In the News...

We're excited to share some recent news coverage involving people and programs at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura:

Lance Orozco, award-winning News Director for KCLU 88.3 FM, interviewed TWC V/V Co-Founder and VP of Programs Marty Nason, RN, MN, and TWC V/V participant Linda Scott. The resulting story, "Holidays have special meaning for many facing health issues," is worth checking out. Click here to listen.

The Ventura County Star featured TWC V/V's new CAREing & COPEing programs for breast cancer patients and caregivers, on December 23. Click here to read the article, which features comments from Marty Nason.

If you attended our recent Holiday Homes Tour, or couldn't make it but want to know what it's all about, check out "Holiday Homes Tour raises funds for county cancer programs" in the Ventura County Star. The article is accompanied by a photo slide show. (Photos by Chuck Kirman.)

Here at TWC V/V we are looking forward to another year full of newsworthy programs to help people with cancer and their families fight for their recovery. Happy New Year!

The Supporting Role of a Lifetime

As a caregiver, I have been "through the ringer" on many levels, but am living proof that it can be done. I've learned how to be open to the abundant caring and support of others. I've learned, at new levels how to say "yes please" and "thank you" with deep gratitude.
-Mark, a breast cancer caregiver and Wellness Community participant



The role of cancer caregiver is a challenging one, indeed. Cancer caregivers devote time and energy to their loved one—providing physical, emotional, financial, spiritual or logistical support—and often do not take the time to focus on their own needs.

There is a great need to address the wellbeing of cancer caregivers and arm them with strategies and skills that enhance their ability to provide supportive care to their loved ones while avoiding burnout.

In response to this need, The Wellness Community – with support from The Breast Cancer Fund of National Philanthropic Trust – has developed the CAREing & COPEing workshop.

This exciting 4-week program, beginning January 12, 2010, will provide education and support to people with breast cancer and loved ones. Each week, participants will gather for two hours to learn more about how to live through and beyond breast cancer. Participants will join in a group setting working in pairs; each pair consisting of the cancer survivor and her support person. The series is free of charge.

We are currently seeking breast cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers who are interested in participating in the CAREing & COPEing program. An interview and pre-registration is required. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must register in pairs containing one breast cancer patient and one caregiver, whether spouse, sibling, child, friend or other family member. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jodi McIntosh at (805) 379-4777.

Watch our Garden Grow

The Garden of Hope started as the seed of an idea. It sprouted thanks to the generosity of its supporters, and is now blossoming into the dream we envisioned so many months ago.

Located at the corner of Hampshire Road and Townsgate Boulevard in Westlake Village, the garden will be an outdoor sanctuary for cancer patients and their families who come to The Wellness Community for programs of support, education, and hope.

You can see photos of the progress on our Facebook page.

Thanks to Reyes Masonry, the Tribute Wall of Hope is taking shape. Mr Bob Reyes and his team constructed the footings and poured the foundation on Saturday, October 31st. On November 7th a team from Reyes was back at work volunteering their time to build the tribute wall. Special thanks to Reyes Masonry, Angelus Block, Gold Coast Steel & Supply, and State Ready Mix for donating the materials and labor to make this dream come true.

The Gazebo has been constructed, and badly-needed repairs to the south wall of our building were completed, thanks to Oltmans Construction and Agoura Sash and Door. Thanks also to Milgard for providing our new windows at a discount.

Conejo Complete Landscape has worked with teams of volunteers to maintain our grounds and prepare the site for installation of the irrigation system. They will contribute their time and expertise to install the irrigation system once the wall construction is complete. Installation of the walkway will follow. Hunter Industries has generously donated all of the irrigation equipment.

If you have an opportunity, please support these great companies who are making a difference in the lives of families affected by cancer and giving the gift of hope.

If you would like to volunteer and help lay the bricks or the sod, please let us know.

Time is running out! Only a few naming opportunities are available in the Garden. Please contact Maddy Sattler to learn more about naming opportunities in the Garden. You can also download the order form, or buy a brick at our website. Please note that quantities are limited.

