November 2025 News

Dear Friends of CanCare,

As we enter November—a season often called the Month of Thankfulness—I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who makes the mission of CanCare possible.

This month also marks National Caregivers Month, a time to honor those who give so much of themselves to care for others facing the challenges of cancer. At CanCare, we see every day the incredible strength, compassion, and hope that caregivers bring to the lives of those they love. You are the quiet heroes—balancing countless responsibilities while offering encouragement, comfort, and courage.

In this month of reflection and gratitude, please know that you are the heart of CanCare. Your compassion, time, and support embody the spirit of thankfulness we celebrate this season.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Darcie Champagne Wells

President and CEO, CanCare Caregiver Volunteer

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At CanCare, we see the countless ways caregivers pour their hearts into supporting loved ones through cancer. Your patience, compassion, and dedication make a world of difference—and we are truly thankful for everything you do.

Caregivers are the backbone of our community, and caregiver volunteers play an essential role in extending that support to others. 

Your experience, empathy, and time can bring hope and comfort to someone navigating their cancer journey.

If you’ve ever thought about giving back in this meaningful way, we would be honored to have you join our caregiver volunteer team. Together, we can make a profound impact—one caring heart at a time. 

Learn more about volunteering HERE.

"Caregiving is not a solitary journey. It's a collective effort that can bring strength, comfort, and healing to both the caregiver and the one receiving care." 

Caregiving often comes unexpectedly, and for Ashley, it began at just 18 when her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Suddenly, college and volleyball plans took a backseat as she devoted herself to being by her mother’s side. “The time I spent with my mother was not a sacrifice but a blessing,” Ashley shares.

She cared for her mother through chemo, daily needs, and moments of quiet connection—and later supported her father through his own cancer journey. These experiences inspired Ashley to advocate for families facing cancer, including writing The Big Discovery, a children’s book that helps families navigate conversations about breast cancer with love and understanding. 

Ashley’s advice to caregivers is simple: It’s okay to ask for help. Caregiving is a shared journey that asks for courage, compassion, and care—for both the loved one and yourself.

Caregiver volunteers are vital to this mission. If you’d like to share your time and heart, we would be honored to have you join our team.

For a deeper look into Ashley’s journey and the compassion she shared, we encourage you to read Hope in the Face of Cancer. Her story—and so many others—shines a light on the incredible strength found in caregivers and community.

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"Remember, there is a divine plan for you, and it is just as unique as your fingerprint."

After his second brain surgery, Tanner found himself physically weak, struggling mentally, and watching his dreams of a military career slip away. But instead of staying down, he laced up his running shoes.

What started as a way to regain his strength after his craniotomy became something he never expected: a passion. "I almost exclusively run because I enjoy it, which I never thought I would be saying," Tanner shares.

The former powerlifter and football player discovered that running, though often solo, felt more like a team sport than anything he'd experienced before. After placing third in his age group at his first half-marathon, he found a supportive community unlike any other.

Now, Tanner is training for his first full marathon at the Chevron Houston Marathon with Team CanCare, and his reason is powerful: "I wanted to give others hope. I wanted to show that cancer is not who you are, not what you're limited to."

His message to others facing similar battles is clear: reach out, talk to someone, and remember that losing a dream can be as heartbreaking as any other loss. But there's hope on the other side.

Join us in cheering on Tanner and Team CanCare at the Chevron Houston Marathon! 

How You Can Get Involved:

• Join us at our Hoopla station on January 11, 2026 to cheer on Tanner and our runners
• Start your own fundraiser with Team CanCare: Click HERE to begin
• Make a gift to Team CanCare to support runners like Tanner, who are spreading hope

We’re excited to share two inspiring new episodes of the CanCare Podcast!

“The Caregiver Who Sparked a Movement” with Andrea Wilson Woods — Hear how one caregiver’s journey through loss led to founding a movement that’s changing lives for those impacted by cancer.

“Health Uncensored” with Dr. Drew — Join us for an honest, insightful conversation about the importance of whole-person wellness, support, and community during the cancer journey.

Take a moment to listen and be uplifted by stories of hope, courage, and connection shared on the CanCare Podcast.

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

Click HERE for more information on how to listen!

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This November 18, we’re hosting a Volunteer Information Session — and we’d love for you to be part of it! CanCare volunteers are the heart of our mission, offering hope and understanding to those facing cancer.

As we continue to grow, we need more compassionate volunteers to help us reach everyone who needs support.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference, now’s the perfect time to get involved.

Click HERE for more information!