Kathleen,
We've not met, but I feel connected to you none the less. I am a grateful participant of the Fall 2008 Breast Cancer Supportive Care
breast cancer recovery group and want you to know that I'm still resting on the wings of hope you have made possible in my life.
One loses so much to breast cancer - body parts, self control, well-being, laughter - and the losses are so complete, that it is hard
to believe you will recover. It is hard to hope.
But, thanks to the group and some life style changes (so far, I've lost over 60 pounds), I literally hardly recognize myself today.
I can honestly say I have never felt better, never been healthier, never had so much hope. Two simple words - THANK YOU - don't seem to
capture my full appreciation, but they are sent sincerely.
At the last meeting of our course, all participants wanted to do something special for Ardythe, Carol, Elu and Louise, so I wrote
the following words and presented them to the four ladies with a plaque from all of us. It's my hope that by sharing these words
with Wings of Hope, you will come to understand the depth of gratitude we hold for your financial support.
"Ardythe, Carol, Elu and Louise:
Everyone knows that words are important. Some rendition of 'you have breast cancer' delivered by our doctors are four words that
changed us, forever. But, thanks to this group, those words do not sting like they once did.
This course has added new words to our vocabulary: attentive walking, memory box, team helpful, recovery, to name a few.
How can we thank you?
First of all, we want to say we know we are very fortunate. We know there are many women who need this opportunity but will never
find it. And we know this is troubling to you, too. So we want you to know that the work you have done, the many, many wise words
that you've glued together, for our sakes, will not be wasted. We are stronger and now capable of giving back to the breast cancer
community because of your words, your teaching, the binder, assignments, journalling and fellowship we've shared.
Next, we're asking you to remember this day when the work gets too much. Should you ever wonder if it's worth it, please recall
these words that try to express what this group has meant to each of us. To make it easier to remember our words of gratitude,
we've placed them on this plaque and present them to you."
The plaque we presented to Ardythe, Carol, Elu and Louise contain one or two words from every participant. The words are courage,
help, gratitude, soul searching, calm, peace, thankfulness, communion, hope, understanding and discovery".
Noel Foggo-Lamoureux
To the wonderful people at Wings of Hope,
Sistership would like to thank you for your contribution in helping us
buy our tent. The tent will be used at major public events like the Run
for the Cure or Relay for Life. Any outdoor community events where it
will make us more visible to those trying to find us. Also those who
want to find out more about Sistership to consider joining us.
We will be taking the tent to paddling events across Canada where it
will provide shelter for our members from sun or rain. The walls of this
tent will provide privacy when needed.
Both of our logos displayed on the tent is a proud testament of our
partnership over the years. We are grateful for your continued support.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Charlene Waldal
President
Sistership Dragonboat Association
To Wings of Hope,
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is deeply grateful for the support of the Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
Your generous gift to establish an endowment fund with a principal balance of $680,092 is now generating approximately
$34,000 in expendable funding each year. This annual funding is helping to support three unique programs that directly
impact the quality of life for breast cancer patients treated at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
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To Wings of Hope,
Thank you so much for providing me with this unique week (Tapestry Retreat)! It is the first time since my
cancer diagnosis that I am able to get in touch with my emotions, to cry, and to share with others who are on
the same journey. Our activities were well chosen and will enable everyone to find inner peace and
realize one’s own strengths. Your compassion and willingness to help cancer patients reclaim their
lives and get their souls well again are much appreciated.
Thanks again!
To All the Special Folks of Wings of Hope,
I have been overjoyed and most appreciative of the wonderful basket of beautiful gifts you delivered to my door
for Christmas. Every gift was so special. I have been deeply touched by this.
Thank you again.
May God truely bless each one of you!
Dear Wings of Hope,
I recently attended
the Tapestry Retreat sponsored by Wings of Hope. What a wonderful place to escape to. I am a mother
with two children under 5. My life is so focused around my family that I get very little time for myself.
This retreat gave me a wonderful opportunity to relax, heal and breathe.
Thank you.
Tera
Dear Wings of Hope,
On behalf of everyone involved with Breast Cancer Supportive Care I want to sincerely thank you for your
generous donation to our organization. It is an honour for us to partner with Wings of Hope to provide the
physical and emotional care breast cancer patients are seeking to reach a full and healthy recovery.
As discussed your donation will go directly to our Group Patient Program. Our first 12 - week sessions for
2008 began in February with 10 woman between the ages of 35-55 participating. The feedback we have received after
the first 5 sessions has been encouraging and over-whelmingly positive. We currently have woman who are coming not
just from Calgary, but also far away as Brooks and Canmore to be part of the weekly group session.
Please know we sincerely appreciate the support Wings of Hope is making to our organization and the difference
you are making in the community for breast cancer patients.
Warmest regards
Evonne Black