# more than housing 2019 Annual Report
MISSION A Shelter for Cancer Families provides more than housing; we provide much needed tangible support to all families seeking cancer treatment in the Texas Medical Center. Tangible support is provided through housing, navigating the landscape, and celebrating the journey. All services personify our values of Dignity, Privacy, Options, Inclusion and Support.
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A LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR Dear Friends, 2019 was an epic year for A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF). The acquisition of ASCF's new home on Drake in the heart of West University has more than tripled ASCF's capacity to serve families making the cancer journey. In addition, with our offices now onsite, our team has been able to engage the families we serve and our volunteers who serve them in new and exciting ways. Not only are we doing more, but we are doing it better. At the core of our mission, ASCF delivers meaningful tangible support to families in ways that honor each family's time, privacy and dignity. At no cost to the families we serve, we provide options at a time when options are limited. We are inclusive, opening our doors wide serving all types of cancer families while holding tight to the values that shape us. This year we provided housing to families who without our help would have been unable to access lifesaving cancer care in Houston. In 2019, we helped more families than ever to navigate the difficult cancer journey. We celebrated milestones with the families we served, from the ringing of the bell to signify the end of treatment, special holidays, birthdays, and even two baby showers. In 2019, we also mourned the loss of those who have found their healing on the other side of heaven. Even when it was not easy, ASCF has persevered because that is what we do. Brick by brick, as our mission and capacity to serve has grown, so has our team. In the summer of 2019, ASCF engaged Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Monica Agostinelli to build upon ASCF's strong foundation. Since then, she has worked tirelessly at forging new paths to ensure ASCF's continued sustainability in ways that align with our organization's higher purpose. As we welcome 2020, our vision is becoming even clearer and our future has never been more promising. Any engineer will tell you that a strength of a building lies in its foundation. After pouring myself into the foundation of ASCF for more than 18 years, I can tell you that the same is true for an organization. It has been one of my greatest joys to be a part of ASCF's ministry and I continue to be in awe of the foundation we have laid. In 2019, our building and growth delivered both challenges and exciting opportunities. This year, our foundation weathered many storms and our resolve to persevere has only strengthened. Thank you to each of you who have played a role in advancing A Shelter for Cancer Families' mission. I pray that you will enjoy reading some of the extraordinary stories that exemplify ASCF's progress. More than ever we are excited about the future and ASCF's growing potential and we have you to thank for that.
Missy Bellinger Founder & Board Chair A Shelter for Cancer Families
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Dear Friends, In June of 2019, I was honored to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF). This has truly been the highlight of my career and I am humbled by this appointment. My sincerest appreciation goes out to Melissa Amschwand Bellinger for entrusting me with her ministry and to the Board of Directors for its unwavering support. 2019 was a pivotal year at A Shelter for Cancer Families. It was a year marked by growth, expansion, and widening of our hearts and our home to embrace and shelter more families traversing their cancer journey. The solid foundation from which we were built continues to allow our structure to transcend our vision and our mission as we move in to 2020 and beyond. The exemplary generosity and support of our volunteers and donors continues to afford us the blessing of easing the burden and navigating a clearer path for every one of the families we embrace at ASCF. The tangible support we are so honored to provide families along their journey is unique to our organization. In 2019, our home and our hearts welcomed over 50 families visiting the Texas Medical Center, providing over 1,100 nights of free housing, and leaving an immeasurable impact on our lives and organization. As we continue our mission and our vision for the organization, there comes a heightened need for the compassion of additional cancer navigators who so graciously accompanied our families on over 120 clinical visits in 2019. Together, we celebrated and acknowledged momentous milestones throughout the journeys of our families, and this continues to remain at the heart of everything we do. Those who have built our foundation, brick-by-brick, with their vision, dedication, and commitment, allow us to stretch our arms wider to embrace those facing this journey, from active treatment to survivorship or even hospice. My sincerest gratitude to everyone for providing not only a solid but beautiful foundation at A Shelter for Cancer Families to uphold the challenges and the test of time as we continue to grow and serve. We are looking forward to further partnering with you as we broaden our impact in 2020! Always in your service,
Monica Agostinelli CEO/ Executive Director A Shelter for Cancer Families
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO 3
IMPACT ShelteringOthersintheStorm HOUSING In 2019, we were proud to provide 1188 nights of free housing to out-of-town families seeking cancer care here in the Texas Medical Center. With the acquisition of our West University property in July, ASCF t ripled capacit y and looks forw ard to being able to provide over 5,400 night s of housing equat ing to over $800,000 in savings to families next year.
