Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Workcuff.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janice. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32. I stand as a 30-year survivor of Breast cancer. There was not a lot of support of education or guidance and direction at that time. I had a recurrence of Breast cancer in my chest wall after three months the doctors told me that the days of my life would be very short. I had to go through chemotherapy and radiation was very sick I could not talk or walk. I think family and friend support is very important and needed. But, it was until I met up with other survivors I did not feel so alone in this journey.
I was very disturbed I had no support from another survivor. It was a tough journey for me. I prayed God showed me clearly that I would be an advocate for women going through breast cancer and help educate through the journey that I would support stand in the gap in whatever way I could. I wrote an article about my story and would speak at different places in the Houston and surrounding areas in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri I volunteered for the American Cancer Society. I joined organization Sisters Network where I served as local President for ten years.
I got involved with Susan G. Komen, work at MD Anderson on a special Project “relationship after Breast cancer. I went to Project lead training, attended symposiums, workshops, conference about the latest update on breast cancer so I could be a better advocate when I was talking to women. I felt I needed to get it out more I wrote a book in 2003 Road to Restoration “walking on by faith,” before now serving as Executive director of Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc.
We have support group meetings monthly we are there for the ladies through education, support, financial hardship a lot lose jobs, homes; cars use all of there paid time, savings, 401K, etc… I love what I do it’s my passion, my mission my assignment. To be able to guide newly diagnosed patient with guidance and direction be there for them to see the smile and hope on there faces is rewarding for me to see them get through this journey.
Unfortunately, some do not make it I lost one of my best friend that took care of me. I am at the bedside of I took hospice training to be a better advocate through the end of life journey. Knowledge is a Powerful prevention of Diet and exercise somewhere early detection is the best protection but being proactive not reactive with Preventative care. It’s a lot of work but fulfilling work. The hardest and now having to help family members get through. But, I stand strong and better to help find a cure and educate women and continue to give them HOPE.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been an all smooth road. I wanted a reconstruction, but I had such a hard time with chemo I did not have the reconstruction until 22 yrs survivorship and I felt so much better. Some of the struggles is getting people to start talking about breast cancer, education in all communities.
Funding to help their ladies through financial hardship. Then, I had a family small son and husband and worked full time, so I felt I could not give it all I could. But, now I am getting ready to retire, and I will be able to assist and help and give guidance and direction to a successor that can care the vision on.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc. Angels provide those facing cancer with a much-needed sense of control over their situation, by assisting them with maintaining their quality of life and developing coping mechanisms in the face of cancer. Instead of using a clinical approach, Angels are committed to a grassroots effort that fosters personal attention and provides care to both the patient and their families.
Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc. (ASC), a nonprofit organization, was established in 2011 by a group of breast cancer survivors who experience first-hand the gap that exists for survivors and their families. The group recognized the need for support, education, and care extends beyond medical intervention for those diagnosed with the disease.
What do we do?
Here are some of the services and programs we offer to breast cancer patients, their families, and the community:
* CARE Program (Cancer Awareness Resource Encouragement): Provides financial assistance to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and facing financial challenges. This program provides resources and referrals of financial assistance for items including (but not limited to): medical-related lodging, medical co-pays, office visits, and prostheses (as funds are available) based on an application process.
* Angels Education and Outreach Program: Provides opportunities for ASC to raise awareness about breast health. The primary objectives of the ASC’s outreach and educational programs are to 1) enlighten and educate the public on the importance of breast cancer education; 2) to increase breast cancer education and reduce cultural barriers for underserved, minority women and 3) to increase breast cancer screening rates in the Houston Metropolitan area.
* Angels Network: Provides support, networking and collaboration opportunities for survivors, their families, and friends. Within this network, real-life “Angels” provide one-on-one care to those who are undergoing breast cancer treatment as well as a source of support to their families. Angels UP (Uplifting People): A counseling program that helps breast cancer patients, and their families, with a sense of control over their diagnosis by assisting them with maintaining their quality of life and developing coping mechanisms in the face of cancer.
* Angles Scholarship Fund: ASC award scholarships to high school seniors whose mothers succumbed to breast cancer.
ASC’s Accomplishments:
* Approximately 2000 families were served from 2011 to 2017 through the CARE Program
* 5 of high school seniors were awarded scholarships between 2011 to 2017
* 150 people support ASC through membership (Angels, Guardian Angels, & Friends of Angels)
We specialize in supporting the ladies. I am so proud to see the ladies get through their treatments come to the support meeting and volunteering and giving back.
What sets us apart?
We have a hands-on touch one on one if needed and I think ladies love that.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans are to retired January 2019. To really connect in the community more with other organizations to meet more women to get an education more into the community.
Be more of an advocate at the bedside when the ladies are going for appointments and treatments being there with them helping them understand and make a decision of their care in a timely manner. Help those with no insurance find alternatives. Help find funding for those going through financial hardship.
To get more organized to find a successor for Executive director mentor them for two years making sure the mission and legacy is continued.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12401 South Post Oak Suite 231 Houston, Texas 77045
- Website: www.angelssurvivingcancer.net
- Phone: 281-912-5195
- Email: info@angelssurvivingcancer.net
- Instagram: angelsforreal
- Facebook: angelssurvivingcancer
- Twitter: angels@angelssurviviors
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
