The Gift of this Community - Hopewell Cancer Support

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inside
Fall Highlights
Upcoming Programs
Take Back Lives from
Cancer
by Suzanne Brace
Facing Cancer,
Raising a Toddler
A Program For Parents
2012 by the Numbers
Matching Grant
Opportunity
How Can I Help?
20 Ways to Give the Gift of
Hope
Become a WellWisher
OCTOBER 2013
hope
Where there is community… there is strength. Where there is strength… there is hope.
The Gift of this Community
INSIGHTS FROM OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION
news
Annual Fund
2013 Begins
If you have been by
HopeWell lately, you
have probably noticed
that our beloved
pegboard was reset to
$0 as of July 1.
The Annual Fund is
the way we begin to
put the pegs back by
raising funds to
support an entire year
of HopeWell programs and
services.
HopeWell’s programs are
funded largely by individual
contributions from within our
community. We greatly
appreciate every gift—large
and small—that we receive.
Thank you for your loyalty
and commitment!
Save the Date
We are thrilled to announce
the dates for our two largest
fundraising events for 2014.
The 8th annual Concert for
Hope will be held at a new
venue, SoundStage, located
in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor,
on Saturday, February 22.
Three bands, playing classic
rock covers and original
tunes, will perform.
REACHOUT & RUN 5K
Run/Walk is one of the largest
sources of funding for
HopeWell's programs.
The 17th annual race will be
run on Sunday, April 6th at
Goucher College. Registration
will begin in November.
HopeWell celebrated its 20th year at our annual
reunion on June 2. Tom Large, the founding
Program Director and current Clinical Director
made the following observations during his talk.
Here is an excerpt from Tom’s speech:
“I had the advantage, the privilege, of being present
from the very beginnings of HopeWell. I have
carefully watched the evolution of our culture and
it never ceases to bring me joy. Today we are here,
well over 200 of us, and we are here together,
welcoming each other. When someone comes to
HopeWell, they are welcomed, the way you would
welcome someone into your home. That is how we
want them to feel. It’s a habit that we have, our
welcoming way, and it goes back all the way to the
first groups.
There are innumerable examples of this kind of
welcoming culture. We are doing it now – eating
together, playing together, laughing together and
crying together. This is what we do as a healing,
therapeutic community.
In early 1993, there was not yet a Wellness Community;
there was not a HopeWell. The very first
group met on a Tuesday evening in April. There
were seven people who signed up. They said they
would come. We didn’t know if they would come.
Well, they came!
They were all women, all dealing with different
kinds of cancer. I had of lot of prepared questions
to keep the conversation going but, of course, I
didn’t need them.
The group just took
off. People talked
about their own experience,
everyone
shared, connected.
The first weekly
group was
established. So I
knew then that we
could fashion groups
with people coming
together to share
things in common
and form what I
hoped would be a
community.
The final speaker at HopeWell’s
annual reunion, Tom Large spoke
about the growth and gift of our
community.
Fast forward, 6 months later in the fall of that first
year. This group had a meeting where they talked
about how they were treated as if they were so frail.
Their family members and friends treated them
differently, as is if they were ill. They, however,
didn’t think of themselves as ill. So, they decided
as a group to officially declare themselves “not
seriously ill.” This is part of our culture too.
The group gave me that…they taught me that.
HopeWell helps people take their lives back
from cancer. People here today may be really
sick, but they are playing music, telling stories,
dancing and enjoying each other. Yes, they may
have cancer. But they are thriving in the moment
and that is the gift of this community.”
Thanks to everyone who joined us in June on National Cancer Survivors Day. We enjoyed sharing this special day with you.
online
hopewellcancersupport.org
@hopewellcancer
/hopewellcancersupport
The mission of HopeWell Cancer Support is to create a community for all people with cancer, their families and friends,
that encourages an exchange of information, the development of a support system and the presence of hope.

FALL 2013 HIGHLIGHTS
programs
A Letter from HopeWell
SUZANNE BRACE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HopeWell programs are for people
with cancer at any stage of the
disease: newly-diagnosed, in treatment,
post-treatment, and living
with cancer as a chronic condition.
