A Quarterly Newsletter of the Caring Community Foundation
Issue 1 September 2015


Welcome! The Caring Community Foundation would like to take the opportunity to share with you some of the new and exciting things we are doing in OUR community and the patients YOUR support impacts. We will be sending a quarterly newsletter capturing the past, present and future of the Caring Community Foundation throughout the year. Thank you for your continued support as we alleviate financial stress and burdens for cancer patients in need. 


A Note from Jill and Eric Wolford

May 4, 1999. 

The day Jill was diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer. During treatment, she sought advice from her friend, Jeff Landreth, a 20+ year cancer survivor.  "One day you'll tell me why you're glad you had cancer," he told her. Little did we know that the Caring Community Foundation (CCF) 
would accomplish just that.  

The CCF was created to provide basic financial assistance while cancer patients undergo treatment.  While conceptually simple, it required the generosity of donors who understood the needs in our community. For 14 years we've met amazing people whose lives have been touched by cancer. They volunteer their time and money to help others.  They give hope, support, and a reason to believe. They are the silver lining, and Jeff was so right.  

Thank you, to everyone who gives.

Eric and Jill Wolford
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Where Do Your Donations Go?

When you donate to the Caring Community Foundation (CCF), where do your donations go? The money you donate goes directly to patients being treated in hospitals and clinics in the Triangle community! Funds are dispersed in the form of grants to the patient(s) to be used for rent, utilities, transportation,etc. We understand the urgency and immediate need for assistance, so most grants are given within two days of approval. Here are some of the patients YOU have recently provided immediate help: 

  • A 46-year-old woman with Stage IV lung cancer. She has five children. She requested $441 for utilities.
     
  • A 13-year-old girl with Stage IV Paraspinal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her parents requested $550 for rent.
     
  • A 48-year-old man with Metastatic Colon cancer. He has two little boys and recently lost his job. He requested $616 for a mortgage payment.
     
  • A 27-year-old man with Testicular cancer. He and his wife are graduate students and are unable to work. He requested $866 for rent.
     
  • A 59-year-old woman with Squamous Cell cancer of the right sinus. She receives daily radiation treatment for recurrent tumors. She requested $222 for an electricity bill and $18.50 for a water bill.
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Pay it Forward Fundraising Party 

Join us for our most exciting fundraiser party of the year!

The 14th Annual Pay it Forward Fundraising Party is being held on 
Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 6:30 PM at the Raleigh Marriott City Center.

Enjoy a full array of hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live and silent auctions, raffles, dancing and live music with The Soul Psychedelique! 

This year's theme is Forever In Blue Jeans! 
Feel free to wear your fanciest dress or favorite pair of blue jeans!!

Purchase your tickets TODAY by clicking HERE
Event tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door.

We hope to see you there! 
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History of the Caring Community Foundation

It all started in a backyard with a red bucket and a group of caring and committed individuals.

When Jill Wolford, a young Cary mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer she received an overwhelming amount of help from friends, family, co-workers and even complete strangers. After receiving this support, Jill and her husband Eric decided they wanted to show their appreciation and help other individuals challenged with cancer; in other words, pay it forward.

With treatment completed, the couple threw a backyard BBQ in June 2001, asking for small contributions from partygoers. The $724 raised that evening was given anonymously to LuAnne Goodwin, a single mother with breast cancer, to help pay for medications and living expenses.

Although LuAnne lost her battle with cancer, her courage, perseverance and appreciation sparked the creation of the Caring Community Foundation.

Since the start of the Caring Community Foundation 14 years ago, CCF has assisted over 2,500 patients and has disbursed more than 1.5 million dollars to support cancer patients in the Triangle area.

Our goal is to assist 365 patients per year - one patient EVERY DAY! With your continued support we can do just that and continue helping patients like LuAnne Goodwin in times of need. 

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Community Lunch and Learn

We had a wonderful time with Social and Scientific Systems, Inc. of Durham back in June for a Lunch and Learn and their annual Inter-Office Raffle. The proceeds from the raffle have gone back to support Triangle cancer patients in need. CCF is beyond appreciative for their continuous support year after year. 
Thank you SSS!

Lunch and Learns are our opportunity to share the mission of the Caring Community Foundation. If you are interested in hosting a Lunch and Learn, please contact Hannah Earnhardt, 
Executive Director at  hannah@caringcommunityfoundation.org 



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Words from Our Patients

Each month we receive thank you notes from patients supported by the CCF. Below are actual words of gratitude expressed by people YOU have helped. 

I would like to thank you and the Caring Community Foundation for helping me with my bills for my home. Thank you for brightening up the day considering how difficult and stressful cancer diagnosis can be. A little sunshine can go a long way. I wanted to let you know that your donation did make a difference in my life and helped me to and from my treatments. Again, thank you for your compassion, kindness and help in all you and your staff do at the Caring Community Foundation. You made it possible for me, so thank you. 

Words alone could never express how much I appreciate the financial assistance your organization has provided me with my automobile expenses...I can't tell you how much it lifts my spirits to know that there ARE people/organizations such as yours, that DO exist and that they really are able to assist people in the same situation...Of course, I never, EVER thought I would even have cancer or be in this financial "situation."  WELL, I AM!  And I'm pleased to say how thrilled and very thankful I am that you were able to make such a generous contribution to help me during this time in my life.  

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your kindness and generosity in paying my August rent. Your financial assistance will make a tremendous difference in my life - I can now afford transportation for the two hour drive for my treatments and doctor appointments. It is a blessing to have a foundation like yours. Thank you very much for all you do for patients like me and God bless you. 

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Support YOUR Community TODAY by Volunteering with 
the Caring Community Foundation!

Learn more HERE