Chix 4 a Cause Receives a $1,000 Grant and Appears on The Morning Blend

Thanks to The Morning Blend Gives Back, First Bank Financial Centre, and our loyal supporters, Chix 4 a Cause received a $1,000 grant and appeared on The Morning Blend in Milwaukee!

As part of The Morning Blend Gives Back, the public was asked to nominate their favorite nonprofit organization and share why it means so much to them. The top five finalists were featured on The Morning Blend website and social media pages. The public was asked to vote for their favorite organization over a 10-day period. Chix 4 a Cause won by a landslide!

The $1,000 grant went to our Gifts of Love program to provide short-term financial assistance to residents of southeastern Wisconsin fighting cancer. Typical Gifts include a rent/mortgage payment, gas cards to get to and from doctor appointments, grocery cards to provide food for the cancer patient and their family, or gift cards to the patient’s favorite restaurant or movie theater.

Watch the video at tmj4.com/shows/the-morning-blend/providing-gifts-of-love-to-people-battling-cancer

If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, reach out to Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.

Celebrate Your Cancerversary

Like many people, you may celebrate your cancerversary – the anniversary of a specific time, date, or event in the life of someone touched by cancer. Because each person’s journey is unique, you may choose different milestones to celebrate. You want to remember how far you’ve come since being diagnosed and celebrate the fact that you are alive.

Common milestones to celebrate include:

The anniversary of a cancer diagnosis

The anniversary of cancer surgery

The completion of radiation or chemotherapy treatment

Results from tests that show treatment is working

A diagnosis of NED (No Evidence of Disease)

By celebrating special milestones along your cancer journey, you acknowledge the challenges you have overcome and focus on your future.

Typical ways to commemorate your cancerversary include the following:

Reflecting: Look back and reflect on how far you've come. Perhaps you take notes or enjoy journaling. Jotting down your feelings, treatments, or other cancer-related events will help you remember your journey. Or, you may find blogging helpful. You may create an online diary and add photos or posts whenever you choose.

Getting away: Go on a vacation or take a day trip to a destination you've always wanted to visit. This is a great way to mark a milestone on your cancer journey. Making new memories while in a relaxing setting can be very therapeutic.

Making your mark: You may want to leave a mark on society. Planting a tree is a good way to do that. Trees are symbolic and represent new birth or life. You also may be able to leave your mark on the wall of a community center or other venue. Be sure to ask permission before leaving an indelible mark in a public place.

Crossing an item off your bucket list: Perhaps you've been longing to do something exciting and you've had it on your list of things to do for some time. Go for it! This is a wonderful way to celebrate you.

Joining a community celebration: One of the best ways to celebrate a cancerversary is to do it in the company of others. Perhaps a survivor's walk or other community event would be the perfect way to mark this special occasion.

Throwing a party: Many like to celebrate their cancer milestone with loved ones and friends by letting them know their support is valued. A party is a fun way to celebrate good fortune. Blow up balloons, order a cake, and wear a silly hat! Do whatever you choose to make the day a special one for yourself.

Giving back: A beautiful way to celebrate your special milestone is to help someone who may be beginning their own cancer journey. You can offer love and support by sharing your experiences, volunteering, or just listening.

Pampering yourself: You are special, and you deserve to be pampered! Visit a spa, enjoy a play, see a movie, take a creative arts class or find another way to show yourself some love and attention.

Setting a goal: Since you've reached your cancerversary, why not set a new goal for your next milestone? Your goal can be anything you'd like it to be.

If you or someone you know is battling cancer, contact Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.

Helping Someone You Love Who Has Breast Cancer

When someone you love is diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a natural desire to help them. However, you may not know what to or where to begin.

The first step is deciding to walk with your loved one during their journey with cancer. Showing up for that person is invaluable to them and and their family.

Although your loved one may want to keep many aspects of their fight with cancer private, there may be some things they want you to understand. Although your loved one may have trouble verbally expressing their needs, if you pay attention and carefully listen, you may pick up clues about things they are leaving unsaid. Make sure to ask about how you can best offer your love and support without hovering or assuming you know what the person wants.

Keep in mind that although you want to help, it may become overwhelming at times for your loved one. Talk with them about setting boundaries so that things do not get out of hand and feelings do not get hurt.

Remember that people who are used to being self-sufficient may have a hard time asking for help. Give your loved one time to learn to let go and accept help when needed. Keep in mind that everyone has different gifts and that your form of help may be needed on some days more than others. Whether you are able to let your loved one cry on your shoulder or want to help in more practical ways, know that your gifts are valued and appreciated.

Be present but not overbearing when you’re with your loved one. They know they aren’t suffering alone.

Respect time limits with them, especially when their energy level is low.

Let your loved one talk. They need to express their emotions and be accepted at face value rather than have you try to fix them.

Avoid always talking about the person’s health. Focus on other questions about their life, your life, and what’s going on in the world.

Provide encouragement for your loved one’s family. They don’t know what to expect and need support as well. Cards, phone calls, letters of encouragement, visits, meal preparation, and gift cards for favorite restaurants are very helpful.

If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, contact Chix 4 a Cause. Learn more about our Gifts of Love program at chix4acause.org today.