Relaxation in the Face of Chemo
Hello Auto Group partnered with Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center for their second annual Wellness Day for individuals impacted by cancer. This partnership resulted in a day of relaxation and empowerment for 40 incredibly strong women. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is in Temecula, CA, and extends its services to those in San Bernardino, Riverside, and North San Diego counties. It is a beacon of support for cancer patients, providing invaluable resources. They serve about 1,800 cancer patients with more than 11,000 free resources annually. From support groups and wig services to wellness classes and one-on-one assistance, Michelle’s Place lives by the motto, “You are not alone.” Hello Auto Group recognized the importance of supporting such a vital organization and decided to create a special day for those navigating the challenges of cancer. Michelle’s Place stands as a testament to Michelle, a courageous young woman whose battle with breast cancer at the age of 26 inspired the creation of this community resource. Frustrated by the lack of local support during her journey, Michelle envisioned a place that would provide emotional comfort, a listening ear, and up-to-date information on treatment options. Tragically, she passed away on July 23, 2000, but her family, friends, and community kept the organization going. Michelle’s vision of uplifting others in their cancer battles came true. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa helped make this extraordinary Wellness Day possible. The 40 deserving cancer patients were given the choice of a custom massage or a pedicure, along with a healthy lunch and full access to all the spa amenities in their facility. The goal was to provide a day of relaxation and offer a much-needed escape from their struggles. A day solely focused on the well-being of these strong and resilient individuals. Each participant received a butterfly-themed gift basket put together by Hello’s volunteers. These baskets contained a butterfly cup, scented lavender candles, a butterfly “you are beautiful” sticker, a necklace to remind them of their inner and outer beauty, and a heartfelt thank-you card expressing gratitude for their presence at the Wellness Day. The Wellness Day became a platform for women to share their empowering stories. Melissa Ferguson, a former member of Michelle’s Place, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “I don’t spend that extra little money that I have to come and just hang out and have a wellness day at a spa to take time to just be present in my own body and to have this time to get a pedicure and just breathe.” The testimonials show how this event went beyond being a wellness day; it became a day for these strong women to reclaim a sense of self. Cancer treatment costs, on average, more than $42,000 per year, depending on the level of health insurance. A total of 85% of patients leave work during initial treatment, and many use their savings within the first two years. Consequently, around 30% of Americans with a cancer history face challenges paying medical bills, resorting to borrowing money, or filing for bankruptcy due to these financial struggles. Hello Auto Group knew that these cancer patients would not necessarily spend money on themselves due to their financial burden. Hello wanted them to feel seen and loved despite that financial burden. Hello Auto Group’s partnership with Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is impactful to the community and individuals facing the challenges of cancer. This Wellness Day provided a day of escape and empowered these women to be themselves, reminding them of their strength and resilience.
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