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Testimonials about WomenCARE From WomenCARE Clients "What a revealing, meditative, healing experience WomenCARE has been for me--first through the trials and traumas of chemo and, now, through the laughter and tears of sharing our attempts at writing." —Marybeth Varcados, WomenCARE Writing Group Participant "And then, almost without my knowing, the remarkable safety net that is WomenCARE opened and offered what I needed. I cherish the healing power of the women who were in my six month WomenCARE Healing Circle, the women in my post-treatment support group and the women on the Board of Directors with whom I am honored to work. These women help me to savor each precious moment. WomenCARE has also taught me to slow down, to breathe deeply and to accept the wisdom and grace that come from compassion, support, unconditional love and friendship. WomenCARE is a jewel of a grass-roots effort founded by women with cancer and sustained by hundreds of volunteers and contributors." —Caroline Bliss-Isberg, PhD, WomenCARE Client and Former Board Member "It was at WomenCARE that I learned about what resources were available to help me to stave off the terror I felt about the future. My mind became like a sponge. I borrowed tapes, books, pamphlets and anything else that could postpone the pessimistic track playing inside my brain. I attended Drop In Support Groups to get me through this crisis. The women in these groups shared their stories, and they guided and sustained me while I found my way through a labyrinth of fear and paperwork." —Elsa Aguilera, WomenCARE Client, Peer Navigator and Former Staff Member "I came to know WomenCARE after being diagnosed with colon cancer in July of 1996. I had surgeries, a colostomy, and chemotherapy. I had more surgery in 1998 when it metastasized to the ovary. I am now 'Stage IV metastatic.' There is no stage V. The support group at WomenCARE has become my safe haven. In the company of women who live in that 'world-between,' I can disclose the terrors of recurrence and the exhilaration of healing, the anguish of waiting for test results, and the euphoria of one more round dancing with NED: Ned being an acronym for No Evidence of Disease. There is, in that small WomenCARE office, an understanding that needs no explanation, a meeting of mind and spirit that needs no bridge." —Eliza Livingston, WomenCARE Client and Former Board Member "My participation in the services offered by WomenCARE has greatly improved my ability to cope with cancer. I now believe that even if I can't cure this frightening disease, I can have a rich and joyful life for however long I do live. At WomenCARE I feel supported on all levels--emotionally through the regular support groups, spiritually and creatively through several specialized groups, and physically through free sessions offered by local massage therapists to Women CARE clients. Through all of this the greatest gift has been the love, understanding and experience shared among kindred spirits, and knowing I am not alone on this journey." —Tanya Hanton, WomenCARE Client and Volunteer "WomenCARE has been a key factor in my healing process. I have participated with this amazing group of women in a variety of ways: as a support group member, as a support group facilitator, and in numerous workshops, celebrations, and healing events sponsored by the organization. Together we have shared our tears and our laughter, have been devastated by medical horror stories, and have celebrated good news and healings, both small and large! WomenCARE, to me, is a family of powerful women offering information, resources, support, camaraderie, caring, and community in the face of cancer's ongoing threat. It has meant so much to me." —Kim Tyler, WomenCARE Client and Former Volunteer Support Group Facilitator "Over a year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was shocked that it could happen to me when I am so healthy. Many decisions needed to be made quickly and before starting treatment, I knew I needed support outside of my family and friends. I remembered reading about WomenCARE and the Navigator Project and knew this was what I needed. I was matched to a Navigator who became my guide through treatment and listened to me and supported me. Because she had gone through the same treatment a year before, I knew she understood. Through Women Care I had access to up to date information on breast cancer as well as the emotional support. A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life altering event--the support provided by WomenCARE helped me to remain positive and anxious to get on with my life." —Shirley Chasen, WomenCARE Client "WomenCARE was a foundation for me when the ground under my feet was torn away. I never thought a cancer diagnosis would happen to me but, when it did I heard 'call WomenCARE!' so many times that the message got in; and it was the most important choice I made after my initial diagnosis. You may have a lot of preconceived notions about what a support group is like. Some of you may think it's just a bunch of women gathering together for a pity party. Believe me, it's anything but a pity party! Sure, you