52 families housed 1,188 night s provided
$178,20 0
saved by families served in 2019 4
NAVIGATION ASCF Cancer Family Navigators are volunteers trained to help families successfully traverse the cancer landscape by providing assistance with note taking and facilitating communication between families and the healthcare team. They can accompany families to clinic visits and share information about cancer resources that may be available. As we continue to expand our vision, we are actively recruiting and training future navigators and volunteers to extend our reach in 2020 and beyond.
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168
families served
clinic encounters
CELEBRATION We want families to have the opportunity to celebrate what is important to them without the burden of having to plan and prepare to do so. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, wedding, holiday, or "ringing the bell" to signify the end of treatment, ASCF helps facilitate and document special moments for the families we serve. This year, ASCF hosted a number of family celebrations including multiple birthdays, the renewal of a baptism, and our first holiday party at our new home on Drake.
28 milestones celebrated
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20 19 HIGHLIGHTS Gratitudefor theJourney JANUARY
FEBRUARY
APRIL
Board of Directors New Appointees Abraham Garza, Erica Nowell & Bill St rat ton
Check Presentation Sienna Crossing Element ary
Inducted into the Anderson Assembly
18t h Birt hday Celebrat ion ASCF "officially an adult"
Preparations began for purchase of Drake Property and due diligence Partnership with Nat ional Charit y League (NCL)
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Tiffany Criswell hired as Guest Services
Cant u Family welcomed as 1st family served at Drake
Selected as Brandani's 2019 Give Back Charity Partnership with Johnson Development Acquisition of Lafayette Property Partnership with Texas Mat t ress Makers
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Recipient of Great NonProfit s Top Rated Aw ard for 2019 GO GOLD Celebration & Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (in partnership with Johnson Development , Sienna & Marlee's Smile)
MAY
JUNE
JULY
Partnership with Frost Bank
Monica Agost inelli hired as CEO/ Executive Director
Closing on Drake St reet Propert y
Interviews of CEO Candidates
Transition of Corporate Treasurer from Boyd Healt h to Bill St rat ton
Establishment of Michael Hancock Memorial Fund
Francisco Valencia hired as Maintenance Technician for ASCF
Partnership with Libert y Builders
Partnership with BeylaBlue Designs
Drake Property Building Inspections Partnership with VB Law/ VanBuskirk PC
OCTOBER 2020 ASCF Ambassador Families Named River Oaks Dist rict Sip & Shop with Veronica Beard & Sw itch2Pure Selected as Episcopal High School's 2019 Pink Out Charity MDACC Spine Tumor Conference
NOVEMBER Partnership with Hope Advocates for Thanksgiving Meals FOX New s Feature Story hosted by Jose Grinan & Melissa W ilson Catwalk Gala chaired by Holly & Aust in Alvis Christ ine Falgout & Bill Gut knecht Holly & Steve Radom
DECEMBER Interfaith Dedication of A Shelter for Cancer Families Drake Property Partnership with Harvest Market for Christmas meals Annual Thanks-for-Giving for Volunteer, Donor & Board Appreciation at The Annie Cafe & Bar Top 10 NonProfit for Houston designated by Great NonProfit s Sale of Lafayette Property A Shelter for Cancer Families appearance on America Live hosted by Dr. Alan Markoff
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FINANCIALS ASCF FY 2019 FINANCIAL POSITION ASCF is proud to report another year of strong support from our amazing donors. Your dedication and commitment to our mission has allowed us to serve more families and provide more nights of housing than any time in our history.