Survivors are always welcome, too.
We also invite family, close friends
and loved ones to our programs.
Lymphedema Management
and the Value of Qigong
Lymphedema, a common problem
that can be caused by cancer and
cancer treatment, occurs when
the lymph system is damaged or
blocked. Many health practitioners
have recognized the benefits of
practicing Qigong to help prevent
lymphedema or to help reduce its
symptoms. Christine Cabelka,
physical therapist at the Outpatient
Rehabilitation Facility at
Johns Hopkins, will speak about
how to recognize the early warning
signs of lymphedema, how to
reduce your risk and ways to manage
lymphedema once it develops.
Following the discussion, Pamela
Tanton will teach a series of
movements, all done while seated,
called Healing Qigong.
Sunday, November 3 • 1:00 - 3:00 PM
House Calls Speaker: C. Cabelka, MPT, CLT
Qigong Instructor: Pamela Tanton
Memorial Service
Please join us as we honor the
memory of HopeWell participants
and loved ones. All families and
friends are welcome. A reception
will follow the service. You are
welcome to bring a framed photo
of your loved one, if you wish.
Please RSVP by November 8th by
calling 410.832.2719 ext. 112.
at HopeWell Cancer Support
Sunday, November 10 • 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Dear Friends,
As I was preparing to write this
letter, I serendipitously came across
a document describing HopeWell in
our 10th year. In the midst of
commemorating HopeWell’s 20th
year, it is fascinating to see how far
we’ve come. In 2003, we had just
acquired and were remodeling this
property to accommodate our
needs. There were marvelous
dreams of programs yet to be
offered, of the growth of our
community, of endless possibilities…it
was a rich time in our
organizational life.
In these past 10 years, we have
indeed grown in breadth and depth,
yet important things remain the
same. From that very first support
group in 1993 to the yoga class that
filled the upstairs of the barn last
Saturday morning – HopeWell’s
values and our commitment to
helping people take back their
lives from cancer has only
strengthened with time.
When we stand back and look at
who we have served (some 10,000
in 20 years), we realize that in our
first year, it cost some $1,000 to
cover the cost of one person utilizing
our programs for a year. And,
20 years later, the cost factor is
the same. Even with 10 times the
number of programs and a permanent
home that embodies the idea
of calm and comfort…the cost of
supporting a mom with a toddler
(like Melanie, below) for a year is
$1,000 - the same now as it was
in 1993. What an ‘aha’ moment!
We must be doing something right.
We continue to offer our programs
at no charge because we know how
financially vulnerable one can be in
the midst of dealing with cancer.
We get many inquiries about how
we are able to do this, there are
misconceptions, and people want to
know how to help.
Therefore, a significant part of this
newsletter is devoted to informing
you about HopeWell’s financial
needs. Like most nonprofits,
HopeWell has had a challenging
couple of years keeping pace with
growth in a difficult economy. And
this year, we have very critical
needs.
What’s important to note, is that
at HopeWell you are making an
investment that may not, at first,
seem obvious. Your gift isn’t for a
week or a day – it may be a gift that
lasts a lifetime. In 20 years, a mom
like Melanie will hopefully be seeing
her child reaching adulthood, and
your investment supports a group
like the one that helped Melanie
literally take her life back from
cancer. Your gift gives so much
more than you can imagine.
Twenty years ago our budget was
$250,000. Today, our budget is
$1 million. HopeWell serves more
people, offers more programs, has
more of a “return on investment”
than it did 20 years ago. We have
no line of income, just the great
good will of those who support the
work we do.
It is a necessity that the future for
HopeWell includes exploring and
developing a model of sustainability
for the next 20 years. One thing we
are quite certain of: according to all
indicators, as the population ages,
the number of new cancer diagnoses
will continue to rise and more
people will be living longer with
cancer as a chronic disease.
