May 2026 News

Dear CanCare Family,

June is National Cancer Survivorship Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of every person whose life has been touched by cancer. At CanCare, we are reminded every day that survivorship is not just about treatment or recovery — it is about hope, connection, and the power of community.

As we reflect on this meaningful month, we are also filled with gratitude following the incredible success of our 2026 Hope Survivorship Luncheon in May. Together, we celebrated survivors, honored remarkable leaders, and raised critical support to ensure that no one facing cancer has to walk through it alone. Seeing our volunteers, clients, donors, and community partners gathered together in such a powerful way was a beautiful reminder of the heart behind CanCare’s mission.

To our volunteers who give their time and compassion, our donors who make this work possible, and our clients who inspire us daily with their strength — thank you. Because of you, CanCare continues to provide hope, encouragement, and one-on-one support to individuals and families navigating cancer.

We are so grateful to walk this journey together and look forward to continuing to make an impact in the lives of those we serve.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Darcie Champagne Wells

President and CEO, CanCare Caregiver Volunteer

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The 2026 Hope Survivorship Luncheon was Amazing!

This week, CanCare hosted a record-breaking fundraising event bringing together clients, volunteers, survivors, donors, and community leaders to celebrate the power of survivorship, hope, and support.

We are deeply grateful to our Event Chair, Kristy Bradshaw, whose heart, vision, and leadership made this day everything it was.

A heartfelt thank you to our Host Committee Chairs — Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Elizabeth Abraham Colombowala, and Andrea Medina — whose dedication and care helped bring this special day to life.

We were also honored to celebrate three remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of CanCare:

🏆 Community Honoree: Hallie Vanderhider
🏆 Survivor Honoree: Elizabeth Stein
🏆 Medical Honoree & Featured Speaker: Dr. Marc Boom

To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and cheered us on: thank you. Because of you, no one facing a cancer diagnosis has to face it alone.

That is the hope we carry forward. Together.

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"Cancer gave me the gift of permission—to slow down, cherish life, and hold my loved ones closer."

At just 35 years old, Marie Ockerbloom’s life changed with the words no one expects to hear: “You have breast cancer.” With young children at home, fear and uncertainty quickly became part of everyday life. Then, only a year later, her husband Carl was diagnosed with colon cancer, beginning another heartbreaking chapter for their family.

Through every challenge, faith, family, and the support of loved ones became Marie’s foundation. She learned to focus on moments of joy, lean into prayer, and surround herself with positivity and hope. 

Even in the face of loss and uncertainty, cancer taught her to slow down, cherish life, and live more fully.

Today, Marie serves as a CanCare volunteer, walking alongside others facing cancer with compassion and understanding. She believes hope comes from connection, faith, and knowing you never have to face cancer alone.

For a deeper look at Marie’s journey of resilience, faith, and finding hope through hardship, we invite you to read her full story in Hope in the Face of Cancer.

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New Podcast Episodes: Stories of Hope, Connection, and Resilience

This month, CanCare shares two heartfelt conversations about the power of support, self-advocacy, and finding hope in the midst of cancer. Sandra Beno, breast cancer survivor and CanCare Board Chair, reflects on navigating treatment while raising a family and leading a demanding career, sharing how faith, community, and small daily practices helped her move from fear to strength.

In another moving episode, brain cancer survivor Stephen Hudson and his husband and caregiver, Calvin, share how an unexpected friendship through CanCare became a source of healing, encouragement, and brotherhood during one of life’s hardest seasons. Their story is a powerful reminder that no one should face cancer alone.

Both episodes offer inspiration, practical encouragement, and a testament to the life-changing impact of connection and compassionate support.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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