March 2023 Issue: Celebrating Women's History

CEO

Happy Women’s History Month

It’s a New Year with new goals, dreams, and determination to strive for excellence in purpose. I want to celebrate every woman who has read Sistah’s Place and supported us since our debut online in 2014, Thank you! I invite you to thank an amazing woman in your life who has blessed you with advice, guidance, direction, and paved a path that will forever change your life.

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My prayer for 2023 is for us to continue to celebrate one another, support women, encourage women of all ages, share resources and networks, be impactful. Most important our theme this year is Women’s Health & Wellness. In this issue, we kick off with our theme with some amazing articles by the women I celebrate each day with here at Sistah’s Place and we honor our spotlight women R. Reshay and Florenza Lee. We also celebrate new and seasoned authors in the new segment Sistah’s Book Joint. Let’s celebrate and empower women across the globe by starting in our own backyards.

Letrise T. Carter Creator and Chief Executive Officer

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”

Serena Williams, professional American tennis player

SISTAH’S PLACE TEAM

Editors

Carmen Elle is an author and editor from Columbus, Ohio. A self-proclaimed book nerd, Carmen holds an M.A. in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and currently serves as Senior Editor for Sistah’s Place Magazine and works as a literary coach with the incredible collective, Literary B.A.E., helping writers www.carmenelle.com

Editors

Jennifer Brown Banks is an award-winning content creator, creative strategist, editor, author, columnist and writer-entrepreneur. Over the decades, her articles, poetry and commentary pieces have appeared extensively in print and online publications which include Today’s Black Woman Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Being Single Magazine, Rigorous Journal and Rolling Out. Banks holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She formerly served on the board of directors of Chicago Writers Association for ten years. Learn more at Newsbreak.com. www.original.newsbreak.com/@ jennifer-brown-banks-561129

Contributors

Marcie Hill

Marcie Hill is a freelance writer, blogger, trainer, and author who left her job and a 12-year career in human resources to pursue her dream of writing. She owns three blogs; has authored and self-published eight books, and has presented at national and local writing, blogging, and social media conferences. She is currently working toward making her dreams come true and helping others do the same. Visit her website www.marciewrites.com

Carmen Elle Sr. Editor

Jennifer Brown Banks Sr. Editor/Contributor

Dr. Barbara Evans, EdD, LCPC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She holds a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology, Education & Supervision. She has over 20 years of experience in the counseling field specializing in Women’s Emotional Issues and Empowerment. Barbara is providing Telehealth services in the community due to the Coronavirus Pandemic supporting Individuals, Couples and Business Owners/Entrepreneurs. Visit her website www.Barbeface2face.com

Attorney Pillara Smith-Henderson

Pillara Henderson-Smith is an attorney with a focus on estate planning. Shortly after graduating with a Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School and early into her legal career, she was called to serve as a Children’s Ministry Director. It is in that role she developed a passion for building relationships and supporting families. That same passion has become the foundation of her estate planning practice, where she builds relationships and supports families with the creation of unique plans for life transitions of mental or physical incapacity and death. With each transition comes a change and her goal is to empower individuals to create a plan for their family that allows for a legacy of support, stability, security, and peace of mind. Visit her website www.hendersonsmithlaw.com

Shurvone Wright

Shurvone is an Author, Speaker, Mentor, and founder of Confidence Without Regret- The Butterfly Experience, CEO of La’ BossPreneur Marketing, LLC, and Everything Wright, LLC. She encourages women to stand in their truth, helping them to find their voice, to go after their dreams and goals unapologetically. She encourages women to stand in their truth, helping them to find their voice, to go after their dreams and goals unapologetically. She has a gift of encouragement and exhortation, changing lives across the country. Visit her website at www.shurvonewright.podia.com

Dr. Barbara Evans

SISTAH’S PLACE’S BOOK JOINT

Scroll the new releases in 2023 that are a must read from women who are new and seasoned storytellers. Let’s celebrate them during Women’s History Month. All book selections in this issue are from Spark Studio at GoSparkPoint.com.

