The American Cancer Society helps people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back - and The Hope Shop exists to support these efforts. Recently, The American Cancer Society's Hope Shop conducted a survey, to identify ways to improve our results.
Many thanks to everyone who participated. As a way of showing our appreciation, we have randomly selected ten participants and sent each a special gift.
We were especially touched by the fact that each of our survey participants has faced cancer themselves, or experienced it through the eyes of a close friend or family member. We think they're winners not only because they contributed their insights via the survey, but also because of their positive spirits and visions of hope. May their stories inspire you, as they have us.
Winners' Stories
"As a 7-year cancer survivor, I would love to share my story. I was sick for about 6 months, with nausea, and no energy. Wanted to sleep all the time, but the nausea kept me awake. Finally, after numerous tests, they found the mass on my left kidney: renal cell carcinoma. The doctor told me on a Friday; I saw the surgeon the following Monday; and had a nephrectomy on Wednesday. Been going strong since."
"I've lost many loved ones due to cancer, and have seen friends over come the beast. Hope is out there, we just have to continue to believe."
- Sandy Payne, Monroe, LA.
"Quality gifts, the convenience of online shopping & charitable giving all at the same time...it's a win, win, win situation!"
- Dana Shade, Bettendorf, IA.
"Several years ago, a dear friend was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. We were part of a "girls group" who had met when our daughters were in the same First Grade class. We went to dinner once a month or met at each other's houses."
"I purchased bracelets from the Hope shop for her family and the other girls in the group and we all wore them continuously for two years as Sheila went through her treatment, into remission, and then ultimately lost her battle. Now I wear my bracelet so I can keep her close to my heart and think of her regularly."
- Denise Pavlides, Massapequa, NY.
"In my nursing career I have cared for patients with varied types of cancer. I know that when I make a purchase from The Hope Shop, the money will be used to help find a cure for cancer. It's my small way of helping."
- Jamie Lindsey, Broken Arrow, OK.
"Purchasing from The Hope Shop is important to me: I am a cancer survivor because of the amazing work that ACS does, and I want to do all I can to make sure that it continues."
- Sara Burks
My daughter was 9 when she was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. That's why I turned to the Hope Shop to find inspirational gifts for her and her sister when doing my Christmas shopping. She's 12 now and well, and the American Cancer Society has been so wonderful through our cancer journey. I never had to ask for help - they called me every month to find out how my daughter was doing and offered us many great services.
- Heather Gaal, Trinton Falls, N.J.
American Cancer Society's Hope Shop is delighted to announce our survey winners:
Heather J. Gaal
L Scozzari
Sandy Payne
Dana Shade
Sara Burks
Denise Pavlides
Cindy Colar
Jamie Lindsey
Bunny Harrington
Shelly Busby
Show Your Hope
1. Find treats for yourself and gifts for others at The Hope Shop.
2. Join The Hope Shop Facebook Cause.
3. Tell your friends about The Hope Shop on Facebook and Twitter.
Your participation will help the American Cancer Society reach our 2015 goals:
- A 50% reduction in age-adjusted cancer mortality rates
- A 25% reduction in age-adjusted cancer incidence rates
- A measurable improvement in the quality of life (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) from the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life, of all cancer survivors