History

In 1992 Jeanette Cartwright was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Jeanette often referred to her best friend, Barb Titanish, as “directionally challenged”. When everyone else was running the other way, unsure what to say or how to react, Barb jumped right in with flip charts, ready to take charge.

Barb’s family has an extensive history of cancer and through the years she has cared for them all in their times of need. Building a team of support for Jeanette seemed to come naturally to Barb and she immediately began organizing other willing family members and friends to provide Jeanette with a strong support system. “Who will take Jeanette to this doctor appointment?” “Who can be with her on this day as she recovers from treatment?” “Who is able to do her laundry, tidy up the house?”

Jeanette was grateful for so much loving assistance, but realized that not everyone was so lucky. Many cancer patients don’t have this rallying support. She wondered how other patients handled all the physical and emotional demands? With Jeanette’s experience in coping with these demands and Barb’s willing heart to care for others, H.O.P.E. was born.

Jeanette compiled a list of necessary services for Barb to incorporate into H.O.P.E.’s mission. Barb lovingly refers to this list as her “marching orders.” Although Jeanette’s health weakened, she was able to witness H.O.P.E. in action for six months before she lost her battle with cancer in 1994.

Jeanette’s legacy lives on through H.O.P.E.’s mission and the organization continues to carry out her list of necessities through its programs and services. One key component to this list is The Dream to build a vacation from cancer retreat.

Maybe you or someone you know is in need of a helping hand through the journey of a cancer diagnosis. H.O.P.E. is here to help.

Would you like to be involved in H.O.P.E.’s mission of continuing to provide such support to cancer patients and their families? H.O.P.E. is continually looking for others in the community and abroad with whom to partner. Please consider donating your time and resources. No gift is too small to make a difference.