Play the Game by Charlene

Allen

(Katherine Tegen Books, January 31)

Young adult, ages 13-17

In the game of life, sometimes other people hold all the controls. Or so it seems to VZ. Four months have passed since his best friend Ed was killed by a white man in a Brooklyn parking lot. When Singer, the man who killed Ed, is found dead in the same spot where Ed was murdered, the police suspect Jack, VZ’s other best friend. Determined to complete a video game Ed never finished, and figure out who actually killed Singer, VZ teams up with Diamond — a girl he’s crushing on at work. As the police close in on Jack, the game starts to uncover details that could lead to the truth about the murder. Can VZ honor Ed and help Jack before it’s too late?

Reggie and Delilah’s

dentally, sometimes not—on various holidays throughout the year. It’s almost like the universe is pushing them together for a reason. As their holiday meetings continue, the two begin to fall for each other. But what happens once they realize they’ve each fallen for a version of the other that doesn’t really exist? Their year of falling in love sees them work through their insecurities and learn to love their respective identities.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor

Prophecy by Angie Thomas (Balzer + Bray, April 4)

MG, ages 8-12 | Black Girl Magic | African American history and folklore

Year of Falling

by Elise Bryant (Balzer + Bray, January 31)

Young adult, ages 13-17

Reggie (D&D Dungeon Master and self-declared Black nerd) and Delilah (lead singer of the local punk band) meet—sometimes coinci-

Nic Blake is Remarkable in an Unremarkable World. It has its perks, like the pet hellhound she was given for her twelfth birthday, but it has its downfalls too – like not being trusted with magic because you might use it against an annoying neighbor. Nic wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a powerful Manifestor, but before she can convince him to show her how, he is being accused of crimes she refuses to believe he committed. Now, she must embark on a quest with two of her friends to find a magical tool she’s never heard of to save her father from imprisonment.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi (Balzer + Bray, May 9)

YA, ages 13+ | Coming of age | Misogynoir | Family dynamics

Nigeria’s been raised in the Movement, a Black separatist group led by her father in Philadelphia. She’s homeschooled and vegan and participates in cultural rituals along with other children from the group meant to connect them to their an-

cestors. But then her mother, the ideal matriarch of the Movement, goes missing, leaving Nigeria’s world upturned and pushing her into roles she doesn’t want.

In her search for her mother, Nigeria stumbles on a secret that causes her to question everything she thought she knew. Zoboi masterfully frames this story with remixes of the Constitution, exploring if the values America was built on really serve all.

Rhythm & Muse by India Hill Brown

(Quill Tree Books, May 30)

Cinderella meets Cyrano in this pitch-perfect YA romcom that is a celebration of Black joy, first crushes, and putting your heart on the line for love.

Darren Johnson lives in his head. There, he can pine for his crush—total dream girl, Delia Dawson—in peace, away from the unsolicited opinions of his talkative family and showboat friends. When Delia announces a theme song contest for her popular podcast, Dillie D in the Place to Be, Darren’s friends—convinced he’ll never make a move—submit one of his secret side projects for consideration. After the anonymous romantic verse catches Dillie’s ear, she sets out to uncover the mystery singer behind the track. Now Darren must decide: Is he ready to step out of the shadows and take the lead in his own life?

(HarperTeen, July 11)

From Joya Goffney of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, comes a stirring YA coming-of-age, best friends-to-lovers romance about a girl named Nikki who plans to run away from small-town Texas, but ultimately finds that her oldest friend, Mal, just might be the one who’s been there for her all along.

Filled with heart and humor, this novel captures complex family drama, friendship, and love. For fans of I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest and Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan. Nikki can’t wait to leave Texas and follow her dreams of a music career . . . After a painful betrayal by her sister and a heated argument with their mother, Nikki is kicked out and finds herself homeless.

She decides to go to California to pursue her singing career. When her best friend, Malachai, discovers her plan to flee Texas, he begs her to spend the remainder of spring break with him. He believes that over the course of a week, he can convince her to stay in Texas, or to at least graduate high school. But their plans are interrupted when Nikki’s little sister Vae goes missing.

