Our Mission is to extend our hands and hearts to support those needing help battling breast cancer
by improving the quality of life for them and their families.

PAST OUTREACHES
 

HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH is very honored to help our new client/friend get ready for her wedding in San Juan Puerto RIco later this month.
Martha is battling breast cancer for the second time. But she refuses to let cancer stop her plans!
So to help with her makeup for the big day, Leslie Christin of STUDIO CARA donated a makeup lesson to show Martha's sister how to apply her makeup for the day. Her sister, Mary, was a quick study and Martha looked stunning (although she's so beautiful, she doesn't need much help!).
COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS purchased the makeup she'll need for the big day and presented her with a lovely pink ribbon bracelet she's going to wear on her wedding day. The bracelet was designed and donated by one of our clients turned volunteers, Odalis.
We also gave her something nice to wear on her honeymoon, donated by THE LINGERIE COLLECTION.
And that's not all. Our last gift of the day was a lovely wedding day wig from RITZY RAGS. Martha is going to be a beautiful bride!  Click Here to see!

OPERATION: PLEASE SPOIL HER!

That's exactly what the friends of our new client/friend, Bev, asked us to do for her.
And we were happy to take on the challenge!
Bev's day began with a hydrating facial at STUDIO CARA in Maitland, FL.
CARA COSMETICS founder Leslie Christin and extraordinary makeup artist Shannon always make our clients feel so comfortable and special.  Thank you Leslie and Shannon!
After a relaxing facial, Shannon created a new look for Bev, which she absolutely loved.
Bev's favorite part seemed to be her glamorous new lashes.
After her facial and makeover, we presented Bev with one of our signature gift baskets, a bouquet of pink flowers, some pieces from THE LINGERIE COLLECTION and gift certificates for restaurants, gas and groceries.
We are pleased to welcome another awesome survivor into the COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH family !
Click here to see pictures of the day!

OPERATION: JOY

Joy is exactly what we felt during this outreach.
Our new client/friend Odalis is the epitome of strength.
She is battling Breast Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.
Yet she has a positive attitude, a wonderful sense of humor and just radiates joy.
It's impossible to feel down when you're around her.
We presented her with one of our signature gift baskets, along with restaurant and gas gift certificates.
We were there to celebrate her, but she had prepared wonderful snacks for us with a beautiful presentation and she donated a bracelet she made for us to give to a future client/friend.
Click here to see more pictures from the outreach.
 

THE BIG UNVEIL

We have some exciting news to share.
It's a first for us. COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH is one of only eight Central Florida non-profit organizations chosen to be featured on the 2010-2011 Lynx Public Service Bus.
The bus with our logo on it will travel through Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties for the next year. We are very honored that our local public transit company is including us on this great rolling billboard.
Click here to see pictures from the unveiling of the new public service bus.

8TH ANNUAL CARING HEARTS BENEFIT:

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers were invited to join the 8th Annual CARING HEARTS BENEFIT at a beautiful estate in Brevard County, FL.
The event is sponsored by The Cancer Care Foundation of Brevard.
The money raised goes to help uninsured and underinsured cancer patients in Brevard and Indian River counties.
That help includes treatment for those who can't afford it and financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, etc.
This is a wonderful organization, founded by a great physician and humanitarian, Dr. Silas Charles.
Click here to learn more, and click here to see pictures from the event.
 

OPERATION: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

We planned a truly over the top outreach for our client/friend Jennifer, waging a fierce battle against breast cancer.
The adventure began when a stretch Escalade limo from CELEBRATION LIMOS arrived at Jennifer's home to pick up her, her 12-year old daughter and her mother.
It was a surprise, they had no idea the transportation we arranged would be a limo.
Then it was off to SAY IT LOUD studios, where Leslie Christin, CEO of CARA COSMETICS/STUDIO CARA and her assistant Shannon did makeup for all three ladies.
Next, professional photographer Robert Wiley took some beautiful pictures of the three generations.
It was an amazing day.
Jesus, the wonderful limo driver, even rolled out a red carpet for the ladies!
We also presented Jennifer with a gift box of restaurant and gas gift certificates.
And we presented her daughter with a killer black purse.
Click here for more pics of this awesome day.