$777K
79%
of all expenses are directed at t angible support and bolstering aw areness.
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STORIES OF US In our 19 year history, our priority has been to create meaningful and lasting relationships with the families we serve. Here at A Shelter for Cancer Families, the families we serve become part of our family forever. We believe that in each of these relationships, we are reminded of W HY our mission is important and the reason we are committed to achieving our vision. We are honored to share A Shelter for Cancer Families' 2019 Ambassador Families.
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AMBASSADORS 2019 Ambassador Families GOLDMINZ FAMILY Pam, Jonat han, Zachary & Hailey Favorite personal experience with ASCF?
"The housing. When we showed up,the entire apartment was decorated. There was food in the kitchen and gifts for the kids. There were even gifts for us parents. It was really important."
HARRIS SISTERS Lindsey Harris Massengale, Reagan Harris Fibbe & Emily Harris Banks Biggest misconception about cancer?
"The impact that the cancer journey has on the entire family."
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MAXSON FAMILY Kelly, Denis & Gus Our favorite thing about ASCF is...
"The Cancer Navigators. There are so many times when we have left appointments and not always heard the same thing. It is really helpful to have another set of ears with you to capture all the information."
MOISE FAMILY Julie, Paul & Cade Most difficult part of our cancer journey?
"The most difficult part of the cancer journey was seeing the impact that it had on our son Cade."
W EBBERYNOSTROSA FAMILY Kayla Webber & Krist a Ynost rosa W hat should people say to families affected by cancer?
"More than anything, what we needed most was listening."
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ASCF's NEW HOME A VisionRealized To better serve the families that have become the foundation of our organization, ASCF acquired and renovated our very own property in 2019. From the beginning, the founding members of ASCF have focused on establishing a community that provides individual residences in the Texas Medical Center (TMC) to out-of-town families seeking cancer care. Now, that vision is a reality. These private residences allow families privacy, dignity, and a safe haven while they are away from their homes.
This beautiful piece of art was commissioned by Houston Artist Dust y Joyner for A Shelter for Cancer Families. It now hangs in our new home at 4115 Drake and serves as a reflective experience for all who gaze upon it.
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Each unit was thoughtfully designed by Houston interior designer Lee'Or Meyerson of BeylaBlue Design and provides a private kitchen and laundry facilities as well as a queen sleeper sofa for guests. Our leadership was intentional in selecting this design to allow families the opportunity to insulate themselves as needed while still being able to care for their loved ones.
Cleaning, prepping, and decorating the apartments to welcome our precious families was a labor of love. From cleaning the floors to placing the last throw pillow in its place, we could not have done it without the help of selfless volunteers who put their hearts into their work.
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WHAT'S AHEAD... Expansion of Navigator Program Due to its immeasurable value, we look forward to expanding the Navigator program in order to accommodate the heightened demand for this service. With the acquisition of our Drake property, the need for this service has increased tremendously. In 2020, we are focused on providing additional training, implementing automation, and supplementing the support for our navigators and the families they serve. We look forward to partnering with the many clinicians who serve our families to further enhance our program and expand our reach.
Funding t he Fut ure We look forward to cultivating relationships and expanding engagement within the community, resourcing time, talent and treasure in an effort to provide funding for the future expansion needs of ASCF.
Final Housing Renovat ions and Updates to Communit y Spaces We will continue to improve and update the units and community spaces at the Drake property to best meet the needs of our expanding family base we serve. 16
THANK YOU Weappreciateyour support! A Shelter for Cancer Families is extremely grateful to the donors who have supported us over the years. In 2019, our donors contributed in various monetary amounts to ALL aspects of our mission - housing, navigation, and celebrations - allowing us to serve more families than ever.