Nikki is forced to work alongside her difficult mother as they set off in search of Vae, with Malachai’s support. Will Nikki find a reason to stay in Texas, or will this spring break be the last time she sees them? Through her emotional journey, Nikki ultimately finds the love she’s always been missing and discovers the power of her own voice.

WOMEN AND ESTATE PLANNING

By Pillara Henderson-Smith

“Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” -- RICHARD

Too often women do not plan for their financial future or the future of their health care. This is especially true if a woman is in a traditional marriage because traditionally it is thought that the man manages most of the family’s assets. And when it comes to health care, most couples generally think their spouse will be able to make health care decisions on their behalf and to advocate for their health care needs if they cannot. So, planning doesn’t rank high on the list of priorities.

However, what many women do not realize is that according to the Center for Disease Control’s National Vital Statistics Report, women live on average 4.8 years longer than men. This statistic is significant because as most women reach their golden years, they will be solely responsible for their assets and health care. Therefore, it is more likely that a woman will control the disposition of her family’s wealth and it is more likely that a woman will have more acute health care needs. Based on those two facts alone, every woman should take control of her assets and health care to ensure that life meets her standards and expectations especially when she can no longer speak for herself.

An important way for a woman to take control is to create an estate plan. With an estate

plan, documents can be executed to give specific directions on how her assets should be used and what type of care she will receive. One document she can create is a revocable trust. A revocable trust is an effective tool used to organize assets to give their maximum benefit while she has capacity when she is incapacitated and at her death. This document allows her to choose who will manage her assets for her benefit and the benefit of her loved ones when she is longer able to. She can have peace of mind knowing that the quality of life she is accustomed to does not have to change simply because of mental or physical incapacities. She can also have peace of mind in knowing that at her death her assets will be gifted to the people and organizations that are most important to her. Another document she can create is a power of attorney for health care. Many women live their lives appearing to be invincible as they care for so many others. However, the truth is women are not invincible and with a longer expected life span the reality is they may develop long-term and serious health care needs. With a power of attorney for health care, she can take the guesswork out and remove the emotional trauma when tough health care decisions must be made and she is no longer able to communicate her desires for herself. She can rest assured knowing that she has given detailed guidance and direction on what quality of life means to her. And she can rest assured in knowing she has chosen a person that will honor her wishes.

The month of March has been designated as a time to honor our women in history. I believe that every woman has a legacy and history to be told. I believe every woman can take control of the narrative and create a plan that can anticipate some of life’s trials and offer guidance on how to navigate through and around them to give her the quality of life and a narrative she deserves.

CUSHING

FLORENZA LEE- SHARES HER PASSION FOR WRITING WITH THE WORLD

By Marcie Hill

“Books and writing were my heaven in the midst of hell,” says Florenza Denise Lee, reflecting on why she wrote as a child. She grew up in a toxic household, watching her mother get physically abused. “Writing was my safety place… my escape from life.” Books, on the other hand, teleported her anywhere in the world. She read everything she got her hands on including

books that were inappropriate for her age group. Essentially, words got her through challenges.

When she wrote as a child, it was not her intent to be an author. However, she did enjoy penning poetry, and won several contests for her work. Today, she is an international best-selling, award-winning author that writes several genres of books. “Under Florenza Denise Lee, I write children’s books and everything nice; Aiken Ponder writes all the naughty stuff.”

Florenza has written over 60 books and has independently published 28 books in print, electronic and audio formats. Children’s books are her favorite. Why was she inspired to start writing children’s books? “I didn’t start writing children’s books; they selected me to write them.”

On January 31, 2014, Florenza wrote what would become her first five children’s books, signed a contract with an illustrator and editor, and felt very accomplished….” Her very first book, The Tail of Max

the Mindless Dog, a children’s book on mindfulness, has sold in 31 countries and is being translated into eight languages. Three of her 23 children’s books’ titles have been translated into Spanish, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin languages. They will soon be available in Farsi, German, French, and Italian. “The goal is to translate all my backlist of children’s books and in time, my adult literature titles.”