Special thanks to:
CELEBRATION LIMOS
STUDIO CARA
WILEY FOTO
SAY IT LOUD

OPERATION: HOUSE CALL

We are pleased to welcome our new client/friend Angie into the COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH family.
We visited Angie to introduce ourselves to her. And of course we couldn't show up empty-handed. So we brought her one of our signature gift baskets, gift certificates for gas and groceries and plenty of laughs and well wishes.
We're looking forward to our friendship with Angie and her wonderful family.
Here's a picture of us with Angie (she's 2nd on the left side of the picture on the back row).
Click here to see more pictures from the outreach. 
 

OPERATION: HAIR TODAY...HAIR TOMORROW

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH went wig shopping with our new client/friend Natasha, a young wife and mother who just completed her first chemotherapy treatment.
Losing hair during chemo can be a traumatic experience for breast cancer patients, but we try to turn it into a day of triumph.
Our wonderful friends Page and Leigh at RITZY RAGS on Mills Avenue in Orlando helped us make it an uplifting experience for Natasha.
Through tears, laughter and shared battle stories, Natasha found a fabulous wig that makes her look just as beautiful as we found her to be on the inside and out.
Click here for more pictures of the day.
 

3rd ANNUAL BREAST CANCER POKER RUN

Thanks to the CLERMONT HOG LADIES OF HARLEY for a fabulous fundraiser for COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS on Saturday, October 3. 
These ladies worked hard and it showed.
The 3rd annual BREAST CANCER POKER RUN was a huge success.
The event started at the RED WING restaurant in Groveland and ended at STORMY HILL HARLEY-DAVIDSON in Clermont.
There was great entertainment by LAST POSSE, wonderful vendors, fabulous food from OLIVE GARDEN and spectacular support from everyone who attended.
THANK YOU EVERYONE.

Click here for lots of pictures from the day.

OPERATION: MEALS ON WHEELS

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS' newest client/friend is Jennifer, who's battling her second bout with breast cancer, working part-time and keeping up with an active 11 year old daughter.
She has a lot on her plate, so we decided to add more to her plate.
In this case, we added more by delivering a week's worth of meals for Jennifer and her daughter. It's no fuss, she just heats them up and enjoys.
And of course, we couldn't show up without one of our signature gift baskets that included items to pamper herself and one of those versatile and stylish scarves from ABONITA scarf.
It was a great joy meeting Jennifer and her daughter.

Click here to see more pictures from this outreach.

OPERATION: SPECIAL DELIVERY



Our newest client/friend is Jacqueline.
We met a friend of hers at a breast cancer awareness event, and she asked us to reach out to Jacqueline.
So we had a wonderful afternoon visit with her to offer her support as she travels the cancer journey.
We brought her one of our signature gift baskets and are helping her get connected with the free house cleaning service for cancer patients.
We had such a wonderful time with her, we hardly wanted to leave.
Click here to see more pictures of our visit with Jacqueline.

OPERATION: "I FEEL SO LOVED"

"I feel so loved," is what our newest client/friend, Betty, said as our volunteers were leaving her home.

We left her with meals from SUPER SUPPERS Winter Springs, one of our big gift baskets filled with enough goodies to pamper herself during her treatment and recovery, and a circle of new friends and supporters.

Betty is recovering from surgery and getting ready for the next phase of treatment:  chemotherapy and radiation.

Click here for more pictures from this outreach.

 

IN THE LOOP


COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS was invited to participate in Florida Hospital's IN THE LOOP event on Sunday, September 13.
In addition to information about resources for women's health and breast cancer patients, those attending were able to enjoy some moments to pamper themselves, shop and listen to entertainment.
We also stretched the pink ribbon around the world.
People were able to make a free overseas phone call to remind women in other countries to schedule their annual mammogram.
For more pictures of the informative and fun day, click here and check out our new COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS shirts.  :)

OPERATION: NEW FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE

One of our newest client/friends is Ana.  Shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her co-workers started looking for ways to help her.  One of them remembered hearing about COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS from one of our dedicated volunteers, Jacqueline.  So, the co-workers asked us to do an outreach project for Ana. We showed up to her home with meals for a week for her next chemotherapy week; a big gift basket of pampering items, books, music, magazines and a journal; along with a beautiful head scarf from ABONITA SCARF (www.abonitascarf.com) and a beautiful set of lounging pjs from THE LINGERIE COLLECTION (www.thelingeriecollection.com).
Click here to see more pictures from our day with Ana.

