WINTER 2017 COMPASSION CONNECTION Time for Reflection Pictured above: Compassion House Foundation Board of Directors Our Mission In Action As we move ever so quickly toward 2018, it seems like a perfect time to reflect on the great work our organization has been focusing on to ease the distress of the cancer journey. We are developing strategies to support our house guests during and post treatment. A new staff position will bring together a variety of resources to support women s mental health on their cancer journey. And we are busy planning the inaugural We Can Weekend, a weekend conference for all women cancer survivors. With We Can Weekend, women can come together in a safe and caring environment to explore and discuss cancer related issues post treatment. Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion celebrated its 21st year in October. We were treated to a heartfelt story of survivorship, delicious food with friends and colleagues and a stunning fashion show. Funds raised from our signature event are vital to Compassion House Foundation and we are grateful for the amazing support from sponsors, donors and event attendees. 1 A TREE FOR LIFE S UPS AND DOWN On behalf of the board of directors and the staff we thank you for your commitment to make our mission a reality. 2 CANCER CAN BRING OPPORTUNITY Sincerely, Curtis M. Palichuk, Chair, Board of Directors Mellissa Kraft, Executive Director 3 4 WE CAN WEEKEND SYNCRUDE PRESENTS FASHION WITH COMPASSION
Sharlene Munday with escort Tyler Butler at the 2017 edition of Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion 1 A Tree for Life s Ups and Downs Sorrentino s Compassion House was gifted the most peculiar and beautiful upside-down tree from Festival of Trees 2016. The tree is large, and we have nowhere to store it, so it has become a staple of the house year round and changes with the season. The upside-down tree inspired these words by former guest and 2017 special model Sharlene Munday. UPSIDE DOWN, BY SHARLENE MUNDY One day, my world came crashing down and I was told I had cancer. One day, soon after, I had surgery, and shortly after that, the chemo followed. One day, I was told I would need radiation treatment in Edmonton and would be staying at Sorrentino s Compassion House, far away from home. On my first day, I saw you. So strange and foreign to me. One day, I truly saw you and how you symbolized how topsy turvy my life had become. Never had my life felt so upside down, being away from everything that was normal for me. What would be normal now? One day, I saw that you still stood tall and graceful, long after Christmas, your need no longer useful. One day, I felt absolutely defeated, and yet I stood tall and held my head up and got through the day and on my way to bed, I passed you and smiled. Upside Down Tree, you will forever have purpose in this house. One day, Upside Down Tree I will remember to thank you, for reminding me that things can be upside down and be perfectly okay. I won t forget you for your inspiration every day and for the courage you gave me to remember that things can be chaotic and crazy but still promise a beauty and hope in the days ahead. Upside Down Tree, you will forever have purpose in this house. Everyone will see that, one day.
2 Cancer Can Bring Opportunity and Yes, Even Joy Volunteer Robbin Ferguson s story When Robbin Ferguson s doctor first raised the flag, she was only 41 years old. There was concern about bone density, and with her main focus of doing everything in her power to get better, she fell into depression when she learned her situation was getting worse. I have done so many amazing things that I would never have done had I not had cancer. I joined yoga, which led me to retreats in Nicaragua and Bali. In 2017 I received my Yoga Teacher Training certificate. Robbin s experience with cancer made her start exploring opportunities to give back. That s what brought her to Sorrentino s Compassion House where she volunteers weekly. in 2016. Being a special model was the highlight of my life. As we walked by, the crowd stood and cheered for us. They celebrated us. I am so moved every time I talk about my special model debut. It was truly a Cinderella day. It wasn t until her birthday at 55, 14 years later, that she returned for more tests. Based on the behavior of the medical staff she knew. It was cancer. As we walked by, the crowd stood and cheered for us. They celebrated us. Because of the sadness and loneliness I experienced in my cancer journey, I discovered how I can help the ladies at Sorrentino s Compassion House. Robbin volunteers for special events and visits every Wednesday to hang out with the guests. Sometimes it is an afternoon of drinking coffee and visiting. I bring treats from home and I m always looking for craft ideas. She is also the lead decorator of the upside down tree. Volunteering has brought great joy and comfort to Robbin, leading to the highlight of her life so far. And while surgery, chemotherapy and radiation was trying and lonely, Robbin will tell you it was a pivotal moment in her life. Because of her connection with the house, Robbin was asked to be a special model at Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion Volunteer and special model Robbin Ferguson 3 We Can Weekend March 24-25, 2018 at Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel Are you or someone you know journeying through cancer? Syncrude presents the inaugural We Can Weekend this March. This special event is for all women who have been through cancer treatment. The two-day conference features keynote speakers, breakout sessions and a panel, focused on life after cancer. Visit wecanweekend.ca for more information or to register.