Florenza later started Words to Ponder Publishing Company and Words to Ponder Radio Show. In February 2018, Letrise Carter, founder of Sistah’s Place Entertainment, invited Florenza to be a guest speaker on her show. The response was so favorable Florenza received a call asking her to consider hosting a show. Within two weeks, Words to Ponder Radio Show was launched under the umbrella of The Essence of She Online Radio. The show is currently on a short hiatus due to Florenza’s schedule but will return in the near future.

Coaching is an integral part of Florenza’s business

because “I believe that I have always been a coach. Even as a young child, I would challenge my friends and family to look at their why…I possess the ability to restory your narrative.” Florenza is a Narrative Coach, Children’s Mindfulness Coach and Mindset Coach with a certification from the Coach Training Alliance.

Narrative Coaching involves the client’s soul, mind, heart, and body and is a method of coaching that invites the client to reflect on their own stories. For Children’s Mindfulness Coaching, she teaches teachers how to apply mindfulness in their classrooms so students can apply it. As a mindset coach, she teaches people to live in the right now, in this moment.

The most unique title and responsibility Florenza holds is Book Doula. “I will help you birth your book.” To date, she has helped over 105 authors in various genres write, publish and become successful in their authorship.

In addition to being an accomplished author, publisher, coach, radio talk show host and book doula, Florenza is also a Master Storyteller and veterans advocate. Here’s how she attributes the keys to her success: “… Obedience…to the prompting of God, tenacity and resilience. I do not give up. Ever.” This is evident in the bodies of works she’s produced and the lives she’s touched. However, she is challenged with “not being so hard on myself to feel like I have to be at the best at it” and constantly reminding herself that if “you’re not having fun don’t do it.”

To learn more about Florenza and all her ventures, including details on how to hire her for speaking and coaching services, “go with the Flo” by visiting her website at Florenza.org. She can also be found on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter at Florenza Lee and on Facebook Florenza Denise Lee.

“I believe that I have always been a coach. Even as a young child, I would challenge my friends and family to look at their why…I possess the ability to restory your narrative.”

A MANDATE FOR THE MODERN WOMAN

By JENNIFER BROWN BANKS

Take rest

De-stress, Relinquish the need To be perfect Take baby steps--You got this!

Clear your mind! Of the debris You find From negative Thoughts, Past regrets, Foolish gossip---

Take joyful moments. To kick back and relax, Indulge in things you like to do, Renew Take care of you--Practice self-love Without Being judged--Stand tall Recognize You don’t have to “Conquer all”, Rome wasn’t built over night---

Love your body, Celebrate the skin you’re in, Make good health A welcome friend---

Redefine success

Take baby steps, Resist the need To always “fix”--You got this!

K. RESHAY- FLOURISHES AS AUTHOR, PLAYWRIGHT, & POET

By Marcie Hill

Kena Williams, also known as K. Reshay, is an author, awardwinning poet, playwright, and President and Founder of Me Time Book Club. She was also one of the featured authors of the 2022 National Book Club Conference.

K. Reshay had a habit of drafting two or three chapters and putting them aside. In 2016, while going through papers, she found a brief synopsis of a book she had started writing and decided to finish it. Resolved to complete her book, she crafted a writing schedule to fit her life as a mom, wife, and fulltime employee with a household

to run while trying to find time for herself. With the support of her supervisor, she was able to draft her novel during her downtime at work. She then focused on writing and typing for two hours in the evening after taking care of her family’s needs.

In 2017, she achieved her goal with the publication of her first book, Appearances: A Novel, which was

inspired by Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poem, We Wear the Mask. When Dunbar penned the piece in 1895, he was referring to relations between black and white people during that period. K. Reshay’s book reflects how, “individuals wear masks on social media, with family and friends” today.

After Appearances was completed, “it was like a start of a different Kena. It introduced me to a whole literary world…Once my first book was published, I played the waiting game. I was concerned that people wouldn’t like it or that it wasn’t going anywhere. As God would have it, my book was well received and that gave me the courage and motivation to keep going...” Because the response to her first book was so great, she wrote two more books and now Appearances is a threebook series. K. Reshay published a fourth novel, All Things Work Out Well, and is currently working on a fifth one.

