August 2025 News

Dear CanCare Family,  

As we turn the page into August and families gear up for back-to-school season, I’ve been reflecting on how full and fast-paced this  time of year can be—and how true that is here at CanCare, too!  

Our team has been busy matching clients with incredible volunteers, preparing for our fall events, and making sure everyone who reaches out to us feels  seen, supported, and never alone. It’s a beautiful kind of busy—and it’s all possible because of YOU!

To our volunteers: thank you for the time and compassion you pour into every conversation. To our donors: your generosity makes every match, every training, and every story of hope  possible. To our clients: thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you—we are honored to be part of your journey.

Whether you're packing school lunches or just soaking in the last days of summer, I hope you feel proud of the impact you're making. We’re grateful to have you in the  CanCare community.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Darcie Champagne Wells

President and CEO, CanCare Caregiver Volunteer

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Behind the scenes! We were thrilled to welcome the crew from Dr. Drew's "Health Uncensored" to American Oncology Network's Woodlands Cancer Institute for an exclusive interview for an upcoming episode.  

Dr. Kodi Kodityal from WCI, along with CanCare client Keith  Saathoff and volunteer Leonard  Donaldson, shared powerful insights about the vital support system we provide for cancer patients through CanCare.

Their stories will be featured in an upcoming episode focusing on comprehensive cancer patient support, highlighting how the CanCare and American Oncology Network partnership makes a real difference in patients' lives.  

Mark your calendars for late September when this special episode airs on Lifetime Network! We're honored to share our mission with Dr. Drew's national audience and showcase the incredible impact of peer-to-peer support in the cancer journey.

Stay tuned for air date announcements!

"Cancer may have taken part of my life, but it led me to a love I'd never imagined, to new relationships, and to a blended family I hold close."  

On New Year’s  Day 2005, after nearly a year of unanswered symptoms, Keith’s life changed with one phone  call: “You have cancer.” The shock was overwhelming, but he was determined to fight. He pushed for immediate treatment, ready to face whatever came next.  

Even with support from family and friends, Keith felt alone—until he connected with Leonard, a CanCare volunteer and fellow survivor. Leonard offered something no one else could: true understanding. “Take it one day at a time,” he told  Keith—words that became a lifeline during his hardest moments.

Through pain, uncertainty, and even the end of his marriage, Keith kept moving forward. And in one of the most unexpected places—a hospital room during a painful biopsy—he met Cheryl, a kind nurse who offered to hold his hand. Her compassion turned into something more. Today, she’s his wife.      

Now, nearly 20 years later, Keith is a source of hope for others. As a CanCare volunteer, he continues Leonard’s legacy, walking alongside those facing cancer with the same compassion and strength that once carried him through.

Another way Keith continues to support CanCare's mission is through the Ambassador Program that launched in June. A program made up of passionate volunteers, our  ambassadors are equipped to speak, share, and connect across the community, bringing encouragement,  resources, and the power of peer support wherever they go.  

A special THANK YOU to all of our wonderful CanCare  Ambassadors who are sharing the HOPE of CanCare in their local communities!   

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We recently welcomed Volunteer Class 129 to the CanCare Family—a wonderful group of enthusiastic survivors and caregivers who completed our specialized training and now stand ready to support our clients at a time when they need it most!  

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer, please email Volunteer@cancare.org  to learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities we offer!

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Joy might not be the first thing you think of when facing a cancer diagnosis. And yet, for some, small moments of  joy can become part of what helps them carry on.
 

In this episode, we reflect on earlier conversations with Rita, Michael, and Stephen. Three survivors share how they experienced joy in unexpected ways during their journeys. Whether through connection, purpose, or guiding principles, their stories offer gentle reminders that even in uncertainty, joy can still be part of the journey.  

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Don’t Miss an Episode! Subscribe now and be the first to know when new episodes are released!

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Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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We’re so grateful to Memorial  Hermann for hosting a heartfelt book signing event at the Lindig Family Cancer  Resource Center. Author Darcie, along with contributors Rita and Lloyd, enjoyed connecting with survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters—sharing stories and signing books.

Lindig is a true place of healing, offering whole-person care through programs like the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group and many other vital services.

Thank you to everyone who came out—you made the day unforgettable.

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Join us for the 32nd  Annual CanCare Golf Classic & ParTee on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Memorial Park Golf Course!  

We’re thrilled to have Julie Cotuno leading the way as this year’s Event Chair and to honor Owen Daniels, former Houston Texans star.

The tournament will be followed by our onsite ParTee  Celebration, featuring: Tournament awards, Honoree recognition, Live & silent auctions, and an Exclusive Raffle

This event will sell out— secure your team or sponsorship today!
 
Questions? Email events@cancare.org

Special thanks to our Honorary Chairs: Michael Wiesenthal, Johnny Carrabba, Charlie Epps, Titus Harris III, Cullen Kappler,  and Jeff Zinn.

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