OPERATION:  CLOSEOUT WITH A CAUSE
On June 26, 2009, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, INC. participated in an amazing event called CLOSEOUT WITH A CAUSE. THE LINGERIE COLLECTION in Winter Park , FL is closing its doors and moving to the internet and launching a new line of high end lingerie called POSH INTIMATES. So the owner, Denise Johnson, decided to allow women from five local organizations to shop for the day FOR FREE. Yes, free. COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS was one of the honored groups. Our client/friends were simply overwhelmed with Mrs. Johnson's generosity.
Please visit her website at www.thelingeriecollection.com .
And click here to see more pictures from this amazing day.
 

OPERATION: ON THE MOVE

We had to call out the cavalry for our latest outreach.
Thanks to the amazing men of THE UNITED CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE in Orlando for answering our last minute, emergency call for help.
Our client/friend Rebecca, is not only dealing with breast cancer but has also been diagnosed with a serious heart condition.
Because she is so physically weak, she needed to move from her third floor apartment to one on the first floor.
So the men from the church were able to move her heavy items and we helped unpack and brought prepared meals for her to heat up.
Click here for more photos from OPERATION: ON THE MOVE.

 

OPERATION: SUNDAY SERVICE

Our latest client friend, MaryAnn has had quite a few health challenges recently, in addition to being treated for breast cancer.
She and her husband don't have their own transportation, so it's difficult for them to go shopping for groceries and other items.
 So a group of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers showed up on a Sunday afternoon bearing gifts of lunch, groceries, a plant to brighten their day and a gift basket overflowing with pampering and personal items.
 Click here to see more pictures from the outreach and here to learn about our past outreaches.

OPERATION: CARING HEARTS BENEFIT

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers Faye, Rita, Jacqueline and Vanessa attended the 7th Annual CARING HEARTS BENEFIT in Brevard County, FL on April 25, 2009.
The fundraiser benefits THE CANCER CARE FOUNDATION OF BREVARD, INC. This amazing foundation provides many services, including financial assistance for cancer patients in Brevard and Indian River counties.
To learn more about the wonderful work they do and their outstanding team of doctors, board members and volunteers, click here: http://www.cccfoundationinc.org

See the fun in our photo gallery of the event here.
 

OPERATION: INSPIRATION
"You all are an inspiration!"

That is how breast cancer patient Rebecca described her recent visit from a team of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers.
We brought her one of our gift baskets filled with all sorts of goodies to pamper herself.
But this time we added something new, thanks to The Christian Reading Tea Society Ministry.
They are committed to praying for a cure for cancer.
And they're also committed to financially helping cancer patients.

During our visit, we presented Rebecca with a special donation from The Christian Reading Tea Society Ministry.

Check out pictures from OPERATION: INSPIRATION here!

EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER:  THE COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS EDITION
 

Our client/friend Sherrie needed a lot of work done around her home and yard.  So we had to call in the reinforcements, who responded in a major way.
Husbands of volunteers, family friends and two churches' men's ministries (LIFE CHANGERS FELLOWSHIP, INC. in Orange City AND NORTH PARK BAPTIST in Orlando)helped us do a major makeover on Sherrie's yard, garage and pool.  And they were also able to complete some home improvement projects inside the house.
Sherrie was truly touched by the outpouring of help and so were the COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers. 


Click here to see more pictures from the Valentine's Day outreach.

OPERATION: BEAUTIFUL, INSIDE AND OUT!

We were contacted by Rafael, asking us to help his wife Lina get a wig because they do not have health insurance that will pay for one. Lina is undergoing chemotherapy and has lost most of her hair.
Thanks to Orlando hair stylist Christian McDonald who gave Lina the royal treatment with the hair cut. Christian's caring, compassionate spirit made what can be a distressing moment a very peaceful one instead.
After the hair cut, we figured Lina could use some cheering up, so we presented her with a gift basket of goodies to pamper herself. Thanks to KAM CANCER CONNECTION, the Orlando affiliate of YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITION and ABONITA SCARF for providing items for the gift basket. Then, Lina got a special treat thanks to THE LINGERIE COLLECTION in Winter Park which donated so many pieces that Lina was able to pick out several special items.
After that, it was off to RITZY RAGS where Leigh and Page made Lina feel like queen for a day and found the perfect wig for her. She looked amazing!
 