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

We are gearing up for our 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Event on November 17! Chefs from our favorite local spots are bringing their amazing gingerbread creations to The Wellness Community. Last year, folks had a blast taking in each unique and awe-inspiring house. This is also a fun event for kids, who will get to make their own gingerbread houses to take home (reservation required; call 805.379.4777). And be sure to enter the Opportunity Drawing to take home a chef-built house.

In anticipation of the Gingerbread House Event we bring you a healthy and scrumptious recipe from the Wellness Kitchen at the California Health and Longevity Institute, Four Seasons Westlake Village. (Their gingerbread house from last year is pictured.) Bon Appetit, and we'll see you on November 15!

Apple Cranberry Crisp


2 pounds (about 6) of Granny Smith or Pippin apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

½ cup dried cranberries

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. flour

1¼ tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. orange zest

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

2. Toss apple slices with remaining ingredients in baking dish.

3. Sprinkle oat topping over apples (recipe below).

4. Bake for 30 minutes, until topping is brown and crisp.

5. Serve warm with lite whipped topping or lite ice cream.

TOPPING

1 cup of rolled oats

½ cup of brown sugar

½ cup of flour (can use ¼ cup of whole wheat plus ¼ cup of white flour)

½ cup no trans fat margarine.

1 tsp. of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl with fingers until crumbly.

Serves: 8

Calories per serving: 250

Calorie equivalent: 1 carbohydrate, 1 fruit, 1.5 fats

Why We're Celebrating Thanksgiving Early

We're taking this opportunity to give thanks to the contributors to our October fundraising events. Who better to do that than the event organizers themselves?

Past participants Bob Ferber and Steve and Karen Furnari worked hard as co-chairs to create a fun, successful event with the first-ever Paws 4 Hope charity dog walk. We are delighted to present a Guest Post from Karen Furnari:

Walking with your dog on a sunny day in the park! What could be better? However it takes on a whole new meaning when you think about doing it as an event with lots of people and lots of dogs. When Bob Ferber, my husband Steve and I went to Berniece Bennett Park last spring to scope out and plan, we crossed our fingers that all would work out. And it did!

To everyone who helped to make the recent Paws 4 Hope Dog Walk successful, my eternal thanks and gratitude!


Our volunteer committee took on the big tasks, calling on vendors, distributing brochures, and packing goodie bags, as well as lots of duties on the big day. It was such a thrill to see the actual walk around the park begin, with proud owners and their dogs with Paws 4 Hope bandanas. My heart was pounding and tears welled in my eyes to see it all come to fruition.

The Wellness Community was literally a lifesaver for me and Steve many years ago, when he faced a six-month terminal diagnosis from Stage 4 malignant melanoma. In desperation we turned to The Wellness Community to help us deal with our fears, questions and a quest for alternative treatments. Over the years, we learned to share with and support our fellow group members every week. We became strong and Steve continued to battle the illness with humor and optimism. Now 15 years after that diagnosis, we both know that we would not be where we are today if it had not been for Wellness. We are committed to doing what we can for this amazing group of people so that their good work carries on forever.

And don't forget to come next year to the 2nd Annual Paws 4 Hope!

You can see photos from Paws 4 Hope at our website.


Merv Kopp pulled off another successful and hilarious Stand Up for Cancer Survivors Comedy FUNdraiser, due in large part to his tireless efforts and passion for finding the humor in life. We are pleased to bring you a Guest Post from Merv:

As a cancer survivor, I originally did a tremendous amount of research after my diagnosis to find an organization that could provide the social and emotional support we survivors need when we're diagnosed, during treatment, and just as importantly, after treatment ends.Further, instead of reading the verbs stricken, battled, died, when newspapers write about cancer, the words I would rather see are diagnosed, treated, survived. And I think we should add another word: SUPPORTED. Yes, supported. And that's why I came to The Wellness Community, because that's what they do - they support their participants in a marvelous fashion, at no cost to them.

Another reason for producing the Comedy evening is that so many people only talk about cancer in the most serious and negative manner. I prefer to approach cancer with humor, with comedy, with laughter, and with a smile on my face. Ergo, the "Stand Up for Cancer Survivors Comedy FUNdraiser."

The success of the October 8th show is due in great part to the fabulous support given to me by The Wellness Community's wonderful, dedicated and hard-working staff and volunteers; Thank you very much!

