Helping Hand Fighting for Women's Health

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this message finds each of you in good health and great spirits.  On my truth seeking journey, we have connected in a positive way.  This email represents a special request for your support.  Please take a few minutes to read my request for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Oakland California. 

As most of you know, I serve as the Operations & Finance Manager for the WCRC and am Critical Mass Health Conductor 747.  WCRC is one of three providers nationally who supports the wide scope of pressing issues that cancer patients experience (check out the website for specific services provided at http://www.wcrc.org/.  WCRC is committed to creating opportunities for cancer patients to improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and practical assistance.

Every year on the first weekend in October, WCRC hosts an annual fundraiser (Swim-A-Mile) that represents 30% of the center’s budget.  All of our services are free to clients and have been for more than 25 years; we will never turn anyone away, and will refer them to appropriate services, if we cannot meet their needs.   This year marks the 25^th Anniversary Silver Swim-A-Mile for Women and Men with cancer.  I can say “and men” proudly as we have extended our services, through a special grant, to provide emergency financial assistance to men who qualify. 

This is the first year that the management team is taking a unified approach in raising funds and increasing cancer awareness.  Our fundraiser will be held this weekend October 1^st and 2^nd at Mills College in Oakland.  I will also walk Lake Merritt (3 miles) in Oakland on Sunday, October 16^th at 10am to honor all the men and women who have had cancer and touched my life in a tremendous way.  You can come out and join me or send me your positive energy.  Today, I lead with an open heart in asking for a monetary donation to reach my individual fundraising goal of $2,000.  Donating is simple and tax deductible. Please click this link our swim to make an online donation, or you can send in a check to: WCRC, 5741 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.  You can check out my team’s progress as well.  So far, I have raised $250 and received a pledge of $100 over the next four months.  You can also pledge to give at any time before the end of the year.

I want to acknowledge your social consciousness and your ability to share your treasures.  I want to also acknowledge the economic hardships that most of us have experienced during this recession.  I have been amazed at how many more people are deciding to give to non-profits.  It is as if someone has placed a “call to action” in the universe that has been the impetus for the average citizen’s gift.  A theme that is highlighted at WCRC is “many in body, one in mind” representing our cultural humility and appreciation for life.  We all are connected in this great universe and must lead with our hearts by lending a helping hand to someone in need.  Let your heart lead you to make a decision to give today.  Remember, it does not matter how much you give, but rather that you decide to give something to this great cause.  You can make a private (anonymous) donation too.  I appreciate your time, technology, electricity, eyes, hands, brain, chair to sit or feet to stand in reading this email and your wallets in supporting our services.  Treasure each moment in life, as you never know when it may be your last…

In good health and wellness,

Jessica Drummer Ryan, OFM – CMHC #747

Jessica Drummer Ryan, Operations & Finance Manager

Women's Cancer Resource Center

5741 Telegraph Avenue

Oakland, CA 94806

Office:510-601-4040 x110

Fax:510-601-4045

Helpline:510-420-7900

Work hours: 8:30am - 4pm (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri)

On Sunday, October 2^nd, the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) management team will be swimming in support  of the Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer; I will be walking Lake Merritt of Oakland (3 miles) on Sunday, October 16^th to honor all of the men and women who have had cancer and touched my life in a tremendous way. Let me know if you would like to join me on the 16^th.  I am asking for your monetary support of our swim. Please click this link our swim!  I appreciate your support. (Treasure each moment, you never know when it may be your last…)

...if you have a purpose in which you can believe, there's no end to the amount of things you can accomplish. - Marian Anderson (1902-1993), American opera singer