HopeWell will be needed more
than ever before and we need you
to help ensure that we are here,
building on our bedrock of values
and experience…here for all those
who will be welcomed in the next 20
years.
With warm regards,
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Managing Incontinence After
Prostate Cancer Treatment:
The Latest Devices & Options
Urinary incontinence is a common
problem affecting many men
after prostate cancer treatments,
one that, when managed, can
make a major difference in
quality of life. Dr. Jonathan
Rubenstein, Urologist with
Chesapeake Urology Associates,
will lead a thorough discussion
of urinary incontinence and the
different devices and options
available for this condition, how
they work and how a decision is
made regarding the best choice
for each individual. RSVP.
House Calls Speaker: J. Rubenstein, MD
Monday, November 18th • 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Learn more about our programs at
hopewellcancersupport.org
key staff
Executive Director
Suzanne Brace
Program Director
Carole Sharp, LCSW-C
Development Director
Lily Burke
Administrative Director
Carleen Kramer
Clinical Director
Thomas R. Large, LCSW-C
Marketing Specialist
Andy Seguin
HopeWell Cancer Support
10628 Falls Road • Lutherville, MD 21093
HopeWell Cancer Support is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit
organization, donations to which are tax deductible
to the fullest extent allowed by law. For a copy
of our current financial statement, please
contact HopeWell Cancer Support or the office of
the Secretary of State, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Facing Cancer, Raising A Toddler
A LOOK AT A (RELATIVELY) NEW HOPEWELL PROGRAM
Melanie Parr Cardell first heard about HopeWell
many years ago when a friend told her about the
great yoga class she was taking following her cancer
diagnosis. But, Melanie asked, "Don't you have to
have cancer to join that club?"
Little did she know that in the summer of 2010 she
would receive a phone call telling her that she, too,
had cancer - thyroid cancer. "At that moment my
world ended. The world that I knew completely
ended. My son was a couple of days away from
turning one, and all I could think... I wasn't even
thinking if he was going to make it to college, if I
was going to see him graduate... I wanted to just see
him walk, I wanted to see his first steps."
"I was in a complete fog and didn't know where to
go, didn't know what to do and then I thought of
HopeWell. And I had the courage, that day, to walk
in and learn about how I might fit into their
community. There weren't a lot of other moms with
cancer and so for the time being I didn't actually go
to any programs."
“Then, one day I got an email saying there was a
new program specifically for people like me —
people who have toddlers and are facing cancer
themselves — parents who have to deal with having
cancer, as well as with the trials and tribulations of
having a toddler.”
Melanie spoke at REACHOUT & RUN in April about
joining the Facing Cancer, Raising A Toddler group.
Watch her remarks at
reachoutandrun.kintera.org.
Melanie came
to the inaugural
meeting of
‘Facing Cancer,
Raising a
Toddler’ and
couldn't believe
it. "I found
these people who had little kids and we talked
specifically about how tired we were. You couldn't
talk to other people about this - it's not just any old
tired, not just mom-tired and it's not just cancertired.
Try putting it together and you can't function.
And we all understood."
"These are friends I've made for a lifetime and
cancer may have ruined my body, but HopeWell has
helped me keep my spirit." Melanie has given back
to HopeWell by sharing her experience during last
year's REACHOUT & RUN where she was the
participant speaker.
The message is that at HopeWell we listen to the
needs of people with cancer and try to create
programs that fill unmet needs. Melanie would ask
that you spread the word and tell other young
parents who have cancer to be in touch with
HopeWell and join her in the monthly meetings.
Facing Cancer, Raising a Toddler
meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

FY2012 Achievements by the Numbers
THE FACTS & FIGURES BEHIND OUR MISSION
CONTRIBUTIONS
67%
EVENTS
33%
Revenue
GENERAL &
ADMINISTRATIVE
9%
FUND-
RAISING
19%
FISCAL YEAR 2012 EXPENSES
$1,094,709
PROGRAM
72%
Expenses
Did you know?
4 In Fiscal Year 2012, approximately 1,000 people actively
participated in HopeWell’s programs.
