A Note from the Executive Director | |
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On Oct 7, Cancer Lifeline kicked off its 11th annual Resources for Hope fundraising campaign with a cocktail party at the Escala Condominiums in downtown Seattle. It was our last big chance to celebrate Cancer Lifeline’s 50th anniversary and we lucked out with another beautiful day that transitioned into the perfect evening! We were fortunate to have 140 guests in attendance, and the mood in the space was brimming with positivity and goodwill.
Our annual Resources for Hope campaign raises restricted funds for our Patient Financial Assistance Fund (PFAF). The PFAF provides emergency safety-net cash grants to lower income cancer patients who are struggling financially, and often having to make critical decisions between continuing their cancer treatments (and copays and other associated costs) or paying for some of life’s most basic needs such as groceries, keeping the utilities and rent paid, childcare or just gas for their car to get to and from treatment.
We kicked things off with a new MC, Bernie Griffin, and she did not disappoint! Bernie led our guests through a very successful ‘raise the paddle’ for Resources for Hope and along the way we were treated to two beautiful songs by an outstanding singer-songwriter, Nicole Walters who was accompanied by keyboardist, Shawn Schlogel.
Sidebar: I hope you’ll take a moment and check out Nicole and support her performances in the Seattle area, for more info, click here.
Raffle prizes were awarded, signature cocktails enjoyed, and fun was had at the photo booth as things were capped off by some good times on the dance floor courtesy of DJ Nick. It all went by so quickly, but time does that when you are blessed to be in the company of so many old friends and having the chance to make a few new ones.
On behalf of those we serve, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our amazing and generous guests. A special thanks to Bernie Griffin and Nicole Walters for sharing their amazing talents with us in benefit of the PFAF. More gratitude to the behind-the-scenes heroes who have made supporting this fund a special passion project; Lynn Behar, Peggy Rinne, Jeannie Nordstrom, Katie Richey, Laurie Rosen Ritt, Lauren Lema, Jane Caron, Monica Adams. Thanks to all those who have agreed to help us finish out our campaign by acting as Fundraising Champions, and that list includes those I’ve already mentioned, plus Judith Schwartz, Deidra Wager, Lisa Dawson, Marian Svinth, Meri Gilman, Sandi Johnson, Steve Ross, Peggy Sturdivant, Dr. Susan Baumgaertel, Wanda Herndon, Suzie Burke and Annie Zilius and our Board of Directors. Thanks to Maddie Caron, Chas Rinne, Sonia & Patrick (for photography), Madres Kitchen for the food and drinks, and Kind + Co for event staffing support. Last but certainly not least, I am proud to thank the amazing staff at Cancer Lifeline, and our development leader, Deserie Sjouwke.
It's truly a gift to work with such wonderful souls who want to help ease the burdens of their fellow men, women & children as they struggle with cancer and what can be the fight of someone’s life. I’m awed by all of you, and so grateful!
We’ve raised a lot of money so far, but we are still short of our final goal of $515,000. Keep an eye on your email for updates and potential donor matching opportunities. If you could not attend but you would like to help by contributing a donation to this important fund, you can click here to donate.
Our clients, like Stephanie & Belle, express the importance of the PFAF best, so take a few minutes to watch this video
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Monthly Blog: Social Workers share the Importance
of the Patient Financial Assistance Fund
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We asked the social workers who apply for financial assistance on behalf of their patients about the important impact this support has for those living with cancer, and here are a few things they wanted to share~
What do you see as the biggest financial needs that cancer patients have?
To alleviate financial toxicity while managing active cancer care. Our patients have a life outside of cancer care; jobs, families, basic needs, transportation needs, etc. This past year, the biggest financial need I’ve seen is access to healthy food options, medical cost and medical equipment and simply keeping a roof over their head.
What do you tell people, patients & colleagues about this program?
The Cancer Lifeline Patient Assistance Fund offers a once in a lifetime financial assistance reward to alleviate financial barriers for patients so they can focus on nurturing themselves during a time of some financial relief.
