“Will you be our Valentine?” 41 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones said “yes!”
Cancer Care shared the love at our annual Valentine’s Dinner (generously hosted by AHUMC) with intentional couples/family bonding sessions and a freshly prepared gourmet dinner with live piano accompaniment. The night concluded with a dance party featuring a command performance by our very own VP of Programs, Tracey, as the DJ!
Newly engaged couples and long-time partners were present, in addition to singles and friends. Couples answered guided questions to strengthen their relationship while our singles gathered to discuss topics based on conversation hearts!
One of our clients, Therese, was “…bound and determined to make it out tonight. I have not been out of the house since my surgery, but really wanted to come tonight to share this experience with my husband, son, and grandson. I am so glad I came. We made wonderful memories.”
The dinner and dancing were a welcome break from the challenges of cancer, and parents were able to enjoy this rare one-on-one time thanks to free childcare. Everyone experienced moments of joy and connection with their loved ones – reminding them that they don’t have to cope with cancer alone.
Wondering how to support cancer patients and their families all year long?
Valentine’s Day may be over, but you can spread the love all year long. Join our monthly giving club so that cancer patients like Therese can continue to make special memories with her family. Every amount makes a difference, even just $10 a month (the cost of a nice box of chocolates!):
Before our son’s cancer diagnosis, we were just a regular young family. Two kids – our daughter was one and a half, almost two, something like that. I was a teacher, he was a lawyer, so we were just average people.
In a matter of half a day, everything about your life is different. Aiden’s diagnosis came the week that he turned five, so it was five days before his fifth birthday. We noticed some small bruises on him, and the thing that I really noticed, that I thought was strange, was this rash.
So we went to our local hospital, and by that evening, by dinnertime, we were flown to Cook Children’s and had a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL. It’s one of the most common childhood cancers, and then about a week later, we found out he got the “extra” version, which is called Philadelphia Positive ALL.
What we had been told about how easy leukemia was to treat was all out the window after that. So we went from living in San Angelo, and by the end of the day, it was a Monday, by the end of that day, we were separated. And that lasted for ten and a half months, we were separated the first time.
And since then, Aiden has just– we’ve learned that his disease is very aggressive and very hard to treat, and it’s been treatment to relapse, to treatment to relapse.
Chris(1:49)
I believe it was the hospital that gave us the booklet of “You have no idea what’s going on or what you’re doing, and life is crazy”, so here is some resources to help you, and Cancer Care’s services was one of those.
Erica(2:07)
I think, generally, when you reach out to any of these foundations that help with cancer, it’s generally financial assistance, so I think that was our initial expectation. But what we have learned about Cancer Care since we’ve relocated to this area is they actually provide a lot more services than just financial assistance.
Chris(2:27)
Like with our family, Ella’s been receiving therapy there, Aiden’s sister. And just recently, Cancer Care was able to hire a new therapist, which has been a way that Erica’s been able to go and get services there, too. So as Cancer Care grows, then they’re just able to do more and more.
Erica(2:36)
Our kids just got to go to camp this summer, and it was their first time to do anything like that. So they got to go fishing and swimming, and they absolutely loved that.
Chris(2:44)
But to have him away from us all day, you know, he takes a lot of work and a lot of medicines, and, you know, a lot of upkeep.
Erica(3:10)
Dropping him off for all-day camp was a milestone for sure.
I think it would definitely be detrimental to the community to lose access to Cancer Care Services because it is so comprehensive and well-rounded, and it’s access to the whole family, not just the patient, which is so important with a diagnosis like this because it’s just not the patient who’s sick; it’s the whole family.
Chris (3:18)
Hopefully, one day, this is all just a memory that’s in our past and behind us.
Transcribed by: Kirbi T.
From Caregiver to Cancer Patient…
Erica and Chris hoped this would be the extent of their family’s cancer journey. But unfortunately, it wasn’t. Erica was later diagnosed with breast cancer – throwing her family back into the chaos, and loneliness, of cancer.
“As a mom, we have other women we can ask about diaper cream, sleep training, and rashes. That amount of support evaporates overnight with a child’s cancer diagnosis… and even my own. There is no park bench full of other moms who understand the strain of caring for a child with cancer. Cancer Care provides that support.” – Erica, Cancer Patient & Caregiver
While a cancer diagnosis is typically isolating, Erica did not have to face the challenges of cancer alone. Cancer Care’s social work team became Erica’s steadfast “park bench” of support as she navigated cancer as a caregiver and patient.
