• Donna’s Story

    October 8, 2018

    Donna’s Story

    Despite being partially paralyzed for most of her life, Donna was always able to support herself. For six years,she taught citizenship classes and English as a second language.

    Losing her job was a devastating blow, which was soon followed by a bigger challenge when her home flooded. Donna assumed that the lingering exhaustion she felt had to do with living in a hotel room and spending her days looking for a new job and fighting with insurance companies.

    When she finally went to the doctor, she received a frightening diagnosis of Stage II breast cancer. What followed was eight months of tests, consultations, surgeries and chemotherapy. All the while, Donna’s savings evaporated as she fought her cancer.

    In her grant application, she wrote, “I am weak, depressed, frightened, and overwhelmed. My financial Give situation is now desperate.”

    Here at SOPFCA, we felt Donna was highly deserving of a grant. After spending so many years helping newcomers learn the skills they needed to be successful in America, Donna needed a helping hand of her own.

    Our grant went toward paying Donna’s utility bills, insurance, and treatment travel costs. Upon receiving her grant, Donna wrote us, “Your caring and kindness are priceless to me, as I know is true for the many women you help in our time of need.”

    Donna’s grant was made possible by your donations! Read Donna’s entire story and meet some of the other women who receive SOPFCA grants.

    (Image courtesy of Visual Hunt)

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  • Volunteer Spotlight-Sylvia Hom

    July 26, 2016

    Sylvia HomVolunteer Spotlight – Sylvia Hom

    Sylvia’s Master’s Degree in Social Work and her previous years of professional experience in Child Protective Services probably gives away the fact that this woman has a huge heart and loves to help people. In fact, Sylvia regularly volunteers her time to a number of good causes and was instrumental in the success of our recent Purse Bingo event.

    Sylvia first learned about SOPFCA from a member of her book club. Though none of her close friends or family members have struggled with breast cancer, she was still eager to help women in need in her community.

    When asked what stands out about her experience volunteering with SOPFCA, Sylvia replied, “After reading some of their grant applications, I was struck by how independent and hardworking these women were. They just needed some help to get them through their treatment period. Their requests were very touching.”

    Sylvia proved that she is a major hard worker herself, when she helped us make our recent Purse Bingo event a success. For weeks, she relentlessly recruited players, pulled donated tables from thin air, and cajoled her circle of friends and family to help. Even her daughter baked cookies for the event.

    When she isn’t being a superstar volunteer, Sylvia can be found tapping away at her tap dance class, centering herself with yoga, or being a great role model to her two daughters.

    When asked if she would continue to volunteer for SOPFCA, Sylvia answered, “I am up for any future involvement!”

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  • Donor Spotlight – Kristine Quart

    February 29, 2016

    As a pharmacist, it is Kristine’s job to help people get well. No wonder she has been such a strong advocate for breast cancer charities for over 20 years! Though she has supported multiple breast cancer orgIMG_2355 (1)anizations, she tells us that SOPFCA stands out.

    “I like that the money is going to support women in a tangible way,” she told us. “It’s going to pay bills and buy food. It’s going to help them live a better life at a difficult time.”

    Although breast cancer has not struck in Kristine’s immediate family, she has watched several very close friends fight against the disease. Many are now breast cancer survivors, but others lost the fight.

    “I don’t know if we’ll ever find a cure for breast cancer,” Kristine told us, “but I do know that we need more involvement at the local level. That’s what makes Shades of Pink Foundation California so special.”

    In addition to supporting SOPFCA, Kristine is also active in her local German Shepherd Rescue and supports several military charities.

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  • Volunteer Spotlight – Kelly Eastwood

    February 29, 2016
    If you get a chance, please visit the SOPFCA home page and watch our new video, which does a great job of introducing our mission and our foundation. The video features Kelly Eastwood, a woman who has been integral in supporting our organization and who understands the challenge of a breast cancer diagnosis all too ...
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  • BIG ANNOUNCEMENT – We’re increasing Our Grant Awards!

    February 29, 2016
    BIG ANNOUNCEMENT– The only thing better than hearing the relief in the voice of a grant applicant when we call to tell them they won a grant is to be able to give them even more financial support! With the help of our generous donors and a $27,200 grant from SITE Southern California, we are excited ...
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  • Year in Review, 40 Grants and Counting

    February 29, 2016
    Year in Review Our financial year ends on March 31st, so now is a great time to look back on all that we’ve been able to accomplish with the help of your donations. In 2014, our first year, we gave out 8 grants. In 2015, we tripled that number with 40 grants, and we’ve still got a ...
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  • The Year So Far – 2015 Second Quarter

    April 15, 2015
    The Year So Far – 2015 Second Quarter At Shades of Pink Foundation California, we have been staying busy reviewing grant requests and making grants to truly deserving women in our community who are fighting breast cancer. You’ll meet one of these women, Maria, at the end of this newsletter. Though making grants is definitely the ...
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  • SOPFCA Has Big Plans in 2015

    January 1, 2015
    SOPFCA Has Big Plans in 2015 As the Shades of Pink California Foundation looks forward to our third year of supporting women battling breast cancer, we want to take a moment to thank all the people who have been so generous to our cause. That includes YOU! In 2014, we raised over $24,000 thanks to your generous ...
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