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ALLIE & JAY FIELDS Having lost multiple family members to cancer, Allie and Jay Fields' commitment to serving those affected by the disease is personal. In 2014, when Jay's mother Linda was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, ASCF was there to help Jay's parents navigate finding the right specialist. In fact. ASCF navigator Missy Bellinger facilitated the Fields family's initial visit with the doctor who would care for Linda for the duration of her cancer journey. Linda's daughter, Greggory Fields Burk, would later say "thanks to ASCF, I had many more years with my mom than I thought were possible." The Fields family has a long-standing connection to ASCF. Only the fifth year into the nonprofit's existence, Greggory chaired ASCF's Catwalk luncheon. In 2011, the Fields family was recognized with ASCF's Commitment to the Cause Award. In 2015, Allie and Jay chaired ASCF's Catwalk gala with friends Lisa and Josh Oren, breaking all previous and current ASCF fundraising records. Allie also continues to serve as an active member of ASCF's Board of Directors. This past year in support of ASCF's Catwalk gala, Allie and Jay made an unprecedented gift to ASCF in memory of beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend Linda Fields. "We are more united than ever as a family... and felt very strongly about making this special gift to ASCF now," says Allie. Thanks to their family's incredible generosity and spirit. ASCF is growing and looking forward to serving many more families in the years to come.
ESTATE OF DONA FAY RICHARD The many acts of kindness ASCF extended to cancer patient Dona Fay Richard forever changed her life and now she is changing the lives of others. As this Louisiana native found herself in Houston alone to battle this disease, ASCF was there to provide the much needed support of housing and navigation. When Ms. Richard found her healing on the other side of heaven, ASCF received a call from her estate informing us that. as a token of her appreciation for all we had done for her, she elected to donate her home in Lafayette to the organization. Ms. Richard was so grateful to ASCF for the support that she received that she endeavored to "pay it forward." With some help and expertise from ASCF board member Jon Lanclos, Ms. Richard's family worked to help ASCF ready it for sale and make everything current with her affairs. The 'boots on the ground' in Lafayette were so amazing that ASCF was able to close the deal from 200 miles away, and the impact from her gift will be felt for years to come.
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TENENBAUM JEW ELERS Cancer is neither glitzy nor glamorous and the longstanding partnership between Houston-based Tenenbaum Jewelers and A Shelter for Cancer Families may appear to be just as contrasting. But, if you dig beneath the surface, you will find that the family-owned gem has more in common with ASCF than its faรงade may reveal. In fact, Tony Bradfield, co-owner of Tenenbaum Jewelers, knows exactly what it is like to be a family affected by cancer. More than two decades ago, on his 25th birthday, he lost his own mother to breast cancer following a misdiagnosis.
Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield with Monique Lhuillier
W hen PaperCit y Magazine?s Monica Bickers introduced Tony and his partner, Kevin Black, to ASCF Founder Missy Bellinger, there was an immediate connection. ?Not only do they understand how important the services are that ASCF provides,? says Bellinger, ?their compassion for others and personal commitment to giving influence how they live and work every day.?
Tenenbaum Jewelers has been a lead sponsor of ASCF?s Catwalk gala since 2014, in part, thanks to Christ ina St it h whose evolving role includes making sure that the company?s philanthropic efforts align with their business plan and the community?s needs. In fact, last year, the jewelry store was recognized and presented with the Houston Business Journal?s Corporate Philant hropy Aw ard. ?Philanthropy is as important as eating, walking, sleeping, breathing to me,? said Bradfield prior to being presented with the prestigious award. From their genuine appreciation and reverence for their work, to how they have successfully incorporated giving into the Tenenbaum Jewelers' brand, benevolence is clearly a value that is ingrained into the fabric of their family and business. Today, thanks to those qualities and the team?s drive and work ethic, Tenenbaum Jewelers is impressively the largest modern, estate, and antique fine jewelry store in the southern United States.
