We are proud to continue Giving, Straight from the Heart this year. Unlike a normal silent auction in which individuals bid on items or services and the highest bid wins the item, the Straight from the Heart program provides an opportunity for all participants to “win” by making purchases that will directly benefit local cancer patients. Although there are suggested donation amounts for each item, any and every contribution, no matter the amount is greatly appreciated and will directly help someone fighting cancer. Enjoy spreading your contribution as you wish. For example, you may choose to donate $50 to “Live” (items such as grocery cards), $50 toward “Go” (items such as taxi vouchers) and $100 towards “Style” (items such as wigs) for a total donation of $200. Once you add items to your shopping cart, you can modify and update the quantity of each item before you check out.
The items and services listed are incredibly valuable to individuals and families dealing with cancer. Any and every single contribution, no matter the amount, has a positive impact. Thank you for your participation and continued support of Tahoe Forest Cancer Center .
Transportation: One of the biggest issues facing cancer patients is transportation. They often have to drive great distances to get treatment, sometimes 5 times a week for 6-8 weeks. If they are unable to drive they must rely on friends and family. Transportation items include fuel cards, taxi vouchers, and snow removal vouchers. Suggested gift is $50 or more.
Hotel Rooms (inclement weather): Facing cancer is difficult enough without having any type of additional stress. Tahoe Forest Cancer Center would like to offer our patients local hotel vouchers when patients are already exhausted after treatment and faced with travel, especially in inclement weather. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows patients to focus on the most important thing ... getting well. Suggested Gift: $150 or more.
Grocery Store Gift Card and Living Expenses: Sometimes patients have changes in their nutritional status due to cancer treatment. Patients may need to buy more expensive foods to supplement their nutritional requirements, or they may not have money to buy food due to the high costs of cancer care. Also, as many patients are unable to work, a donation to “Live” may help someone afford their medications or pay a utility bill. Suggested Gift: $50 or more.
Patient Recognition. It's the Little Things that Count: Your donation for Patient Recognition fund items such as "Graduation Goodie Bags" provided to cancer patients upon their conclusion of treatment and personalized Birthday Cakes help make a cancer patient's experience a positive one.
Exercise for Energy Program: Tahoe Forest Cancer Center's Exercise for Energy is a free program including medically managed exercise, yoga, massage and education. These useful tools assist patients to regain and maintain health and wellness. Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation seeks grants for partial funding of this vital program but we need additional support. Please help us continue to offer the essential Exercise for Energy Program to patients. This ongoing program costs about $200 per month per patient, or $1600 per month for an entire class. Suggested Gift: Sponsor a patient for the one-month program for $200 or the whole class for $1,600.
Wigs and Mastectomy Products: The physical side effects of cancer treatment can be devastating. These are often the most dreaded results of surgery and chemotherapy.
You can help a cancer patient faced with hair loss by purchasing a high quality comfortable wig that is easily maintained and looks natural. The average cost of a wig ranges between $300-$800. Suggested gift is $250.
For a woman losing a breast to cancer is distressing and shocking. Mastectomy prostheses and compression garments can help to make coping easier. Mastectomy products include breast forms and specialized bras. The average cost of a breast prosthesis is $250. Suggested gift is $250.
Healing Arts Programs: "Each of us harbors enormous powers of healing within ..." Art is a healing tool that has been used for thousands of years. At times it is difficult, if not impossible, to describe the cancer experience through words. Through art-making, such as collage, painting, and fiber arts, we can begin to see the challenges of cancer from a fresh perspective.