About Wings of Hope -- Breast Cancer Foundation

Wings of Hope provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients for basic day-to-day living expenses when they need it most.  We assist by providing funding for medication, groceries, utilities, child care, housing, transportation and other basic costs.

Wings of Hope also supports other initiatives designed to facilitate the psychosocial aspects of healing from Breast Cancer.

Wings of Hope is a fully volunteer-run organization located in Calgary.  We aim to operate in the most simple way possible to enable nearly 100% of donations to be directed toward assisting those women who benefit from the foundation's efforts.

Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1995 by Diana Kalef who was concerned about the well being of friends and family who had been afflicted by the disease.  In discussing the issues faced by patients suffering from breast cancer, she identified a need for financial assistance, in particular, for everyday living expenses and medication.

In 1997 a committed group of volunteers came together to form the Rescue Mission Bookmark Committee to raise funds through the sale of uniquely designed bookmarks. These two groups joined forces to form the Wings of Hope Rescue Mission Breast Cancer Foundation, now known as Wings of Hope.  The Foundation hosts a number of successful special fund raising events that generated a pool of funding.  This pool evolved into an Endowment Fund that is allocated by Wings of Hope and financially managed through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Since our inception, we have helped over 150 women cope with the financial stress that is often associated with a combating a life threatening disease.

Supported Programs

In the two years ended June 30, 2008, Wings of Hope has supported the following organizations:

Alberta Cancer Foundation - Patient Financial Assistance Program (PFAP)
As a result of funding from WOH, many women living with breast cancer in the Calgary area have received financial assistance to help with the costs of medication and living expenses.

Alberta Cancer Foundation - Holiday Hampers
For the past several years, WOH board members have prepared hampers containing gift cards, chocolates, and toiletries for women that have received assistance under the PFAP.

Tapestry
Funds provided by WOH enabled Tapestry to provide a weekend retreat for seven women living with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation (BCSC)
As a result of funding from WOH, BCSC was able to run a 12 week program for 10 women living with breast cancer. The program covered topics such as a Curing vs. Healing, Dimensions of Recovery, Side Effects of Treatment, and Fear of Recurrence.