ABRAHAM GARZA & NATIONAL APARTMENT ADVISORS There is no limit to the depth of the dive that newly appointed board member Abraham Garza and the team at Nat ional Apart ment Advisors would make for ASCF. The relationship began quite organically. In fact, it formed over a cheerleading competition with their daughters and a casual conversation between Missy Bellinger and Kaci Garza. ASCF was looking to buy an apartment complex and Kaci casually introduced her husband Abe to Missy and mentioned he was a founding partner of National Apartment Advisors (NAA). Once the conversation began, it was clear to both that something incredible would develop. In addition to donating all of his services, traditional fees and expertise to ASCF as the organization searched for a new home, Abraham and his NAA team generously brokered the purchase of the property. Opening countless doors along the way from recommending lenders to energy providers to tradesmen, Abraham has been instrumental in helping ASCF get the property up and running for out-of-town cancer families seeking care in the Texas Medical Center. Today, he continues to serve as valued resource and friend to ASCF as we continue to grow and build our capacity. Abraham is incredibly generous with his time, his talents, and his treasure. He has consistently supported Catwalk and continues to provide his unwavering support to funding the mission of A Shelter for Cancer Families.
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In Kind and Special Contributions Abraham Garza/ National Apartment Advisors Anne Rotondo Argyle Art Attack Bean Here Coffee Berg Hospitality Group BeylaBlue Designs Charlie Palmer?s Dry Creek Kitchen Cordua Catering Donnie Henry Holly and Austin Alvis Houston Texans Foundation
Hotel Healdsburg Jenny Antill Photography KFM Design L&N Builder Sales Liberty Builders, LLC MacRostie W inery and Vineyards Meliezza Walker/ MC Walker Photography Moncler National Apartment Advisors PaperCity Phoenix Design Group Preferred Corporate Housing
Public Content Scotti Stark/ Stark Advantage Sprinkles Cupcakes Tenenbaum Jewelers Texas Mattress Makers The Astorian The Clubs at Houston Oaks Third Coast Commercial and Residential Services Ursaline Hamilton Valette Healdsburg VB Law/ VanBuskirk PC Veronica Beard
Kaci and Abraham Garza John Link/ Griswold Industries Amy and Tom Palmisano/ PWC
River Oaks District Ruth McNair Smith Lindsey and Bret Zorich/ Zorich Family Foundation
G&G Investments Inc Greystone and Co. Christine Falgout and W illiam Gutknecht Richard Hartgrove Highlands Elementary School Grace and Rocky Holmes Kay and Ned Holmes Trish and Bryan Huddleston Gena Jacobsen Irene Johnson Stacy Johnson Nicole and Evan H. Katz Alexandra and Brady Knight Lindsey and Jonathan Lindsey Margaret Ling Traci and Matthew Ling Julie Longoria, DDS M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Suzann Madeley Madelon and Ryan McGrenera Laura and Jake Mitchell Juliana Mulholland Vicki Nelson Network for Good* In Memory of Johnny Stinson O?Leary Allison O'Neill
Lisa and Josh Oren Shelly and Bill Pack Holly and Steve Radom Connie and Loyd Rutledge Courtney Schlesinger Sandy Schneider Laurel, Rachel and Nathan Scott in memory of Kenneth Scott Sienna/ Johnson North LP Sienna Crossing Elementary Allison Bond/ Sienna Marketing Dr. Jeanne Spedale P.K. and Mark Stevenson Shannan Sturgis Sueba Development 181 LP Teed Off At Cancer Russell Terri The Wearhouse Dr. Keila Torres and Dr. Jason Reed Triten Energy Partners Twin Eagle Resource Management Jennifer Dougherty and Duc Vo Kevin Vogel Kristen and Michael Weekley Stacy and Mike Welch Audrey and Matthew W hite Jill and Andrew Wright
Champions Melissa and James Bellinger Allie and Jay Fields Estate of Dona Fay Richard
Advocates Monica and Chris Agostinelli Jennifer and Scott Allison Jennifer and Nick Altman Holly and Austin Alvis Anonymous Francine Ballard Neil Beder Ting and John Bresnahan Julie and Stephen Chen Donald Cole Jill and Jeff Collins Paola and Jorge Confalonieri CTC Contractors Cypress Fairbanks ISD Laura and Mark Dalton Francine Davis Valerie and Tracy Dietrich Donne Di Domani Carolyn and Chris Dodson Episcopal High School Facebook Donors* Jordon Emmott Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout Reagan and George Fibbe Virginia Fogelman Jacqueline Fontana Frost Bank
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Friends Catherine Akay
Robin Gallagher
Seema Mathur
Sienna Plantation Stingrays Inc.