Cancer Care Services’ Vice President of Client Programs
Happy New Year! I’m Tracey Willingham, Vice President of Client Programs, and my Cancer Care Services journey began in 2010 as a Licensed Master Social Worker (prior to being hired, I was an intern). Thirteen years later, I proudly experienced opportunities that will help position Cancer Care as a leader in providing holistic cancer support services.
In 2023, I returned as a speaker for the annual Gynecological Oncology Symposium. I led an educational session for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. We delved into post-cancer life by discussing ways to embrace the “new normal,” effective communication tools, and normalizing physical and emotional changes after cancer. The “Caring for the New You” presentation included practical tools that Cancer Care’s social worker team uses to provide help and hope for our clients every day!
Tracey at the 11th Gynecological Oncology Symposium.
At the Future of Cancer Care Summit, held in Tampa, I was asked to moderate a panel on the CancerX/Moonshot initiative’s progress toward reducing financial distress caused by cancer treatment. Additionally, I was asked to speak as a subject matter expert on digital innovation in cancer care. I sharedtechnology solutions and collaborative strategies that have led to Cancer Care’s success in improving oncology health challenges in Tarrant County.
October marked the launch of Ignite Inner Wellness, my new business, which addresses frustrations expressed by women regarding overall health concerns in the community. As a certified women’s coach and menopause specialist, I’ll become a Women’s Health Hormone Coach in May 2024. Cancer Care is leveraging this knowledge to drive change in the healthcare system by focusing on cancer treatment’s impact on hormones, body image, and intimacy.
Cancer Care Services has earned its reputation as a pioneering community-led organization through substantial efforts. Our unique expertise is not just a label; it’s reflected in the countless lives we’ve touched and stories of impact we’ve witnessed. As we continue to teach, we also continue to learn—drawing inspiration and insights from the very community we serve.
I am Tracey Willingham, Vice President of Client Programs at Cancer Care. I am a licensed master social worker, and I am proud to lead our social work team, who are committed to meeting basic and complex needs of thousands of people impacted by cancer in our community.
I became a social worker because I believe everyone deserves an advocate to stand with them, and I get to do that every day here at Cancer Care Services.
So what does a social worker actually do, and why does it matter? By definition, a social worker is a licensed professional who is trained in theories, boundaries, and human behavior. This specialized training matters because our social workers are the foundation of our mission, ensuring that no one has to cope with cancer alone.
If you’ve ever played a game of Jenga, you know that every move has potential consequences and that the bottom blocks are the foundation blocks. With a cancer diagnosis, you constantly feel like things are getting pulled out from under you, and unexpected stressors are constantly getting stacked on top. Much like the challenges of playing Jenga, a cancer diagnosis can cause emotional and financial instability to families, from those first three words that start it all– “You have cancer.”
Our social workers are the stabilizing blocks for cancer patients and their families as we help them navigate the uncertain balance of emotions, financial stress, and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis. So, the sooner we can connect with a client, the sooner we can begin working to reduce their distress.
But right now, we don’t have the financial resources to enhance our social work team to keep up with our increase in clients, making me deeply concerned about our ability to effectively provide the individualized care we know is vital. Our current social workers can handle 200 new referrals in a month. Right now, they’re receiving almost 300 new referrals per month. Simply put, we do not have enough social workers to serve all seeking our programs and services.
For my social work team, who I love working beside every day, a client is not just another name added to their caseload. Our next client could be your mom, dad, sibling, child, friend…or even you. No one should cope with cancer alone.
Transcription by: Kirbi T.
You can ensure the tower of social worker support stands strong with your one-time or monthly gift!
Meet our new Board Members – Jonica Gillings, Scott Morikawa, and Carlos Valencia!
Jonica is a Customer Service Representative at Higginbotham.
Why did you say “yes” to being on the Board of Directors for Cancer Care?
I said yes to joining the Board of Directors because I wholeheartedly identify with the mission of Cancer Care Services and the impact the organization has on the community.
Which area of the Cancer Care mission impacts you the most?
