WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Three life-changing words that over a million people will hear this year, “you have cancer.”
Victory in the Valley provides intentional support to people battling cancer. They want people to know where to go during a time of crisis.
Elaine Wallace finds friendship on a journey no one wants to be on.
“When you get cancer for the first time, it’s a shock,” Wallace said.
George Erwin can identify himself. He’s seen his wife kick cancer three times.
“A lot of the work is just listening to them,” Erwin said.
He’s a driver for Victory in the Valley.
The nonprofit was founded by Diana Thomi, a registered nurse, and her mother Lois, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982.
“And when you have no appetite, and I wake up, and I just don’t feel like eating, I haven’t eaten in two days, and I’m not going to tell my doctor because they’re crazy. So what can I do?” Thomi said.
The trip started as a meeting of people with cancer.
“We’ll talk about cancer, and refreshments will be served, and it’s like, ‘who wants to go to that,'” Thomi said.
Forty years later, that group is now a community.
“Just the word cancer affects everyone,” Erwin said.
“If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer of any kind, you need to have a positive outlook,” Wallace said. “Even though you’re sick, and I’ve been really sick.”
A positive outlook is made easier when the journey isn’t faced alone.
Victory in the Valley has 12 programs: support groups, women’s boutiques, transportation, housing assistance, drop-in center, victory bear, canine friends, patient assistance, loaner medical equipment, caregiver support, prayer and post-mastectomy supplies.
Three ways to support:
To recommend a nonprofit for our Here for You Spotlight, email Julia at [email protected].