Albertex National LLC
Melisa Gamon
Mary Mattson
Christa Simmers
Amazon Smile*
Jennifer Gardella
Kelly and Denis Maxson
Sarah Simon
Norma Andersson
Adam Gattuso
Fritz Maxwell
Laura and W ill Smalling
Nicole Baker
Christi George
Kristin McCalip
Nanci Smith
Kelly and Susan Barnes
Debbie Giese
Kimberly and Alex McElreath
Nancy Smith
The Bartee Family
Rebecca Gilbert
Bill McEnroe
Pat and Peter Snow
Martin Becker
Kathryn and Daniel Giovanelli
Maxie McFarland
Michelle and Jon Solo
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Amber and David Goldapple
Beth and Spencer McIntyre
Rima Soroka
Jennifer and Craig Berko
Marris Goldberg
James McMahan
Ronald Sparks
Shabana Bingham
The Goldminz Family
Madelon McGrenera
Janet Stepp
The Coco Bland Family
The Gould Family
Shannon and Chris McNees
Lauren and Bill Stratton
Danielle Blinstrubas
Jane Graham
Scott McRae
Curt Strautman
Allison Bond
Tom Cody Graves
The Meyerson Family
Kim Stith
Ami Borovick
Sara Green
Lisa Millar
Ari Susman
Kristy Bradshaw
The Green Family
Barbara Miller
Lisa and David Tagliarino
Trinity Brandt
Dr. Amanda Trott-Gregorio and Dr. Jason Gregorio
Trish & Lyle Milstead
Perry Terrell
Wendy Moore
Samuel Tiejen
Griffin and Grace
Mara Morgan
Christina Triggs
Groggy Dog Sportswear and Graphic Design LLC
Jennifer Moss
Carly and Chris Travis
Jackie Mounir
Camella and Joe Turano
Mary Murray
Rolando Vasquez
James Myers
Sandi and Mark Vela
Damien Nelson
Haley Visneau
Newmark Homes
Jodi and Scott Vogan
Sara Nguyen, Realtor
Carolyn and Chris Wade
Keith Nodskov
Amanda Walker
Ricky Palladino
Tracy Wallingford
Vincent Palmisano
John Wallingford III
Dr. Lesley and Dr. Ooga Park
Kerry Hincks Walsh
The Pfeiffer Family
Jeffrey Warmann
Barbara and Kenny Phillips
Seema Weinig
Shirley Phipps
Brenda Werner
Susan Phipps
The West Family
Dorothy and Joseph Pulizzano
JJ W hite
Tom Radom
Stacie W illiams
Ravin Ratan
Lesley W ilson
Aleta Reed
Ellice and John W irthlin
Marla Reeves
Ron and Ellen W ise
Katie Renga
JJ W izig
Rebecca Riley
Tina and John Worrell
Regina Rogers
Denise Woods
Paul Rush
Sandy Woods
Becky and Neil Russell
Toni Wysong
Joyce and Dr. Stephen Fadem
Elisa Lopez/ Sienna Plantation Golf Club
Tracy Sadowski
Shannon Young-DeLaCruz
Sandy and Scott Ferguson
Katrice and Theo Lowe
Amy and Kevin Sareen
Your Cause*
Bradley Fisher
The Lynch Family
Donna Savastio
Diana and W illiam Zollner
Fitz Roofing
Lyondell Chemical Company
Terri and Larry Seidl
Kimberly Flores
Suzann Madeley
Heather and Scott Seward
Jacqueline Fontana
The Mannix Family
Deborah Sharpe
Tena and Richard Ford
The Marks Family
Shell Oil Company
Tom and Sue Byrd Paula Burkhalter Josephine Burleson Emma and John Butler David Butler Patrick Cartwright Rosario and Adrian Cavestany Morgan Clark Victoria Collins Daphne Commerford Kara Cox Melanie and Adam Cox Pam and Bus Culotta Julie Cunneen Camille Darby Maelia Davis Ryan Dawson Thomas DeBoise Diana and Larry Deville Karen and Charles Digerolamo Phillip Drucker Martin Drumheller Lori and Rick Dunbar Carlin and Todd Dunphy Alison Durkee Mandi Ellis Craig Elmore
Robert and Julianna Gahn
Yvette Hall Janice Hambright Dara and Nathan Hekimian M?Liss Heps Virginia Hodge and Bruce Nichols Trevor Hoefgen Carmie and Kevin Hogan Jessica Hughes Steve Huye Trish Jacquet The Janay Family Nikesh Jasani Usha John Jacqueline Jones Jason Jobes Joe Julien Nancy Kelly Nancy and Rick Kendall Holly Kinget Michelle Koeth Suzanne Lemmer Donald Leonetti Elementary Jennifer Leonetti
Tonya Shultz
*Thank you to t hose w ho made donat ions to ASCF t hrough t hese organizat ions.
