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!