will have a sympathetic ear if you chose to talk about what you are experiencing. And it's not just the sympathetic ear but women who KNOW what you are experiencing. You learn that you are not crazy for feeling the way you are feeling. You learn that the side effects you are experiencing may not be 'listed' but in your group you know a few other women who are having the same issues. You learn that you can get through it because sitting right next to you is a women who is a few months ahead of you in treatment...and she is here. And for me, when the post-treatment phase began, that was when the benefit of being in a group really kicked in. Family and friends are ready to move on with life and there you are, exhausted, confused and just by beginning to deal with the emotional aspects of what you have been through. Your friends and family will do what they can to support you, but there is no substitute for being connected with other women going through the experience. I am forever grateful for the love, care and dedication of the phenomenal group of people that make up WomenCARE. Each time I walk through the WomenCARE door I am reminded, 'you are not alone.' " —Raven Stevens, WomenCARE Client and Support Group Facilitator "When I was diagnosed with cancer two and half years ago, I was comforted by knowing that I could reach out to WomenCARE's community of support. As clients we break the spiraling cycles of isolation and fear by calling WomenCARE. The bonds of those who are living with cancer, as well as the availability of professional assistance, has created this cushioning community, where the realities of life in flux are met with clarity." —Joan Schatz, WomenCARE Client and Volunteer Facilitator "Yesterday was really gloomy. The sun never bothered to show it's face all day long. It was cold and damp. The bright spot of the day was that it was our 'support group' day. Members of the recurring cancer crowd, we come together every week to talk about our daily ups and downs in this journey. Each week we laugh and cry together about things that others may not find as sad or amusing. We talk about the nitty-gritty stuff: embarrassing side effects of our medicines, our families' fears, our balancing acts of living life to the fullest when death could be near. Most of all we simply listen to one another's stories. We encourage, educate, and support each other in this way. WomanCARE is the resource that eases our journey. We all feel blessed to have found our way to this welcoming space" —Viola Yule, WomenCARE Support Group Participant From WomenCARE Facilitators "This organization has been such a blessing to me; first as a client and
then as a facilitator. What an amazing transformative process! WomenCare was
right there to support me along the way. I am grateful for the incredible staff,
volunteers, facilitators and clients who have been an anchor for me these past
five years... I thank you all from the top of my very full heart." —Raven
Stevens, WomenCARE Previous Client, Speakers Bureau and Group Facilitator "I am learning to treasure life in the process of experiencing the awesome
courage and strength of the women in the metastatic support group as they face
the numerous challenges of life with a terminal illness. Co-facilitating this
group is one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had in my life."
—Phyllis Wasserstrom, WomenCARE Support Group Facilitator "I was drawn to work at WomenCARE after having been a participant at a
cancer support group. I wanted to give back some of what I had received, as
well as stay in touch with the fragility of life. My work at WomenCARE gives
me a sense of meaning in my life." —Nancy Virotsko, LCSW, WomenCARE
Friends and Family Support Group Facilitator "WomenCARE is truly a grass roots organization: it comes from the community, and goes back to the community. You can really feel the heart that everybody puts into it. With very limited resources, the staff and volunteers at WomenCARE have a commitment to continue serving the community, including the Latina community. It really takes patience, tenacity and a lot of work to get access to the lives and homes of Latinas. I am very fortunate and proud to be a part of Entre Nosotras!" — Maribel Cuervo, WomenCARE Entre Nosotras Facilitator "I think it's really hard for a lot of people to take care of themselves, to be good to themselves, to say no to others when they really want to, and fear that they can't. This is particularly hard for women in our society. When women come to the Tuesday Drop-In group they are taking care of themselves. I am inspired by their courage and inner strength, and by their compassion for one another. It is an honor and a privilege to share this journey with these women. WomenCARE provides a unique opportunity for women living with cancer to take something for themselves, to provide a safe place for them to put themselves first in their own lives, in order to heal." —Sally Blumenthal, WomenCARE Support Group Facilitator This page was last updated 2/24/08. WomenCARE, 1001 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 ©2003 - 2008 WomenCARE
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