The idea of getting cancer is scary for anyone. But for women and men with breast cancer, the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation members can give support, comfort and help when there is no one else to turn to.
On Thursday evening, “Angels” spoke about their own fight with cancer, while they signed the foundation’s calendar to help promote the organization’s major fund raiser at Park Place Books in Kirkland.
“We want to show people that they can go out and enjoy life even if they have cancer,” said Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation founder and Redmond resident Jan Harris. The nonprofit organization provides one-on-one emotional care to the newly diagnosed across the Puget Sound (and Idaho).
Each of the past seven years the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation has produced a calendar featuring survivors in all 12 months. Each survivor poses in tasteful photos with strategically placed props and wings.
“We have a few new people this year and we continue to have our male volunteer to let people know that men can get breast cancer too,” said Harris.
Getting new models is not difficult for Harris.
“It brings out the sense of humor and that is good for life,” said Harris, who has been in the calendar each of its seven-year history. “It pushes the envelope.”
Being a new model takes a lot of courage from foundation members. One of those new models is Susi Carroll of Woodinville.
“I asked myself a question, ‘What would you do if you were not afraid?'” said Carroll. “I knew I would say ‘yes,’ so I did it. Sometimes it is nice to step outside of your comfort zone.”
Carroll said that one of her biggest concerns with the photo was not to embarrass her family.
“They think it is wonderful,” said Carroll, who posed with her dog Luke in the October photo. “They have been wonderful. They did the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk and that meant so much to me.”
Family has been there every step of the way for Carroll but she knows that she is one of the lucky ones.
“What I found was that I had all sorts of support,” said Carroll. “So I wanted a way to give that back. I can’t imagine what it is like to not have that support.”
Carroll said that getting breast cancer is different for every person, and that is where the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation comes in. All members are survivors and can help out with tasks such as helping to go through medical bills, to going with others to doctor appointments to just giving some friendly support.
For Carroll the news that she had cancer was devastating for her entire family.
“I was sort of in disbelief,” said Carroll. “My husband and I were waiting for a ferry to the San Juans and I remember him on the phone saying you must have the wrong file.”
Carroll fought back and went into remission in 2006. But then was diagnosed a second time.
“The reoccurrence just knocked me back,” said Carroll. “It took away my feeling of security.”
Eventually Carroll went back into remission and has stayed there. The chance to move on has opened the door to giving back.
“I get a lot more than I give,” said Carroll about her participation in the foundation. “It makes you aware of what is important.”
Carroll said that there is a lot of training that goes into being an Angel and helping other women through one of the toughest parts of their lives.
The calendar is the foundations biggest fund raiser, bringing in between $40,000 and $75,000 each year and is sold in all 50 states. Harris gives credit to The Early Show on CBS for the some of the success. The calendar was featured on the show during its first year of production.
“That really prompted the nationwide attention,” said Harris.
The commitment of being in the calendar doesn’t end with the photo shoot.
“They know they may be called on for TV interviews or other events,” said Harris.
One of those events will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Challenger Ridge Winery in Woodinville. The foundation will have a wine tasting and sell the calendars to benefit the Angle Care Foundation. The Angels will also be there to again sign the calendars.
Meet the Angels
Wine tasting and fund raiser for the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Challenger Ridge Winery, 14344 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. N.E. in Woodinville
To order a copy of the 2010 Angel Care calendar, visit www.angelcarefoundation.org/calendar.htm or call 206-417-3484.
