Andrea Ondarza was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2016 at age 33.
“I am a teacher and the sole provider for my two children. While I am very blessed in many ways, I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to do it all …,” she stated in a press release. “I reached out to Cancer Care Services completely lost. I remember the exact moment that they told me my insurance premium was going to be reimbursed for six months. I began to cry. I couldn’t believe that through all the darkness something good was happening to me & my family.”
Nearly 5,000 individuals like Ondarza are served annually throughout Tarrant, Parker and Hood counties by CCS. In 2016, clients of the organization – now in its 71st year – reported a:
- 49 percent increase in overall quality of life.
- 58 percent improvement in carrying out usual tasks of daily living, including improved sleeping patterns, enjoyment and contentment with quality of life.
- 54 percent improvement in mental health status, including decreased symptoms of sadness, nervousness and fear regarding their disease.
CCS will hosts its second annual Heroes of Hope fundraising luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth. The country club is at 3700 Bernie Anderson Ave.
Thanks to the generous support of Texas Oncology, there is no cost to attend the luncheon; however, a charitable donation will be requested. Table hosts are still welcome; reservations are required. For more information, contact Deanna Stuart – Deanna@cancercareservices.org.
CCS provided benefits to 4,801 clients in 2016 through 10 licensed social workers, two registered oncology dietitians and a client connection manager, including:
- Health insurance – $530,356
- Emotional and social support – $323,166
- Medication – $281,191
- Nutrition – $194,411
- Transportation – $66,596
- Medical supplies – $46,112
- Equipment – $37,723
- Emergency funds – $36,166
“It’s important to know that Cancer Care Services receives no government funding or insurance reimbursements. Whether for equipment or nutrition, transportation or health insurance, every single dollar we raise directly impacts the lives of cancer patients, caregivers and survivors,” stated Melanie Wilson, president and chief executive officer of CCS, since 2010. A cancer survivor, Wilson’s history with the nonprofit is deeply personal, as she has also been a caregiver to family members with cancer.
The public also is invited to attend a Heroes of Hope Tour – a one-hour overview of the agency that is offered several times each month, at no charge. To sign up, go to http://cancercareservices.org/heroes-of-hope/. For more information, contact Stuart – Deanna@cancercareservices.org, 817.921.0653.