Opening the Door to Hope

You may be carving pumpkins and searching for the perfect costume, but here at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, we’re already deep into the Holiday Zone, and it’s for a great reason.

We recently launched ticket sales for our 18th Annual Holiday Homes Tour – our largest fundraiser, with proceeds funding our free programs of support, education and hope for people fighting cancer and for their families.

The self-guided tour of four exquisite Conejo Valley homes decked out in holiday magic will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

We are excited about the homes on this year’s tour. SO excited, we had to give you a sneak peak. It may be October, but why wait to get your tickets when these delights are awaiting you? You can also see photos of these homes on our website.

Elegant Christmas Encore
Visitors will get a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes family life of a television and film actor with “Elegant Christmas Encore” hosted by John and Elly Schneider. John Schneider is best known as the character “Bo Duke” from “The Dukes of Hazzard” television series, and his home features a collection of memorabilia from his career in the entertainment industry. Their ivy-draped Tudor-style manor in Agoura Hills surrounds visitors with holiday spirit, with seven fully decorated rooms featuring an “angelic” Christmas tree and an unusual “square” piano. A bonus boutique featuring a collection of home and holiday treasures from The Décor Store will also be available at this stop on the tour.

A “Fairy” Merry Christmas
Marla and Arnie Schwartz invite visitors to A “Fairy” Merry Christmas at their self-described “Zen-terian” (Mediterranean meets Asian) home in the North Ranch Country Club Estates of Westlake Village. Seven Christmas trees throughout the home reflect themes as varied as “The Fashionista” for their clothing-designing daughter’s room, an “Under the Sea” tree in the library, and a “Winged Things” tree in the family room. The largest tree in the living room is the teal-and-brown accented “Peace and Love” tree. The Fairy Room is a must-see, reflecting Fairy Fun author Marla Schwartz’s love of the whimsical creatures.

European Elegance
The North Pointe home of the Family of Stephen Smith embodies "European Elegance," with gorgeous twin curved staircases in the foyer, a courtyard that wraps around the entire home has been transformed to celebrate the season, and exquisite trees that are seamlessly decorated and displayed along with a beautiful menorah matching the tasteful elegance that abounds throughout the Italian/European-style home.

Traditional Family Christmas
The spectacular beauty of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains provides the inspiration for a Traditional Family Christmas at the home of Mike and Doreen Jansen in the Malibu View Estates of Agoura Hills. Their tree holds a treasured collection of china ornaments, each one hand-painted by the owner’s mother and given as a gift to the family. From the festive and inviting foyer to the gorgeous dual island kitchen where baking abounds, the Jansen home radiates warmth and family. Click here to see a photo of this fun and friendly home.

Tickets are $25 until Oct. 31, $30 Nov. 1 – Dec. 6, and $35 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets online. Tickets are also available at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, 530 Hampshire Rd., Westlake Village, by phone at (888) 557-3177, and at the following outlets:

Camarillo: Savannah West Fine Gifts; Newbury Park: Angela’s Florist & Gifts; Simi Valley: The Décor Store; Thousand Oaks: Canfield’s Home & Holiday, Conejo Awards, Mistletoe & Holly, and The Décor Store; Westlake Village: French Marketplace and Heather Fields Home & Garden; Woodland Hills: Deforest’s Patio & Fireside Shoppe.

The Wellness Community also will hold its annual Holiday Boutique the same weekend at the North Ranch Center, 1400 N. Westlake Blvd. in Westlake Village, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the organization. The Holiday Boutique is free to the public and does not require the purchase of tour tickets.

If you would like to help and get behind the scenes by volunteering, please fill out an application online. You can also help by becoming a sponsor or advertising in the program book. Just call or email Maddy Sattler, VP of Development, at (805) 379-4777 to learn more.

We’ll see you on the tour!

Gratitude for Helping Hands

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.
-- Winston Churchill


Without the support of our friends, neighbors, volunteers, board members, and local businesses, there is no way we could do what we do. We want to share these recent examples of the ways local businesses and volunteers have made a difference.

A group of volunteers from Baxter International Inc.’s Global BioScience group spent August 13 working at the Chatsworth headquarters of the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation. They were preparing rooms so that The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura could offer cancer support programs to adults and children in the San Fernando Valley whose lives have been touched by cancer.