4 HopeWell’s support services and programs are offered
to all participants at no charge. The average annual
cost per participant is $1,000.
4 Individual philanthropy accounts for nearly all of the
contributions made. Of that, WellWishers contributed
32% of HopeWell’s annual income.
MYTHS
4 HopeWell receives funds from government agencies and
cancer organizations.
Fact: No operating revenue comes from such funding.
4 HopeWell is staffed by volunteers.
Fact: Our experienced professional staff and facilitators
are compensated for their time.
4 Our site at 10628 Falls Road was given to HopeWell.
Fact: The property’s maintenance & mortgage are two
of our major expenses.
Matching Grants Gives Rare Chance
to Double Your Gift
Through the generosity of a matching grant from the David and
Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation, your gift will have twice the
impact. The foundation’s grant will match the first $25,000 of
unrestricted donations made to HopeWell before the end of the year.
Thanks to their generous lead, additional matching funds are also
available.
Here’s how it works: Any new or increased gifts made between
July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 will be matched.
DOUBLE YOUR GIFT AND DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT: Your investment in HopeWell
supports a caring community, professional facilitation and access
to crucial information. Your contribution pays for support groups,
meditation programs, groups for children and teens, expressive art
classes, guest speakers, yoga, health & wellness programs and much,
much more. Your gift does all this… so when someone facing cancer
comes to HopeWell, we are able to offer our programs at no charge.
“I want to contribute
what I can to ensure
that HopeWell never
closes its doors on a
survivor that needs
the support this
wonderful place
brings."
- Marla Arrington
Photo credit: Carly Fuller Photography
www.carlyfuller.com
1. Become a CORE Giver. Monthly donors provide HopeWell
with consistent, predictable financial support that will allow us
to maintain our calendar of programs.
2. WellWishers are individual donors who give $1,000 or more
each year to HopeWell’s Annual Fund. Each WellWisher provides
a full year of access to programs/services for any individual
coping with cancer.
3. Give a Tribute Gift in honor, in memory, or in support of a
loved one. There are many ways, including Tribute Trees, Tribute
Cards (see back page), or Course Stars at REACHOUT & RUN.
4. Make a Bequest by including HopeWell in your will.
5. In 2013, beginning at age 70 1/2, you can have all or part of
your distribution made directly from your IRA to a qualified
charity. This required minimum distribution will not be treated
as taxable income by the IRS.
6. By completing a company matching gift application, you
can double the value of your gift, and if both you and your
spouse work for companies with matching programs, you can
even triple your giving dollars – all without costing you an
additional cent - just contact your HR department.
7. Special Occasion Gifts: Ask guests to make a donation in
lieu of a gift at an upcoming wedding, birthday, anniversary,
bar/bat mitzvah, or holiday party.
Visit hopewellcancersupport.org/How-To-Give
On behalf of our entire community, thank you!
Participants and friends often ask, “How can I help?”
Here are 20 Simple Ways
To Give to HopeWell
Each and every gift to HopeWell
is important, as they provide us
the resources to fund our comprehensive,
professionally-led
programs. We recognize that
each person and each family
may have different abilities and
desires when they give, and as
such, we have put together this
list of the many ways that you
can contribute.
As we move into our Annual
Fund campaign, please
consider making a meaningful
gift to HopeWell to help ensure
that no one in Baltimore has to
face a cancer diagnosis alone.
10. Start or join a team at next year’s REACHOUT & RUN, then
challenge your team to reach a fundraising goal!
11. Bring a friend to a HopeWell special event, like Concert
for Hope, REACHOUT & RUN, and the annual Wine Event.
12. Gifts-in-kind for designated events.
13. Help us spread the word about HopeWell’s value and need,
to your friends, family and colleagues... people who, over the
past year, may have asked, “What can I do to help?”
Donations are tax-deductible.
14. Like us on Facebook and share our posts with your friends.
15. Sponsor a specific HopeWell program for a month or year.
16. Donate Your Car. We are partnering with a reputable vehicle
donation company who helps maximize the return on a car
donation. Tax documentation is provided after the vehicle has
been sold.