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VOLUNTEERS YouAreOur Heart Our volunteers are at the heart of everything that we do. Their tremendous commitment to our mission allows us to expand our reach broader every year. Our sincerest gratitude to our volunteers for their selfless gifts of time and treasure. Amber Acuna Amanda Anderson Lindley Arnoldy Kelly Aylward Francine Ballard Monica Barker Danetta Beaushaw Jennifer Beckelman Jen Berko Lisa Billeck Kiley Blanchard Michelle Blanchard Deborah Blume Boy Scout Troop 140 Beatriz Boza Jennifer Burch Sandra Bushman Amanda Calnan Toni Capo Stinelli Castaneda ? Jill Collins Amy Connell Kate Cooper Julie Cotuno Pam Craig Kelly Corsier Laura Dalton Carolyn Dodson Jennifer Doughterty Dr. Stephen Fadem Allie Fields Sharon Fleischauer Abraham Garza Girl Scout Troop 28248 Girl Scout Troop 28302 Stephanie Gradisar
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Suzanne Green Lisa Hafer Christine Hak Boyd Heath Dara Hekimian Christy Hill Kerry Hincks Suzie Hinsdale Kitty Hochner Carmie Hogan Erin Holmes Hope Advocates Allyson Huth Coburn April Jacob Ana Jara Ivan Jara Lara Jones Jamie Jordan Jessica Kahn Jackie Kalmus Jana Kelley Nancy Kendall Alisha Kidane Alexandra Knight Tiambe Kuykendall Jon Lanclos Candyce LeTellier Margaret Ling Traci Ling Katrice Lowe Kelly Maxson Kimberly McElreath Beth McIntyre Sara Metro Delfina Meyerson Lee'Or Meyerson
Andrea Miller Jen Mohtashami Julie Moise Kimber Morgan Kristina Mott Jackie Mounir Lisa Mouton Jeanna Muckleroy Mary Murray National Charity League (Sienna) Jenny Nelson Erica Nowell Lisa Oren Bill Pack Mandy Pamphilis Mary Paschall Sara Perez Kari Pfeiffer Jaime Phillips Shirley Phipps Lis Purdy Mary Margaret Purdy Yvonne Reed Michelle Renfro Jerry Richards Anne Richardson Anne Rotondo Londa Rourick Connie Rutledge Shanna Sanders Chanda Schneider Laurel Scott Tonya Shultz BK Simons Yvette Snelson
Kimberly Soza Rebecca Stepp Tina Steiner Brooke Story Bill Stratton Lauren Stratton Brandi Strube Paola Sussman Lisa Tagliarino Suthern Thibodeaux Brooke Tigtig Dr. Keila Torres Stephen Veigel Priscilla Voisinet Meliezza Walker Nicole Walker Nicole Waters Dr. Lisa Wang Tracy Weiss Stacy Welch Reagan Welch Jill Weller Lauren Weller Brenda West Stephanie W hite Jamie W ing Jennifer W isniewski Lisa Wood Tina Worrell Kim Yates Emily Young Lyndsey Zorich
Volunteer Spotlight MELIEZZA WALKER MC Walker Photography Since 2013, professional photographer Meliezza Walker has been capturing and preserving cherished moments for many families served by ASCF. Donating thousands of hours to ASCF and the families we serve, Meliezza artfully uses her camera as her medium. From behind the lens of her Canon, Walker does not simply take photographs; rather, she tells the stories of the families who are her subjects. Originally, it was her own family?s story that Walker poignantly shared. As her way of honoring her nephew Johnny, who at the age of eight found his healing on the other side of heaven, Meliezza lovingly shared his story through the powerful images she captured throughout his life. Since then, Walker has generously given her time and talent helping other cancer families share their own stories. From holidays to bell ringings, baptisms and birthdays, weddings and other sacred moments, Meliezza has been there carefully chronicling the moments that matter.