Click here to see pictures of our exciting day with Lina.
 

OPERATION CALM:

Our latest client/friend, Sherie, has a lot of stressful situations in her life right now, in addition to recently being diagnosed with breast cancer. 
So COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers came to the rescue.  We presented Sherie with a wonderful gift basket of pampering products to help her relax and reduce the stress  in her life.  And she had a chance to talk with us about upcoming chemotherapy and some of the other issues she's dealing with in her life.
Part of our purpose is to be the listening ear patients often need while they're on the cancer journey.

See pictures of our visit with Sherie!
 

OUR NEW CLIENT/FRIEND:



Our new client/friend is Margie, who is battling Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. It is a tough fight physically and emotionally for Margie, but now she has a new set of friends and cheerleaders encouraging her along the journey, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers. On Sunday, November 9, we visited her in her lovely home, bearing lots of gifts. We presented her with a grocery store gift certificate, a necklace, breast cancer awareness pin, flowers and a gift basket of pampering items.
Click here for more pictures of our outreach with Margie.

OPERATION MOWERS AND MAIDS:


COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS Founder Vanessa and our new client/friend Makita


COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH'S latest client/friend is Makita, who has been undergoing breast cancer treatment for the last ten months.  Makita and her husband have had an especially tough year in addition to the cancer journey. He is trying to recover from an on the job injury. And their roof caved in, forcing them from their home while temporary repairs were made. So COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS called on some of our partner organizations to help. We contacted a national organization, CLEANING FOR A REASON, which provided two wonderful women from one of our local MERRY MAIDS franchises to help out Makita with house cleaning. And ILH HOME & LAND in Lake County, FL sent a crew to take care of the couple's yard work.

See the results of all the "good work" by clicking here.
 

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH GOES NATIONAL!

REVIVALS HEALTH & WELLNESS COUNCIL of Reno, Nevada invited COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS Founder Vanessa Echols to be guest speaker
for the KEEPING THE FAITH BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS' LUNCHEON in Reno on October 25, 2008. It was a wonderful afternoon of celebrating survivorship and honoring the memory of those who have walked the breast cancer journey. This is the 5th year for the event, which has become the premiere survivors' event in Reno. Revivals Health & Wellness Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that Northern Nevada residents are made aware of existing health services. Special thanks to President Elaine McGraw Brannon and her amazing supporters for including COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS in such an uplifting event.

Carol Goolsby and Tina Pluff of Volusia County are helping COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS make it a "sweeter" day for our client/friends. Carol and Tina have put together some creative cookie jars for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The jars include pink M&Ms, brown sugar and flour, along with a recipe for M&M cookies.
Carol and Tina used the cookie jars as a fundraiser through the West Volusia Moose Lodge #2538 and raised more than $10,000. Thanks for donating cookie jars to COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, INC.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS MAKING STRIDES: Volunteers Faye and Vanessa represented COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS at the 10th annual Orlando MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER walk on Saturday, October 18th. MAKING STRIDES benefits the American Cancer Society. Faye and Vanessa both completed the 5K walk. For more pictures from the event, click here.

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HANDS HEARTS JOINS RACE FOR THE CURE

On Sunday October 5, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers participated in the Central Florida RACE FOR THE CURE. The race was held at Disney World's Wide World of Sports. COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS' founder Vanessa Echols was the honorary race chairman. Volunteers Melodee and Judi worked on the race committee. The Central Florida race was a huge success with 7000 participants, raising $600,000, both race records.

Of course, we took pictures!  Click here!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS ON THE CATWALK!

The 8th Annual Breast Health Awareness Day was held Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Citrus Club in Orlando, benefitting COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH and SISTERS NETWORK ORLANDO. The event is sponsored each year by Colonial Medical Supplies. As part of the festivities, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers Jacqueline, Faye and Rita modeled in the fashion show and did an amazing job!