This fund is completely financed by donors in our community. What would you like to say to them?
On behalf of our patients, thank you. $450 doesn't sound like much help to some, but to our patients it can mean the difference in keeping the heat on, food on the table, very basic human needs. We have young patients (ages 29-45), with young children at home, whose income has been significantly reduced, in jobs that pay far below the Seattle average income. Yet, their expenses haven't changed. This is truly a lifeline for patients who qualify. THANK YOU!!!!
Cancer Lifeline turned 50 this year. What would you say about the importance of the financial assistance fund and emotional support services available to cancer patients and their loved ones for another 50 years?
These services are critical. One of the hardest things that anyone has to do is ask for help– it’s wonderful to have a community agency who is able to graciously offer support to patients when they have the bravery and impetus to ask for help. The need for emotional support is only getting bigger for our patients, and cost often prevents our patients from accessing supportive resources (counseling especially). I think that by being able to offer free and/or low cost services to patients, a large barrier is being removed to people getting the care that they need. Thanks for all that you do, and for the support that you have offered many.
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Program Spotlight: The Beneficial Sound of Gongs
Saturday, November 4th 1-2:30pm
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We are beyond excited to bring back this powerful program in-person for the first time since 2019 at our office located near Greenlake. Participants have the opportunity to experience first- hand how restorative sound bath meditations can help release stress and leave you feeling tuned, refreshed, with increased physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Beneficial Sounds of Gongs class will start with a brief explanation on the benefits of the gong, followed by a short breath exercise to promote the flow of energy and to create a receptive mind-body state for deep relaxation and meditation. Participants then get comfortable either lying down (preferred) or in a similar comfortable position. During the Gong Meditation, multiple Gongs and mallets are used to bring out the full spectrum of beneficial vibrations and frequencies.
Just as a body massage works out tight and knotted muscles, the "sonic massage" of a Gong Meditation can work out emotional issues that we need to release in order to move forward in life. The listener only has to let go and let the sound of the Gongs do the work. The experience is effortless and the results can be profound. Click here to register today- space is limited.
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Cancer Lifeline Support Groups & Classes | |
All classes and support groups are FREE for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Click here for a downloadable pdf of our current catalog.
Check out our website for access instructions and current program listings.
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Cancer Lifeline in the Community: Sept 30th Pediatric Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness | |
We were honored to be one of the Community organizations present at the Pediatric Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness event on Sept 30th for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family. This free conference was designed to provide general education on a variety of the late and long-term effects faced by young cancer survivors after treatment is completed and to help promote wellness and empowerment after cancer. Thank you to Seattle Children's & Fred Hutch Cancer Center for sponsoring this important event and to all of the speakers, volunteers and panelists for making it happen. | |
Welcome New Lifeline Volunteers | |
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Last month, we welcomed 3 new Lifeline Specialists to the team! They just wrapped up the 3-day Active Listening Training. They come to Cancer Lifeline eager to provide emotional support and engage with our clients through our telephone Lifeline, online Lifeline Chat and community outreach. If you are interested in volunteering with us in this capacity, or helping with administrative projects, click here to learn more.
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Sponsor Spotlight: Genentech | |
Regularly recognized as a leader in the biotechnology industry, "We applaud Genentech's commitment to our local cancer community, said Joseph Yurgevich, Cancer Lifeline's Executive Director. Their energy to help us keep our programs free and accessible to all people living with cancer is great to see." We are also grateful to their amazing staff who have personally taken the time to attend & support Cancer Lifeline events in 2023. | |
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Our Sponsors Make It Possible
Cancer Lifeline is grateful for the leadership and support of the following sponsors:
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Cancer Lifeline thanks myMDadvocate and Dr. Susan Baumgaertel for her ongoing support. myMDadvocate is a virtual consultation service serving patients as an advocate, guide, advisor, coach, resource, consultant, collaborator, educator, navigator, and partner.
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We are grateful & thank Jeannie & Bruce, one of Cancer Lifeline's long-time supporters for their ongoing support and sponsorship.