On August 14, over 50 Amgen Oncology employees spent a day raking, tilling, and grading our grounds for our Garden of Hope. They also worked on interior improvements to the building that houses our free cancer support programs.

You can see photos of the volunteers from Amgen and Baxter at our website.

Volunteers celebrated United Way’s 20th annual Day of Caring on September 26 by continuing work on the Garden, bringing our dream even closer to a reality. You can read all about it in the Ventura County Star.

These are just some of the many stories of caring and selflessness that are embedded in the fabric of our organization. Even in the leaner years (like this one) we have faith that someone, somewhere, will be inspired to lend a hand, whether it’s a donation, a day spent working in our blossoming garden, or a much-needed hug from a volunteer to a newly-diagnosed cancer patient who walks in our doors for the first time.

Please visit our website to learn more about ways you can make a difference.

It’s for a good cause, dog-gonnit!

On October 4th we're offering a fun way to involve your furry friends (of the canine variety) in philanthropy. The Paws 4 Hope charity dog walk will be held at 11am at Berniece Bennett Park in Westlake Village.

Show off your pet, see what the participating vendors have to offer, and find out who will win our doggie contest prizes, including Best Kisser, Best Costume, Smallest and Biggest Dog, Best Trick, and more.

This is all for a great cause: local programs of support, education and hope for people fighting cancer, and for their families.

Register online and encourage your friends, family and co-workers to “sponsor” your pooch with a donation. Can’t make it or don’t own a dog? You can still help by texting PAWS to 90999 to donate $5 up to five times each month.*

Here are some thoughts from the hard-working event organizers, who were helped in a big way by The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura and are now helping to give back:

“While the doctors can give medicines and treatment, it's The Wellness Community and the people who support it that give cancer patients the tools they need to dramatically reduce their stress, improve their quality of life during their cancer treatment and, most importantly, give them hope. And this can be as important as the medical treatment. I'm a perfect example. I was given no more than a year to live after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. To say my family and I were distraught and upset is an understatement. But after finding The Wellness Community and all the services they provide, all absolutely free, my quality of life during my treatment improved, my family and I came together as one, and my positive attitude and hope led me to make certain decisions that I believe ultimately saved my life. I've had no evidence of cancer for the past nine years and can say, without qualification, that I might not be alive today if it weren't for The Wellness Community.”
- Bob Ferber, Paws 4 Hope Co-Chair

When my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Malignant Melanoma, and given a 6-month prognosis, becoming involved with TWC V/V was an absolute life saver. We immediately started going to the Tuesday evening support groups. It was such a relief for me to be able to cry, laugh and share with others on a weekly basis. I know it was the same for him. We went for years, and we credit The Wellness Community with a major part in overcoming the disease. If The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura was not available, I know from personal experience that it would be devastating to those of us who sought, and seek, everything in our quest to battle cancer.”
- Karen Furnari, Paws 4 Hope Co-Chair

So that anyone can participate, The Wellness Community relies on funding from donors, foundations, grants, and special events like Paws 4 Hope to ensure that it can provide its programs free of charge.

*For full terms and conditions visit mgive.com/a.

Pictured above: Dexter, one of many beloved pets belonging to Bob Ferber.

Back to School…Back to Hope

It's hard to believe summer is almost over, and families are already gearing up for the “back to school” mindset. Here at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, we are excited that Kids Circle will begin in early fall.

Kids Circle is a support group for children ages 5-12 who have a parent or grandparent with cancer. Under the guidance of experienced professional therapists, children learn how to deal with fear and uncertainty caused by the diagnosis of a serious illness. They also make friends, play games, and create art with children who can relate to their experiences.

Because pictures really are worth a thousand words, we wanted to share this drawing with you. It was done by a participant in the Westlake Village Kids Circle group when she was 8 years old. The words in each petal show what The Wellness Community means to her.

And we are pleased to share this video that illustrates what Kids Circle is all about. Because the smiling faces of children who have found emotional support at The Wellness Community express so much more than we could ever say with words.

Kids Circle meets in Westlake Village, Ventura, and Winnetka (bilingual). For information or to join, please call (805) 379-4777.