Pictured: Volunteers Rita, Vanessa, Faye and Jacqueline

Click here for more pictures from this amazing day!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!
Saturday, September 13 2008, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH celebrated its 1st anniversary at the Oviedo Woman's Club, with several members hosting the event for us.

They went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure it was an enjoyable afternoon for us and our guests. Thank you Oviedo Woman's Club for your support and generosity.

It has been a very exciting, challenging and rewarding year for us. We were overjoyed to see many of the families we have had the privilege of helping this year. And thanks HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers for your hard work, dedication and heart for the cause! It is a blessing to work with you. Volunteer Rita received our inaugural service award for doing such an amazing job with our website. And volunteer Jacqueline received our volunteer of the year award for her tireless devotion to our mission.
I'm looking forward to another year of service to others!
Vanessa!

What's a party without pictures?  Click here to see all the fun!

A DAY OF HOPE:

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH was pleased to be the guest of honor for the Women's Ministry at The Hope Church in Orlando, FL on Saturday, August 8.  The church's leadership team decided to make breast cancer awareness the focus of the event.  COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS founder Vanessa Echols spoke about her breast cancer journey.  COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS Volunteer Melodee, along with members of SISTERS NETWORK, were also a vital part of the program, talking about their breast cancer experiences and also answering questions from the audience.


Pictured:
Sherlean Lee, SISTERS NETWORK; Deborah Wiggins, First Lady of The Hope Church; Vanessa and Melodee of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH.

OPERATION: CLEAN SWEEP!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers sprang into action to help our client/friend Jan, during her first week of chemotherapy. Jan became so ill after her first treatment that she had to be admitted to the hospital. Jan has a demanding career and is a single mom to three beautiful daughters. So we wanted to give her one less thing to deal with when she came home from the hospital.

Professional house cleaner Angela Polite, her husband Tom and their young daughter did a fantastic job for Jan and her family.

click here for more pictures from this outreach!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS ON THE RADIO:

The LOOK UP ORLANDO Radio Show invited Vanessa to be a guest on the show to talk about COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH. The show is hosted by Mark Goldstein and Randye McLemore, who is pictured with Vanessa. Check out LOOK UP ORLANDO's website at www.lookuporlando.net

OPERATION FRIENDS: THE BEST MEDICINE!

Members of The Oviedo Woman's Club invited COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH to participate in a "Cancer Stinks" party for one of our client/friends, Regina.

L to R: Tracy, Oviedo Woman's Club; Regina, Guest of Honor; Vanessa and Jacqueline; Compassionate Hands and Hearts

Regina is blessed to have a lot of friends who want to make sure she knows how much she is loved as she begins cancer treatment. Regina is recently diagnosed, so her days can be overwhelming, filled with doctor's appointments, medical tests and more information about cancer than she ever thought she'd need to know. Her friends showed their love with prayers, songs, gift bags, notes of encouragement and outstretched arms!

See more pictures by clicking here!

OPERATION: LOOKING FABULOUS!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH received a request from Troy, who wanted us to do something special for the love of his life, Tammy. They're newlyweds! They were married shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a few weeks ago. Tammy is currently undergoing chemotherapy, so Troy thought she deserved a day of pampering. And we agreed!A big thank you to Leslie.
Christin, the founder, developer and creative force behind Cara Cosmetics. Leslie and her team of makeup artists and hair stylist did a wonderful job of creating a new look for Tammy. She was already beautiful and looked like a million bucks with her new look.
The wonderful folks at Studio Cara also did a makeover for Liz Otts, the woman who coordinated Tammy and Troy's wedding in just two days!



Please check out the photos from Tammy's special day.
And visit Studio Cara's website!
Thank you Leslie and the gang!

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS Founder Vanessa Echols, along with Sherlean Lee and Patricia Simmons of Sisters Network Orlando were special guests at the 6th Annual Caring Hearts Benefit in Brevard County, FL on Saturday, April 12. The event raises money for The Cancer Care Foundation of Brevard, Inc. The foundation provides financial assistance, support services and education to uninsured and underinsured cancer patients in Brevard and Indian River Counties. It is an amazing organization!

