Part Two: More Q & A with Melissa

We're getting EXCITED for the LA Marathon on March 21!



Welcome to the second installment of our Q&A with Melissa Hoff, a member and volunteer for Team Wellness. You can join Melissa as she runs for HOPE - click here to learn more.

TWCVV: What would you say to people who want to join the team but have never done fundraising and are nervous about asking people for money?

Melissa: Fundraising is an amazing way to connect with people. You are giving other people the opportunity to support a cause that has affected everyone in one way or another. During my fundraising, I found out that there were members of my family that I never knew had cancer. You have to remember that you aren’t asking for money for yourself. This is about helping other people.

TWCVV: Why do you think The Wellness Community is a worthy cause for Team Wellness members to raise funds for?

This is such an amazing organization. It not only helps the person with the disease but it helps their family members as well. Support is so important and being with people who are going through the same thing you are doesn’t really make it easier but it makes you feel like you aren’t alone and to me, that is scarier than anything out there.

TWCVV: What other racing events have you participated in and can you describe the experience?

Melissa: In 2007, I was part of a cancer charity team. During that time, I ran in the Great Race of Agoura 15k (the 5k and 10k in the same day) and the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Half marathon. I had never run before and I was skeptical that I would be able to complete a half marathon. Now, I run every day and I am always looking for new ways of challenging myself. The thrill of the race and the competition is exhilarating but crossing the finish line is better than anything I have ever experienced.

Our heartfelt thanks to Melissa for participating in Team Wellness and sharing her thoughts with us. Please consider joining, supporting, or raising awareness for Team Wellness. For more info visit our website or call 805.379.4777. And keep moving!

From the Stadium to the Sea

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is recruiting members for “Team Wellness,” a group of runners and walkers who will participate in the Los Angeles Marathon or 5K Run/Walk in March and raise money for cancer support programs.

Click here for details, and check out the Q&A below with one of our fantastic Team Wellness runners, Melissa Hoff. In addition to running the 5K with her brother, Melissa (pictured below) is helping to recruit team members around town.

TWCVV: How did you hear about The Wellness Community?

Melissa: My mom worked as a docent for the Holiday Homes Tour several years ago and she always raved about what a wonderful organization it is.

TWCVV: What made you want to volunteer?

Melissa: 2009 was probably the worst year of my entire life. During the last 2-3 months of the year, I started reflecting on what had happened and what kind of person I had become. I was just a blob on the earth who wasn’t contributing anything to society and I realized that I needed to make some serious changes. The time that I took to reflect enabled me to set goals that would not only better my life, but better the lives of other people. I decide to go back to school to become a nurse and to volunteer my time. Making those decisions and changing so much about my life has made me feel like I have a purpose.

TWCVV: Why are you excited about participating on Team Wellness?

Melissa: I LOVE RUNNING!! I love to be around the people that participate because of their energy and spirit for giving.

TWCVV: You've done several races for charities. What's rewarding about it?

Melissa: In 2007, I raised money for a cancer charity and ran the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. I will never forget being half way through and feeling like I wanted to give up. My ankles hurt, I was hot, and I had blisters on my feet… I was just miserable! When I looked at the people who were all around me that had photos of their loved ones on their t-shirts and names of people written on their arms that they were racing for, I was so inspired. I was a part of something that was so much bigger than me and bigger than the race itself. My blisters and ankles were nothing in comparison.

TWCVV: Was fundraising easier than you thought it would be?

Melissa: Absolutely! I have never encountered so many generous people in my life. I took advantage of as many fundraising tools as I could. I not only mailed letters to friends and family but I had a website, I had a pizza night at Lamppost Pizza where a percentage of the proceeds were donated to the charity, I knocked on my neighbors doors and I made a ton of phone calls. People who I never thought would give money were exceedingly generous.

Stay tuned for PART TWO of our conversation with Melissa...coming soon to The Hope Herald. In the meantime, you can register or learn more on our website.