She has also ventured into creating children’s books because her sons, Derrick and Brandon, told her that they wanted to write a book. They gathered as a family, sat at the kitchen table one evening, and brainstormed character names and concepts for a book series. Thus, The Growing Up Dregs book series came to life. With topics on bullying, birthday parties, and helping in caring for others, the books speak to students from preschool to second grade.

All of K. Reshay’s books are self-published. Although she likes being in control of the content and publication process, being self-published comes with challenges. “My biggest challenge in my writing career definitely has been having to learn what comes with being self-published, including financial risks and/or navigating being seen within the industry.” She overcame the financial challenge by focusing on the important aspects of the industry such as editing, attending book festivals, and marketing. “Focusing on the essential needs helps me put a better financial budget together.” Because there are so many authors, including indie authors, it is extremely hard to be seen in the industry. To overcome this challenge, K. Reshay connects with authors and readers on social media platforms and at book events.

She was honored as the Author of the Year for Black Love Poetry Awards. Her poem, Unfortunate Reality, was featured in the Black Lives Matter edition of Aspiring Authors Magazine.

Poetry is another passion of K. Reshay. She started writing poems in fifth grade after taking a creative arts class and started reciting spoken word on poetry night in college. She later performed her signature piece, I’ll Bend But I Won’t Break at different venues. In 2021, she was honored as the Author of the Year for Black Love Poetry Awards. Her poem, Unfortunate Reality, was featured in the Black Lives Matter edition of Aspiring Authors Magazine.

Many people miss opportunities because they are afraid to ask or execute. K. Reshay was not afraid of either, which is how she became a playwright. After performing the same Christmas play at her church for two years, she decided to write a play to “switch things up and get something new”. She presented her play to the pastor who was open to the idea. From there, she produced Crystal’s Heart in 2018 and I Prayed About It in December 2019. She wrote Never Go Back to What Broke You in 2020 and had to put it on hold because of the pandemic. However, she is trying to get it on stage by the end of 2023.

Me Time Book Club was born out of K. Reshay’s need to have something for herself, something she likes to do on her own, and to share the joy of reading with other interested book lovers. After reading several books and not having anyone to discuss them with, except her mother who never bought the books, she founded Me Time Book Club in 2011 after finding information about Oprah’s Book Club. She and general acquaintances gathered at each other’s houses or a restaurant to discuss a selected book. K. Reshay says the book club is “dedicated to our time for ourselves, doing something we like to do… we laugh together, no judgment, everyone can be themselves and share personal stories based on what they’ve read.”

One of the purposes of the book club is to promote literacy in the community. They have added community service to their mission. They donate items to Salvation Army and Grace House Ministries, a foster home for young girls. They started a little free library at a local park and keep it full of books. And they host book events for local authors and feature out-of-state authors.

The book club’s biggest success to date was their 2nd annual Behind the Ink book event in 2022. The planning of the event was met with adversity from some of the active members and the event coordinator at the chosen venue. God stepped in and provided a better venue and new members who volunteered at the event, making it a bigger success than the previous one. They secured Zane for the featured author and Curtis Bond. “It was just all about God’s timing.” And God is not done yet because the 3rd Annual Behind the Ink Book Event, featuring best-selling author Kimberla Lawson Roby will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, and registration is open.

Learn more about K. Reshay books, the Me Time Book Club, and her projects on her website kreshay. weebly.com, Amazon.com, and her social networks at Author K. Reshay on Facebook and K. Reshay on Instagram.

Photo Credit: KLS Photography

Makeup Artist: The Wright Touch

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: MAKING WOMEN’S WELLNESS A PRIORITY!

By Dr. Barbara Evans

and wellness issues in women.

Daughters, mothers, and wives form the backbone of the family unit, they are usually the ones who plan the meals, care for the children and elderly, and transform houses into homes. If these women are affected the whole family eventually gets affected. While taking care of others may be second nature for many women, it’s also more important than ever to take care of yourself. Check-in with yourself, and be sure to lean on your support system for a pick-me-up. And don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help if needed.