Pictured: Patricia; Sherlean; Vanessa and Evelyn Foster, the Foundation's Chairman of the Board
 

ROAD TRIP:

On March 22, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers took a road trip to Lake County, FL.  We visited Lea, a recently diagnosed breast cancer patient who's taking chemotherapy.

We were contacted by one of Lea's co-workers.  Like many cancer patients, Lea says she's had a difficult time asking for help because she doesn't want to be a burden.  And she's had a hard time talking about what she is going through.
Through a few tears and A LOT of laughter, our volunteers let her know that what she's feeling is perfectly normal, and we've all been there at some point in our journey.  We also presented her with one of our special gift baskets.

By the way, this was our first outreach project wearing our new HANDS AND HEARTS shirts.

(Click on the picture or here for more from this outreach)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE:
Dawn from Tampa contacted COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH about helping her sister in Orlando, Linda, who's going through breast cancer treatment. In January 2008, Linda underwent her second mastectomy. Dawn was here with Linda for awhile but worried about leaving Linda home alone while her husband and other family members were at work or school.
So COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers set out to make sure Linda knows she is not walking this journey alone. Starting the day Dawn returned to Tampa, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS volunteers visited Linda throughout the week, bringing gift bags, encouragement, laughter and cheer.


click on one of the pictures to see the gallery!

On Friday, January 11, 2008, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers participated in a moving outreach, literally.

Sissy Blanchard, breast cancer survivor and owner of Sissy Made It! (www.sissymadeit.com) donated a queen size bed, mattresses, ottoman, coffee table and desk to COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS for one of our clients/friends Kelly. Kelly is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer and is the mother of five children, ages 16, 10, 9, 5 and 2. Kelly's oldest daughter needed bedroom furniture, so this was a very timely donation for the family.

With the help of two volunteers' spouses and two of Kelly's neighbors for heavy lifting, three of our volunteers delivered the furniture to Kelly and her family. Thanks to United Church of the Nazarene (www.ucnorlando.org) for providing a covered trailer to transport the furniture.



COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS also presented Kelly with a gift bag with a breast cancer awareness blanket made by breast cancer survivor Linda Robinson, a BP gas gift card, a Target gift card and a breast cancer awareness candle.

Saturday, December 8, 2007, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers joined forces with the Villanova University Alumni Association Orlando Chapter for OPERATION: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.
17 of us put up Christmas lights and decorated outside an amazing breast cancer survivor's home.
Faye has been battling breast cancer for almost ten years.  She recently underwent hip replacement surgery and couldn't decorate her home this year, which was a disappointment for her two young daughters.  So we helped turn that disappointment into Christmas joy.  We made sure Faye and her girls have an elegant and elaborate display this Christmas.  And they love it!  And we love them!

click here to see the gallery for OPERATION: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!

On Saturday, November 17, 2007, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers treated breast cancer patient Elaine to brunch at one of her favorite restaurants. Elaine doesn't have family in the area, so we wanted to make this a special day for her as we enter the holiday season. We surprised her with an amazing gift basket donated by Michelle Stevens of The Madness of Motherhood. Volunteer China gave Elaine a book of daily inspirations. And we topped off the day with a housecleaning service gift certificate for Elaine.


(L to R) Volunteers Gloria, Vanessa, Jacqueline, Special Guest Elaine and Volunteer China

Trenda is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She has been taking the bus to her chemotherapy treatments because she doesn't have transportation.  Friday, 10/26/2007, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers Jacqueline and Vanessa provided transportation and stayed with Trenda for her oncology and chemotherapy appointments.
Jacqueline, Trenda and Vanessa

Jacqueline and Vanessa also presented Trenda with a gift bag of pampering items from COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS. We also provided her with meals for the weekend.

Gift bag designed by Linda Robinson, a friend of COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH.

COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH volunteers Adrienne and Linda at American Cancer Society Survivors Dinner on October 9, 2007.

On Saturday, October 6, 2007, Vanessa Echols was the special guest speaker at the "Chix Making the Difference" Breast Cancer Awareness Event.  Click the picture below to learn more about "Chix Making the Difference."



Debbie Martinez (CMD Co-Founder), Vanessa, and Faye Sheppard (CMD Co-Founder)