Special models and their escorts from ATB Financial 4 Syncrude Presents Fashion with Compassion When a woman is diagnosed with cancer, she enters the unknown, and must navigate not only her treatment but her life after treatment. It was only fitting that Into the Unknown was the theme of this year s event. It takes many dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors and event attendees to ensure the success of our signature fundraiser, Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion. Thank you! For a complete list of event donors and additional photos, visit fashioncompassion.ca. If you are interested in sponsoring or helping with next year s event, please contact us. If you were one of the 200 who purchased a Hillberg & Berk Share the Sparkle raffle ticket at lunch, you helped gift a future house guest with a pair of sparkle ball earrings, generously donated by Hillberg & Berk. Hillberg & Berk delivered sparkle ball earrings to new house guests
Barry Lazoruk, Compassion House Foundation Life Member and organizer of the Woking Golf Tournament THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISERS Garlic Month 2017: Congratulations and thank you to Sorrentino s Restaurant Group for a successful garlic month in April. They raised more than $100,000 (or 1,000 stays) for Sorrentino s Compassion House. Woking Golf Tournament: Thank you to the organizers for the annual golf tournament in Woking. Mark your calendar for August 18, 2018 at Chinook Valley Golf Course. Golf Classic: The Capital 96.3 Women s Golf Classic took place June 21, 2017 in support of Sorrentino s Compassion House. Thanks to Capital 96.3 and all the golfers for your support. Edmonton Royal Purple: Congratulations to Edmonton Lodge #22 on 90 years of service and support. We are fortunate to receive ongoing support from Royal Purple Lodges across the province. Sweet Jolie: Thanks to local retailer Sweet Jolie for supporting us as their October {Love} Project. Star Wars: On Nov. 4, 2017 we joined forces with Edmonton Oil Kings for the first Star Wars game. Special jerseys and a light sabre were auctioned, with proceeds to Sorrentino s Compassion House. Pink at the Rink: Join the Edmonton Oil Kings for Pink at the Rink on January 21, 2018. We have tickets for sale ($20) and we are recruiting 50-50 volunteers. If you would like more information about putting on a third party fundraiser, please contact our office at 780-425-7224 or info@compassionhouse.org
HOW TO HELP Support Sorrentino s Compassion House by purchasing a pair of socks for $10, Orange Avocado necklaces for $125 and other great gift ideas. Visit: fashioncompassion.ca/store You will find a Support a Stay card with your newsletter. Your donation is 100% tax deductible. Thank you for helping to keep guest fees reasonable. The house always needs supplies. Donations of Costco, Staples, or Home Depot gift cards are appreciated. VOLUNTEER WITH US! We are always recruiting friendly volunteers to support programming, help out at events or spend time visiting with our guests. If you are interested in volunteering at Sorrentino s Compassion House, contact us at 780-784-3223 or info@compassionhouse.org Sorrentino s Compassion House @yegsch 10909-76 Ave. Edmonton, AB T6G 0J6 compassionhouse.org 780-425-7224