"Being a cancer survivor is not like getting a cold or the flu; it lasts a lifetime. It affects you emotionally, physically, and financially - without regard to household income. Our job is to give cancer survivors a break when they need it most."

Cindy Sargent, Executive Director, Catch a Break

Our Results:

 Thanks to our many gracious supporters, our results are:

• 2011- Raised $1000 so far from the "Garage Sale."
• 2010- Raised $7513 in donations and another $2500 in gifts
• 2009- Raised $7148 in donations and another $1000 in gifts
• 2008- Raised $5100 in donations and another $500 in gifts (before partnership with LMHE)
• 2007- Raised $900 in gifts (before partnership with LMHE)
• Total raised since inception = $25,661
  

Our Mission:

While many cancer-related foundations and organizations direct their attention to the very worthy efforts of prevention, screening, treatment, or research, the Catch a Break organization focuses on the survivor when they return home - extending a hand to the survivor who lost their job, drained their savings to help themselves or a family member, or is forced to choose between buying cancer medication and providing a holiday meal for their family.

Our funds go directly to survivors and their families and provide basic essentials during the holidays. Your contributions will assist with a little extra boost for medication, food, or simply provide a gift of comfort or clothing.

Our Beginning:

In 2007, Catch a Break started as a small, grassroots organization to help a few women who were battling breast cancer. Cindy Sargent, a survivor herself, experienced the overwhelming burdens and wanted to help ease the path for others.

With the help of friends and volunteers, Cindy aimed to assist fellow cancer survivors with the "cost of survivorship" during the holidays. She launched this program by adopting six families, providing gifts and cash assistance. In 2008, the number grew to fourteen families and received local TV, radio, and newspaper coverage. 

 How Our Program Works:

Support may be given either through cash donations or by "adopting" a survivor and having direct contact by delivering your gifts.

The benefits of direct cash donations:

• You are giving directly to a survivor in need who is ready for your help.
• You are working with a non-profit organization who will work directly with the patient to assess his or her needs and develop a wish list of critical needs.
• You will not have to worry about the details; we will select appropriate gifts, wrap presents, and deliver during the holidays.
• You will be contributing to a 501-c-3 organization with oversight by a Board of Directors

The benefits of adopted donations:

• You decide the amount of funding for your adopted survivor. A donation of $250 goes a long way towards helping a family with groceries or a prescription. The gifts go directly to the survivor, and by using our format, critical needs and wishes are identified.
• You can use this as a meaningful way to help a survivor during the holidays and share the spirit of holidays more directly.
• You can reap the benefit of directly choosing and delivering the very special items that the survivor needs the most.
• You will ensure your commitment to the survivor by signing an agreement with us, which shows that they have truly been adopted by a loving individual or group.

The program is small enough to be flexible, so if you have an idea to deliver needed support to cancer survivors, we are willing to work with you. We do all the leg-work, the screening and identification of survivors  and you will receive recognition and reward for your support of someone who needs your help.

How to Help: