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Decking the Halls…Again!
I used to put up the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving.
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Home Décor from Nature
This holiday season, think about nature when considering your home décor.
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Dough It Yourself
Salt dough cookie decorations make fun additions to holiday décor and can be enjoyed for many years.
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Holiday Time Saving Tips from Club Focus
I have my Christmas tree up already and my presents are all wrapped.
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Victory in the Valley
An organization that began with one woman has grown to include many volunteers.
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HANDY MA’AM
Bathroom Riddle:
What Can Run Forever Without Getting Tired?
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 Victory in the Valley
An organization that began with one woman has grown to include many volunteers. When Lois Thomi was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer in 1982, the difficult months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that followed were a time of fear and loneliness. She felt that no one understood what she was going through.
Then a former cancer patient offered Lois encouragement. This simple act of caring prompted Thomi to found Victory in the Valley (VV) in 1983. It began as a local cancer support group, meeting in Thomi’s home.
In 1986 the Lodge at Victory in the Valley was purchased to provide lodging for out-of-town patients who were receiving medical treatment in Wichita. At that time, cancer treatment was not always available to patients in smaller communities. They had to drive a long distance then return home if they didn’t have a place to stay. Since that time, VV has housed patients from more than 350 cities in Kansas.
“This is a community project; neighbors helping neighbors,”says Judy Lee Carter, public relations and events coordinator.
With the arrival of satellite oncology centers the lodge was seldom occupied. To make the best use of their funds, Victory in the Valley relocated, sold the lodge and purchased the old Venue building in 2007. They continue to assist with lodging by helping establish a medical rate at Cambridge Suites, Kansas Inn, and Wesley Inn; with a referral from the cancer patient’s oncologist.
Today, Lois’ daughter Diana Thomi continues the legacy her mother began. She is proud of the new home for the organization and feels the traditional atmosphere gives visitors an additional sense of comfort with its antique furnishings and Victorian architecture. From the moment clients come through the leaded glass entry looking for practical assistance, spiritual support and encouragement; they are among friends and kindred spirits.
“These people are in need,” says Carter a breast cancer survivor herself. “This is what makes you passionate.”
Victory in the Valley has grown into a comprehensive cancer support organization that provided patients and families with more than 97,000 support contacts last year. Through the generosity of others, all support services are provided at no charge.
For women with breast cancer, Victory in the Valley offers several programs, including Breast Cancer Friends, Breast Cancer Support Group, Camp Victory Annual Women’s Weekend and a Women’s Boutique. All services are provided by a number of volunteers, most of whom are survivors. They host the support groups in Wichita and surrounding communities, work the women’s boutique offering scarves, turbans and wigs, and offer transportation to patients who need it.
There are now 18 active support groups offering cancer-specific and general cancer meetings that gather monthly. Physicians, nurses and health care workers are on hand to answer questions and allow patients, families and friends a place to find hope and healing.
Thanks to the Victory in the Valley Women’s Boutique, those undergoing cancer treatments can make an appointment to have their own private makeover. “You think you’ve had a bad hair day until you’ve had a no-hair day,” says Carter. Volunteers and Mary Kay representatives help women find the perfect easy-care wig and offer solutions to makeup problems that may result from cancer treatments. Hopefully, before they leave, they will have regained a smart part of their identity.
VV hosts many events in support of those with cancer, but each year they also honor those who have passed by scheduling an East Meets West Walk/Run to coincide with National Survivors’ Weekend. “We want to celebrate life and the journey that says we’re still here,” Carter says. More than 2,000 participants join in the celebration of life and survivorship with a huge commemoration and a release of balloons. They are honoring those who fought hard but lost the battle, the courage they demonstrated, and the future they make possible for those who will face the same struggle.
Carter has been with VV five years now, volunteering and planning their promotions and events. Since she’s taken the same journey, her empathy and ability to reflect on her own past experiences make her passionate and willing to do anything for those battling now.
As a nonprofit organization, VV is supported by the generosity of individuals, foundations and local businesses. It’s not uncommon for five-, ten-, and twenty-dollar bills to arrive in the mail. It all adds up to help finance programs and relieve suffering. When people come together, incredible things can happen.
~JULIANNA PHILLIPS
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