were also given the opportunity to schedule a complementary consultation with an independent educational consultant to discuss their particular needs and circumstances.

Our topic nights provide education and support for the entire family, both parents and children.  Therefore, our goal is to provide families with topic nights that are the most helpful and relevant to their needs.  If you have any topics that you would like to see in a future family topic night, please leave a comment below.

By Sam Wroge, Marketing Intern at Angel Foundation

Stephanie brings more than 10 years of nonprofit development expertise to Angel Foundation, including her most recent experience as major donor officer for CaringBridge, where she established and directed the organization’s major gifts and planned giving programs.

She has also served in various other development roles including director of stewardship for Concordia University; director of major gifts for the American Cancer Society’s Midwest Division; director of the Augsburg Fund and Maroon & Silver Society, and director of corporate and foundation gifts for the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis.

“In this newly-created position, Stephanie will lead and expand our development efforts to connect donors and the community to our mission, “says Vicki Stute, president of Angel Foundation.

Stephanie has a B.S.in Public Health and is working toward her Masters from the University of Minnesota.  She also brings personal experience with cancer, as each of her parents is a cancer survivor.

“I am inspired by Angel Foundation’s mission and look forward to building philanthropic support to help more local families when cancer strikes,” says Stephanie.

We are happy to have her build support for our mission. Welcome to Angel Foundation, Stephanie!

This year’s theme, “iINSPIRE”, was omnipresent among the campers.  The kids took time to reflect upon what inspired them and how they can channel that inspiration to help them through the more difficult days.  They also learned how they can inspire others.  One of the projects built around this theme was the creation of “inspiration boxes” filled with words of inspiration that can be shared with others or simply kept with the kids themselves to read when they need hope.

Truly inspirational at Kids Kamp is the bond that is created among the campers.  Many kids arrive to camp on the first day initially hesitant, but by the end, make several new friends that understand what they are going through.  The campers were naturals at helping each other and quickly came to comfort those who were struggling.  These kids left Kids Kamp, instilled with a sense of strength, courage, and hope that they can share with their loved ones.

We have received numerous thank you letters from campers and their parents following Kids Kamp:

“Thanks for letting me and my classmates be a part of Kids Kamp,” wrote one of the campers.  “I had a great time and hope I am able to be around next year to volunteer.  You guys do an amazing job and you guys really do give me inspiration to help others.  Wherever I end up working, I hope I can help families in similar ways that the Angel Foundation does.”

A parent of a camper wrote “I just wanted to say THANK YOU.  My son loved it.  And yesterday evening's activities were fun too.  It was terrific seeing people and seeing such positive energy from all the kids.”

Kids Kamp was a great success this year.  The weather was fine and the volunteers and campers left with many fun memories.  Thank you to all the volunteers that helped out with the camp and the kids that participated this year.  And remember…  Inspire and be inspired!

By Sam Wroge, Intern for Angel Foundation

Monday, July 30 was a beautiful sunny day and Edina Country Club golf course proved to be challenging and enjoyable play.  During the afternoon, players had the opportunity to Beat the Pro, Double their Money, and participate in Hole in One contests for a chance to win brand new Lexus and Infinity cars.  Many mulligans were purchased to improve scores in order to win the Angels & Eagles trophy.  The Grosklags team came through with the winning lowest score!

For the past ten years, a highlight of the day has been the Dedication Swing—adopted by the golf committee as an important way to recognize those we serve in a meaningful and memorable way. Golfers line up on the driving range and are asked to pause and think of a loved one with cancer. Together at the count of three everyone hits a golf ball in unison- a reflective silence  follows as everyone pays tribute together.

All in all, the players had a challenging day of golf, delicious food, magnificent venue, and all for a very worthwhile cause.  The $135,000 raised will provide financial assistance to help adults living with cancer with emergency non-medical basic needs during their cancer treatment.

Thank you to all the golfers that participated in Angels and Eagles 2012. You have made a big difference in the lives of many metro area families and we hope to see you again next year.  By Sam Wroge, intern for Angel Foundation

 

Jill holds a B.A. in Public Policy from DePaul University, with a minor in Latino American Studies. She recently completed her M.Ed in Youth Development Leadership at the University of Minnesota, and is also pursuing a graduate certificate in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices, with a focus in Health and Well-being Coaching.

Jill has traveled around the world a few times over, also leading volunteer and leadership trips for teenagers in Ghana and Guatemala. She has served as outdoor educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School and as an instructor for the University of Minnesota course “Living Worth Living: Questions of Self, Vocation, and Community.” She volunteers at Fairview Hospitals doing energy work with patients, and loves to create environments that promote healing and wholeness.

Most recently, Jill serves as the events and development coordinator with the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment. She feels at home in the wilderness, and loves to find meaning and peace in nature. Having lost her father to pancreatic cancer in 2011, Jill deeply identifies with the mission of Angel Foundation, and understands the profound physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual impact that cancer has on everyone in the family and grater community setting. 

“Angel Foundation is a place where I can put all my passions and life experiences to use. I love working with teenagers. I think the teenage experience is an incredibly dynamic time in a person's life, and I remember how much it meant for me to have supportive adults that I could turn to in good times and bad,” says Jill. 

“I connect deeply with the Angel Foundation mission, as I also have experienced a parental cancer diagnosis. I know what that full spectrum of emotions feels like, and I believe it is part of my own journey to be present to others going through similar experiences. I have already learned so much from the teens that I have met, and I am so amazed to see the strength and support within each family.”

We look forward to working with Jill and are positive that she will make an excellent addition to Angel Foundation.

By Sam Wroge, marketing intern for Angel Foundation

One of the requests we received was for a woman whose husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.  As her husband’s only caregiver, she took unpaid leave from work.  With no income coming in and awaiting the pending approval of social security, the couple was unable to cover their expenses and was forced to move.  We gave this couple $600 in financial assistance to help pay for their living expenses.

Another request we received was for a man who was unable to work and waited three years through appeals for social security disability.  During this time, he lost his house, went through all of his savings, and spent some time homeless on the streets.  Finally, the man was approved to receive disability, but just as things seemed like they were starting to turn around, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.  With the new financial burden brought on by the cancer, his social worker reached out to us for help and we answered back with $600 in financial assistance.

These stories are what we see everyday from individuals all around the Twin Cities metro area.  And the need for financial assistance has increased as we received 694 applications for financial assistance from January to June in 2012 compared to 430 applications during the same months in 2011. 

We have been fortunate enough, however, to receive an increase in support from donors, organizations, and community fundraisers, which has helped us continue to meet the growing demand for financial assistance.  This year, we have been able to distribute financial assistance to 595 individuals with $64,845 distributed in May, the second highest month in Angel Foundation history. 

The financial assistance we have distributed has truly made an impact on the recipients, eliminating some of their worry and helping them gain some sense of control in their lives.

“As the Financial Assistance Program coordinator, I have the opportunity to see first hand how impactful and far reaching a financial gift can be,” says Jennifer Kielas. “So many of our financial assistance  recipients tell me how this assistance from Angel Foundation  not only helps alleviate a potential financial crisis, but helps restore their hope as well. “

A quote from one of the recipients really defines the impact of financial assistance: “I am so deeply grateful for you, your organization and the assistance you can provide.  This is truly the most devastating thing I have ever experienced and you…have given me HOPE.  And I can tell you that without it, life seems literally unbearable at times like this”.

By Sam Wroge, marketing intern for Angel Foundation