New Year, New You: Making Women’s Wellness a Priority!

By Dr. Barbara Evans

In some countries, women’s health is not an openly discussed topic. In some cases, it might even be considered taboo to talk about menstrual cramps, breast changes, or other health irregularities connected to women. This needs to change immediately. Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, depression, and anxiety rank among the topmost common health

Wellness is subjective to each individual’s life with the vital target being to focus on those aspects concerning their well-being. With regard to mood, mental issues, or disorders, women are more prone to depression and anxiety compared to men. This may affect relationships, self-esteem, work performance, and physical health. Between social distancing, the stress of a pandemic, and various financial or career adjustments, this past year may have taken a toll on your mental health.

Here are some signs of poor women’s health: constant sadness, misuse of drugs or alcohol, changes in eating habits, excessive hair loss, a decline in energy, mood swings, and excessive fear.

9 Ways to Prioritize Your Health & Wellness

1. Don’t forget to book your routine wellness visits.

2. Eat a healthy, balanced Diet.

3. Take your daily vitamins and supplements.

4. Check-in with your mental health.

5. Protect your skin from the sun.

6. Find an exercise routine that works for you.

7. Practice healthy sleep habits.

8. Manage your stress.

9. Be kind to yourself and your body.

References

Women’s Health: Mind and Mood/John’s Hopkins Medicine

Woman Wellness: Tips and Strategies for Maintaining Physical and Mental Health

The Importance of Women’s Wellness and How to Achieve it.

Prioritize Your Health: 10 Practical Wellness Tips For Women To Implement Now

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND SELFCARE: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

By Shurvone Wright

As women, we often put the needs of others before our own, leaving little time for self-care. But taking care of ourselves is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care helps us manage stress, maintain good health, and improve our overall quality of life. This article will explore the importance of women’s health and selfcare and some simple ways to prioritize self-care.

Why are Women’s Health and Self-Care Important?

Women’s health is a broad and complex topic that includes a range of issues, from reproductive health to mental health. Self-care is integral to women’s health and can help us manage the many challenges we face in our daily lives. For example, regular self-care practices can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost our immune systems, and increase our overall energy levels. In addition, self-care can help prevent burnout and depression, which can have severe consequences for our health and well-being.

Simple Self-Care Practices for Women

Women can incorporate many simple and effective self-care practices into their daily routines. Here are a few to get you started:

1. Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and reducing stress levels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as brisk walking or yoga.

2. Eating Well: A balanced diet is essential for good health, and it’s necessary for women. Focus on eating a variety of whole foods,

such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

3. Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for our health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and avoid using screens before bedtime.

4. Self-Reflection: Take time each day to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can be done through journaling, meditation, or other mindfulness practices.

5. Connect with Others: Connecting with others is essential for our emotional well-being. Spend time with friends and family or pursue hobbies and interests you enjoy.

In conclusion, women’s health and self-care are crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. In addition, incorporating simple self-care practices into your daily routine can help you manage stress, improve your overall health, and lead a more fulfilling life. So, take some time for yourself today, and make self-care a priority in your life.

RESOURCES FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS & SURVIVORS

By Letrise Carter

we continue to be informed and empowered regarding resources, programs, and facilities that can help women like us.

Lodging:

• Joe’s House: www.joeshouse.org (nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment).

• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org Finds accommodations for cancer patients who must travel for outpatient treatment.

• HOPE Lodge: 800-227-2345 Gives patients and caregivers a free place to stay while receiving treatment.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing the resource list for Breast Cancer patients, survivors, and families caring for a loved one diagnosed with this disease. When you or a loved one is diagnosed with Breast Cancer it helps to know the resources and supportive services available to get through some of the most difficult times of life. Did you know that there are resources available for Breast Cancer patients and survivors to help them physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally? The below resources are free to current and past cancer survivors. I am happy to share the information given to me so that

• Cancer Care: www.cancercare.org Helps with lodging and other financial medical care needs.