The Social Connection that Cancer Care creates among those affected by cancer. My father is a cancer survivor, and it meant a lot for me to be able to meet individuals that share a similar experience.
What do you hope to accomplish through your Board service with Cancer Care?
I hope to empower the community at large to take control of their health and advocate for those impacted by cancer.
Why did you say “yes” to being on the Board of Directors for Cancer Care?
I have been connected to Cancer Care in some form or fashion for many years, and I am honored to be asked to serve in this greater capacity to help sustain and further the mission.
Which area of the Cancer Care mission impacts you the most?
The focus also on the care for caregivers and family is something I’ve always appreciated to help ensure all parties involved are healthy physically and mentally.
What do you hope to accomplish through your Board service with Cancer Care?
Use my gifts to impart what little wisdom I have to help maintain, sustain, and grow the organization while uncovering any blind spots that may be lurking in the shadows. If I can swing it I hope to have a good time in the process. 🙂
Nearly a decade ago, 2014 to be exact, Apex Capital added Fort Worth-based Cancer Care Services to the list of local charities that we support. At Apex, we have an active Social Responsibility program that fundraises and donates money as well as goods to local non-profit organizations dedicated to making our community a better place. Apex’s core values perfectly align with the mission to make our community a better place.
We also believe in taking care of each other because we are a family. So, it was in 2014 when a co-worker was going through chemo, that her Apex family immediately responded by raising money to buy her a chemo jacket so that her treatments would be more comfortable. From there sprang the idea to help others going through cancer with chemo jackets. Another Apexer at the time was a Cancer Care Services board member and he suggested it would be the perfect organization to donate money or chemo jackets.
Chemo Jackets Were the Catalyst
“I contacted Cancer Care and started the process,” says Vicky Sauer, an Apex Account Executive and a longtime member of the Corporate Citizenship Committee. “We started with donations to buy them chemo jackets, which they loved. Then we did a Goods Drive to buy things for the center such as supplies. Before long, we did another drive and made enough money to purchase a new couch and loveseat for the center’s living area.”
Nine years later, all of us at Apex remain proud of our relationship with Cancer Care Services, an organization that supports cancer patients, cares for caregivers, and empowers survivors to reduce the impact of cancer in Tarrant County. The non-profit serves all cancer types and provides emotional, financial, and practical support to those impacted by cancer at no cost.
We Make the Fundraising Fun
How does Apex raise funds for Cancer Care Services? We make sure to organize fun events that include the entire staff. Here are a few examples:
T-shirt donations: Apexers donate for the privilege of wearing a T-shirt to work once a week. At the end of the quarter, we tally up those donations and send off a check.
Virtual garage sales: We encourage Apexers to clean out their closets – gently-used clothing, cookware, shoes, even furniture – and then create an online garage sale to raise funds. It’s a blast to watch Apexers outbid each other.
Bake sales: Can Apexers bake? Oh yes, they can! These bake sales are always a huge hit. We get bakers in double digits and buyers in triple digits. Because who doesn’t like sweet treats?
Apex donations: As if that isn’t enough, Apex donates annually to Cancer Care Services.
“What a gift Apex is to Cancer Care,” says Rhea Jackson, Director of Community Engagement at Cancer Care Services. “I have seen many exciting events over the past five years on their social media, creating engagement with their employees all to benefit Cancer Care. The continued support of Apex employees and company help ensure Cancer Care can continue to provide services to cancer patients and their families at no cost to them.”
Apex’s Corporate Citizenship Committee, a robust part of Apex’s company culture, consists of 50 members. We currently support a dozen local non-profit organizations. The Corporate Citizenship program at Apex includes at least one event a month to raise funds for these organizations.
Welcome to Camp Connect! Cancer Care Services’s overnight weekend retreat saw families create lasting memories and form meaningful bonds with other families who have a shared commonality…cancer.
The weekend started with a lively game of musical chairs that had everyone laughing as they raced for the nearest seat. After icebreakers, families worked together to overcome challenging teamwork games like Chocolate Lava River Monster (say that three times fast!) and deepen their bonds.
Camp Connect would not be complete without archery, canoeing, fishing, hayrides, and the challenge course! Everyone had a chance to push themselves out of their comfort zones by swinging through the air on the giant swing and speeding down the zipline. One of our young campers even convinced Miss Megan to join him on the zipline!