17. Support the HopeWell ‘campus’: If you enjoy the beauty of
our natural surroundings, please consider purchasing a Tribute
Tree.
18. Ask your company to be a valued corporate sponsor at
one of our special events.
19. Step up and Volunteer at a HopeWell special event.
8. Suggest that your PTA support HopeWell with a school
fundraiser.
20. Let people know how much HopeWell has meant to you
through your personal journey with cancer.
9. Organize an “Eat-Out” Night at your favorite restaurant.
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Share your support with a
Fall Tribute Card from HopeWell!
I go to nature to be soothed and
have my senses put in order...
– John Burroughs
Tribute Cards are a beautiful way
to make a gift in honor or in memory
of someone special.
HopeWell will send out a personalized card to
each person you designate, letting them know
that you have made a gift on their behalf.
The minimum gift per honoree is $10.
Ordering is easy. Simply provide us with a list
of names and addresses of the people you
would like to recognize—along with your
contribution—and we’ll do the rest.
Please indicate that your contribution is
a FALL Tribute gift. If you have questions or
want to learn more about making a tribute
gift to HopeWell, contact the Development
Office at 410.832.2719.
spotlight on the board
NEWS FOR AND FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Welcome to our newest Board
member, Edie Windsor! Edie
joined the HopeWell Board in
June 2013.
Board Chair
Geoffrey H. Genth
Board of Trustees
Constance H. Baker
Anne H. Barlett
Sally Wendler Bauer
Marilyn Davis
James E. Downing, Jr.
HopeWell is pleased to introduce the newest
member of our Board of Trustees: Edie Windsor.
Edie has long been involved in many aspects of
HopeWell - as a participant, a volunteer, a
fundraiser, and as an ambassador. Edie brings a
wealth of knowledge about HopeWell and talent
to our Board. Professionally, she defines herself
as a technology educator and has recently
joined Connections Academy as a Curriculum
Development Specialist. In gratitude for the
vital role HopeWell has played in her own
wellness journey, Edie is committed to ensuring
that HopeWell continues to be an available
resource for others. Welcome, Edie!
David S. Ewell
Geoffrey H. Genth
Wendy Ginsburg
Jamie Lacey-Moreira
Suzanne Levin-Lapides
John P. Miller
Joan Payne
Peter B. Rosenwald
Jean E. Trout
Edie Windsor
P.O. Box 755, Brooklandville, MD 21022-0755
Tel 410.832.2719
Email cancerhelp @hopewellcancersupport.org
NON-PROFIT
U.S POSTAGE
PAID
BALTIMORE, MD
PERMIT NO. 5415
COMING SOON: 20 Stories of Hope
Keep your eyes on www.hopewellcancersupport.org for a new video series
featuring 20 families taking their lives back from cancer.
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“As a Board member and WellWisher I have supported HopeWell for many, many years. But it wasn’t until I, myself, was
diagnosed with breast cancer that I truly appreciated the amount of quiet intention that goes into every decision made —
from the smell of coffee brewing to the Amish architecture of the Barn. Without knowing it, HopeWell had prepared me
for dealing with cancer. Now I can say I am a volunteer, a donor and a participant… and that I am truly grateful.”
– Connie Baker
Become a WellWisher BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE FACING CANCER
WellWishers are individual donors who give $1,000 or more each year
to HopeWell’s Annual Fund. Each WellWisher provides a full year of
programs and services for an individual coping with cancer.
To become a WellWisher:
1. Call HopeWell’s Development Director, Lily Burke, at 410.832.2719
2. Email Lily at lburke@hopewellcancersupport.org
3. Download an enrollment form at:
www.hopewellcancersupport.org/how-to-give/wellwishers-circle
WellWishers were invited to join
us on October 17 at our annual
WellWishers Reception.
This year, we were pleased
to honor Constance H. Baker
for her 14 years of dedicated
and generous service as an
invaluable member of
our Board of Trustees.