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We are grateful for the support of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center organization on so many levels - for our current Board Directors who are on the staff at Fred Hutch: Joanna Diallo, and Reetu Ghumman, and for their sponsorship!
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We began our formal hospital partnership with Overlake Medical Center in September of 2017, but our relationship reaches back to 2004 when Cancer Lifeline had office space in Bellevue. We are grateful for Overlake's ongoing support of our events.
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We appreciate Multicare who have been caring for Pacific Northwest communities since 1882. They are dedicated to providing vital health and wellness services to individuals and families from all walks of life.
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One of Cancer Lifeline's hospital partners, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has locations in both downtown Seattle and Federal Way. Cancer Lifeline is grateful for Virginia Mason's sponsorship of our events. | |
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Over 18 years ago, Cancer Lifeline was invited to host a support group at EvergreenHealth. That was just the beginning of our strong partnership. Cancer Lifeline thanks Evergreen for their continued support.
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Freestone Capital, an independent wealth and advisory firm, returns this year as an event sponsor. Our thanks to Cancer Lifeline Board Director and Treasurer Bobby Gentry.
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The Commerce Bank of Washington has enriched local businesses with highly personalized banking from local, experienced bankers dedicated to long-term relationships. We are grateful for the ongoing partnership which began in 1995.
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Mercer joins Cancer Lifeline again year as a 2023 sponsor thanks to the stewardship of Board Director Elizabeth Zech.
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Cancer Lifeline thanks wealth advisor, D A Davidson as an event sponsor. Our thanks to Advisory Board Member Jane Caron for her leadership.
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As we expand our services to serve cancer patients and their families in Pierce County, Cancer Lifeline is grateful for our collaboration with Northwest Medical Specialties and for their support. | |
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We have counted on ROI Technology Inc. to keep us safe, secure, and active on the internet since 2015. Cancer Lifeline salutes ROI Technology for their ongoing support of our events.
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Thank you to Seattle Children’s for their support! They provide patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research and they serve as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country. | |
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Dedicated to promoting the economic benefits of life science business and research for Washington state's economy and patients around the world, We Work for Health seeks to educate our elected leaders, the news media, and the communities they serve about these key contributions. Cancer Lifeline welcomes
We Work for Health back as a sponsor.
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(formerly Cornerstone Advisors) has been a steadfast sponsor of Cancer Lifeline's events.
Our thanks to for their continued support
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On the recommendation of our board member Sue Drummond, we thank Michael Weichbrodt with Morgan Stanley as one of Cancer Lifeline's sponsors.
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Thank you to Marshall & Sullivan for their ongoing support. By taking a hands-on approach to wealth management, Marshall & Sullivan are committed to helping their clients experience peace of mind around their financial futures. | |
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We welcome Seagen as one of our newest sponsors. They've been focusing on accelerating breakthroughs to transform cancer care and impact in patients lives for 25 years. We appreciate their support and passion for helping those living with cancer. | |
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Thank you to our 2023 sponsor Eli Lilly. Led by their core values of Integrity, Excellence, and Respect for People, Eli Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. Our thanks to Advisory Board Member Nate Miles for bringing us together.
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Cancer Lifeline thanks Windermere Foundation for their support. Windermere Foundations commitment to building thriving communities has helped them grow into one of the largest and most respected real estate brands in the country, with more than 300 offices and 7,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico.
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A huge thank you to Safeco Liberty Mutual Insurance for their support. Since 1923, they have been in the business of protecting families and individuals, making it simple to protect what matters to you most.
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For the sixth year in a row, Jennifer Evans and her Farmers Insurance agency have been a sponsor of our annual Fall Fundraiser, Resources for Hope and more. We are so grateful for Jen's ongoing support.
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One Dog Media helps businesses with website design that reinforce brand identity, e-commerce solutions, graphic design and more. We thank Lisa Oliver, in-kind sponsor, for this important work that allows us to reach and stay connected with the people we serve.
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Inquiries regarding opportunities to sponsor events and programs can be directed
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