• Keys for HOPE: www.ecoxplorer.com Offers cancer patients and their caregivers free hotel rooms if they must travel far from home for treatment.

Transportation:

• Road to Recovery (American Cancer Society) – 1-800-227-2345 – www.cancer. org – provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

• Giving Back/Uber – 1-800-593-7069 – www. uber.com – will help patients find rides to chemo/ doctor appointments.

• Miracle Flights – (702) 261-0494 – www. miracleflights.org – provides free flights to those in need of life-changing medical care.

• MERCY MEDICAL ANGELS. 888-675-1405 / mercymedical.org. Helps find charitable transportation for patients.

• CORPORATE ANGEL NETWORK. 914-328-1313 / www.corpangelnetwork.org Cancer patients fly free.

• Angel Flight at 1-877-621-7177, www. angelflightamerica.org Is supported entirely by the generosity of the volunteer pilots who donate the costs of every flight, tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations, and grants from foundations.

Retreats:

• Little Pink House of Hope. A nonprofit organization that provides peaceful beachside retreats at no cost to those battling cancer. www.littlepink.org. Phone 336-213-4733

• Castaways for Recovery. Healing retreat for women with cancer. www.castingforrecovery.org. Phone: 888-553-3500.

• Nancy’s List. Camping retreats. www.nancyslist. org . Phone number: not listed.

• Harmony Hill Healing Retreat

• Reel Recovery

• Wind River Retreat

• Stowe Weekend of Hope

• The Family Cancer Retreat

• Camp Make-A Dream

Below are other resources that offer some form of assistance, resources, support, and guidance to help those, and their families cope with Breast Cancer. It’s important for patients to understand their options, resources, and treatments available. No woman should have to make the choice of saying no to treatment because she does not have the funds to cover related costs.

• American Cancer Society – 800-227-2345 offers lots of support in various manners.

• The National Cancer Institute is an organization that keeps track of all the cancer hospitals across the United States and may be able to help a patient find treatment or a local second opinion/doctor/ cancer specialist/hospital: http://www.cancer. gov or (800) 422-6237 (offers clinical trials and disease specific information); their website also has a great dictionary function for medical terms.

• Cancer Care at 1-800-813-4673, www.cancercare. org Offers financial help, education, support groups, and access to a social worker.

• Needy Meds at www.Needymeds.com Offers help with medications.

• Medicine Assistance at www.PPARx.org – Helps patients and caregivers with health related needs.

• RX Assist at 1-800-332-2056, www.rxassist.org Offers assistance to patients without prescription drug coverage who meet income requirements.

• Health Well Foundation, 1-800-675-8416, www. healthwellfoundation.org Helps with prescription medicines.

• Medwise at www.medwisehealthcare.com Offers help to get medications free or at no cost.

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance, www. PPARx.org offers help with prescription drugs and sometimes patients can get them free or nearly free.

• Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Patient Assistance Program at 1-866-512-3861, 28

www.copays.org offers financial assistance to afford co-payments that are required by insurance companies.

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship’s website you can select “search” to view dozens of links to cancer types, clinical trials, support groups, common side effects, nutrition, and many more resources than I can list here, www.canceradvocacy.org.

• CANCERCARE CO-PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION 866-552-6729 / cancercarecopay.org. Helps with co-pays.

• CANCER LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER 866-843-2572 / cancerlegalresources.org. Free legal information and resources.

• HEALTHWELL FOUNDATION 800-675-8416 / healthwellfoundation.org. Reduces financial barriers to medical care.

• CLEANING FOR A REASON – provides free house cleaning for cancer patients. www.cleaningforareason. org – 877-337-3348

• WhatNext –www.whatnext.com – 800-227-2345 provides monthly nontoxic house cleaning to all cancer patients, regardless of type of cancer, for up to one year.

We salute all these agencies whose purpose is to help women like me get through traumatic life experiences. Being a Breast Cancer survivor, I was blessed by many of these organizations during my time with a ride to and from treatment, food, support groups, care packages, and classes. These organizations give their time, hope, love, and heart to get us through our treatments. There is light at the end of the tunnel.