Volunteer Spotlight LEE'OR MEYERSON BeylaBlue Design Step into any of A Shelter for Cancer Families? private residences and you can see, touch and feel the impact of volunteer Lee?Or Meyerson?s contributions. For years, Meyerson donated her time serving ASCF but it was not until the acquisition of ASCF?s properties on Drake, that the opportunity to tap into the designer?s true talent was realized. The driving force behind Houston-based BeylaBlue Design, Lee?Or is known for her attention to detail. Charged with creating a healing space for ASCF?s families in residence, she masterfully executed a cohesive design plan that now functions beautifully for each of ASCF?s fifteen private residences as well as its shared community space. Well-appointed, each space takes into consideration the unique needs of families seeking cancer care away from home. From the thread count selected for the linens to the cheery children?s artwork that adorns the walls, Meyerson tended to even the smallest of details. In addition to donating 100% of her time for the project and working to ensure a budget friendly result, Meyerson went the extra mile, tapping her personal connections to secure in kind donations from her friends at Texas Mattress Makers who donated custom sofa beds for each residence.
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Great Nonprofit s' 2019 Top-Rated Nonprofit s are endorsed by clients, volunteers, and their community. The badge indicates the organization operates with transparency. GreatNonProfits is the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofits.
LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Missy Amschwand Bellinger, Chairman of the Board W illiam (Bill) C. Stratton, Corporate Treasurer Lindley Arnoldy Stinelli Castaneda ? Jill Collins Laura Dalton Stephen Fadem, MD Allie Fields Abraham Garza, III
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J. Boyd Heath, III Alexandra Knight Jon Lanclos Traci Ling Erica (Plummer) Nowell Keila Torres, MD Lyndsey Zorich
JOIN THE FAMILY VOLUNTEER Set aside a weekly or monthly time to volunteer as a cancer navigator or member of our hospitality team. cancerfamilies.org/ volunteer SHOP FOR A CAUSE Visit smile.amazon.com, then select A Shelter for Cancer Families as your charity of choice for a percentage of eligible purchases to be donated to ASCF. HELP ASCF TO RAISE THE ROOF W ITH OUR ONLINE REGISTRY Direct a donation to support a specific need for families housed by ASCF. Visit us online select an item or a package from our Raise the Roof registry. MAKE OR PLAN A GIFT Create a legacy of giving through estate planning. MARK THE OCCASION OR HONOR/ REMEMBER A LOVED ONE Make an occasion more meaningful, celebrate a holiday, honor an achievement, recognize a milestone or honor someone you love. Ask us how to create your own personal giving page/ link on ASCF's website to share with others.
To make a gift or donate, visit us online at cancerfamilies.org/ donate. 25
A SHELTER FOR CANCER FAMILIES (formerly Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation) 4115 Drake, Suite 4 Houston, Texas 77005 w w w.cancerfamilies.org info@cancerfamilies.org @cancerfamilies @cancer_families
Photography Credit: Meliezza Walker, MC Walker Photography