A breast cancer patient whose children attended CampCARE and the Teen Retreat this past summer got to experience the magic of Camp for herself. She shared, “I now get why my kids LOVED this place this summer because I now love it also.”
The families at Camp Connect gave each other strength, support, and endless smiles. We are so grateful for the many moments of connection and healing!
You are the foundation upon which those impacted by cancer can thrive. Just like our clients rely on the unwavering strength of our social workers, we rely on you to ensure that no one has to cope with cancer alone.
This year, we are already seeing an increase in clients, similar to last year’s 17% increase. Here is a snapshot of the crucial cancer support services provided as of July 2023:
Over 101,500 miles in transportation to and from treatment
Over $267,000 in financial assistance
276 emergency fund payments for utilities, groceries, and other basic needs
644 cases of nutritional supplements
592 medication copays covered
11 community health screening events hosted in medically underserved communities
Your donation will directly bolster critical financial, emotional, and practical support programs that stabilize cancer patients and their loved ones in a time of distress.
Community screening partners pose outside of Cancer Care. Photo Credit | Krys Williams
Here’s how you can make a difference on North Texas Giving Day:
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Consider creating a personal fundraising page and inviting your network to contribute. You can inspire even more people to make a positive impact!
Share: Spread the word about our campaign on your social media platforms and encourage your friends and family to join you in supporting those impacted by cancer.
With your support, we can prevent isolation and create a resilient support system for every person who comes our way.
CampCARE was “out of this world” (this year’s theme)! 75 children, ages 5-12 who have a loved one with cancer, attended Cancer Care’s week-long day camp. We were thrilled to welcome 31 new campers this year!
The campers hiked, canoed, fished, swam, fed horses, tried archery, met Fort Worth firefighters, conquered the ropes course, and, most importantly – shared their cancer experiences with their peers and learned healthy ways to cope, thanks to our therapists on staff. By the end of the week, each child KNEW they were not alone in their cancer journeys.
One of our priorities during CampCARE is to provide creative ways for the children to express their thoughts and feelings. This year, every child decorated a t-shirt in honor or memory of their loved one with cancer. One of the campers honored her dad, who has cancer, by writing, “My dad is a warrior.” So empowering for them both!
Because finances shouldn’t mean that a child has to cope with cancer alone, CampCARE is always FREE to attend.
One mom shared, “I just wanted to say thank you so much for inviting our children to Camp Carter! It was such a blessing to be able to have them attend and there was no way we would have been able to send all 3 of them for a whole week. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much! They loved every minute of it and made some wonderful memories!”
CampCARE in the News
NBC 5 featured CampCARE in their #SomethingGood segment! Check out the video below or view the segment on the NBCDFW website.
Sharing Gratitude
Lastly, we would like to thank the many people who made CampCARE an out-of-this-world event. We are proud of our Camp Director and counseling team for making every child feel loved and heard! The CampCARE crew leaders did a fantastic job guiding their groups and encouraging bonding. We were blessed with many volunteers that decorated the retreat center, helped the camp run smoothly, and cleaned up. To the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth and our donors – we could not bring help and hope to our campers without you! Thank you!
Empower Children Impacted by Cancer
If you would like to support life-changing programs like CampCARE, please consider joining our monthly giving club. The Hope Collective ensures that those impacted by cancer receive financial, emotional, and practical support all year round.
Best of Fort Worth 2023 – Service Organization Award
Cancer Care Services is honored to announce that we have been named the Reader’s Pick Best of Fort Worth – Service Organization for 2023! This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and donors, who are committed to providing compassionate, quality care to our clients and their families.
Cancer Care Services is a non-profit organization that has been providing cancer support services to Tarrant County since 1946. We offer comprehensive financial, emotional, and practical support at no cost to those impacted by cancer.
Thank you to the Fort Worth community for making us the Reader’s Pick for Fort Worth’s best service organization! We are committed to providing local cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors with help and hope.
A Special Thanks to Our Staff
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our entire staff for their commitment to the Cancer Care mission. Without them, this award would not be possible. A special thanks goes out to our Program Team, who provides compassionate and knowledgeable support to patients and families!
Thank You, Fort Worth!
We are so grateful for the support of the Fort Worth community. Cancer Care is proud to be a part of this city, and we look forward to serving Tarrant County for many more years.
