CANCER SUPPORT Cancer Support Center CENTER WINTER 2016 VOLUMEwe 14 ISSUE 1 SPARK ... Words from weSPARK I can’t help but notice the number of enter- a nutritionist, and a Doing Cancer Solo group tainment icons we’ve lost due to cancer last where singles could learn to cultivate their own month. Add to that, the number of our family, means of support. Our 6th Annual Run/Walk friends and acquaintances who have been returned, encouraging family and friends to join diagnosed or passed away and I fi nd it sadly the weSPARK community to honor and share shocking. stories about their loved ones aff ected by cancer. My personal highlight last year was to In 2015, an estimated 1,658,370 new cases honor Charlene Sperber, who continues to carry of cancer were diagnosed in the United on her daughter’s vision, at the Michael McDonald States and 589,430 people died from the and Friends concert. disease. We live in a world where literally Charlene Sperber and me at the Michael McDonald everyone has been aff ected by cancer. With As we approach our 15th anniversary, we hope & Friends event the expansive reach of cancer, weSPARK to emphasize that regardless of what your strives to continue to provide a supportive, cancer connection may be, you are not alone. Inside... hopeful, and welcoming healing environ- weSPARK is here for you, off ering a safe and Words from weSPARK...... 1 ment to serve our community. supportive place for healing and community. weSPARK’s Spanish This past year, in response to a signifi cant With Love and Gratitude, Speaking Group...... 1 increase in new guests, we diversifi ed our An Evening with programs to be more inclusive, including more Nancy Allen, Michael McDonald Spanish-speaking initiatives, a nurse navigator, Executive Director & Friends...... 2 weSPARK’s Holiday Party...... 2 Beauty Bus...... 3 weSPARK’s Spanish-Speaking Group 6th Annual 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk...... 3 Platicas en Español Thank You to Our Generous “It’s our home away from home” is how our positivity even during diffi cult times. “She really listens to us and gives us the support we need. Supporters...... 4 fi rst Spanish-Speaking Support Group describes weSPARK. Like all of our support groups, it’s It’s more than a job to her, she’s our family weSPARK Services a community where Spanish- member and a friend,” and Testimonials...... 6 speaking cancer patients can says Ana Maria. “Taking Financial Year ask questions, get resources, weSPARK’s classes and in Review...... 7 and be reminded that they are having the support from the group keeps me moving Platicas en not alone in their diagnoses. forward,” continues Luz. Español Group...... 8 Lilian explains, “It was helpful to meet others with the same She added, “This group backgrounds and see how they made me a new woman. OUR mISSIOn deal with it.” For Ana Maria, On days that I feel low, I come here to lift myself weSPARK is dedicated it became a space to vent feelings and frustrations back up.” to enhancing the quality related to her diagnosis of life for cancer patients, Due to the group’s success, that her own family often Lilian S., Ana Maria C., Luz L., Rosa V., Cathy E., their families, and friends. Susana Stewart, LSW. Not Pictured: Esther M., weSPARK continues to did not understand. Isabel C., Mirna S., Petrona N., Raquel E., Wilma M. weSPARK provides, free of expand its Spanish language charge, multiple services You can fi nd the group sharing laughter, programming to include a brand new “Noche designed to heal the mind, stories, and food at their potlucks. Susana de Familia,” giving Spanish-speaking families a body and spirit of all those whose Stewart, LCSW, the group’s facilitator, chance to all come together to meet and share. lives have been aff ected by cancer. creates a sense of community so each Interested in signing up? Call Susana at (818) 906-3022 member can maintain a sense of 818.906.3022 • www.wespark.org or email at [email protected] to join today!

An Evening with Michael McDonald & Friends

Michael McDonald, Amy Holland, and the fantastic Ambrosia

1

Photo by Scott Dudelson 2

November 4th was a night to remember as legendary Before the rocking show began, the amazing Mark Walberg musicians Michael McDonald, Amy Holland, Multi-Grammy led weSPARK’s Fund-A-Need Auction which raised Award-winning TOTO, and Ambrosia came together to $56,000! A special thank you to our Co-Chairs, Shawn support weSPARK for An Evening with Michael McDonald and Richard Sperber, Ellice Sperber, Michelle Sperber, & Friends! Our Emcee, Alonzo Bodden, kicked off the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, ValleyCrest, and spectacular night with his hilarious stand-up. We were all our other generous sponsors and Event Committee proud to honor Charlene Sperber with the Heart of including donors, event and production volunteers for weSPARK Award for her continuous support of weSPARK. helping us raise over $220,000! Bravo to all!

3 4 5 Photo by Michael Schwartz by Photo 1. Michael McDonald, Honoree Charlene Sperber & Jack McGee 2. Jay Moriarty, Rachelle Carson, Dianne Burnett & Executive Director Nancy Allen 3. Steve Porcaro, David Paich, Joseph Williams, Steve Lukather, Mabvuto Carpenter, Co-Chair and performer Amy Holland and weSPARK Board Member Mark Walberg 4. Emcee Extraordinaire Alonzo Bodden 5. Board member Jim Morris, Kam Morris, Tiff any Harris, Suze Lanier-Bramlett, Marci Moran, Director of Development Marlene McGuirt, Catherine Curry-Williams, Lucinda Piligian and Board Member Scott Williams

Tis the Season to Be Jolly!

On December 10th, weSPARK guests, supporters Look Good...Feel Better Marie Ritz with Ethan and staff came together for weSPARK’s Annual and Dillon Ritz Holiday Party! The evening included wonderful Join us at weSPARK for a night of beauty entertainment by the National In-Choir and an and fun, plus a make-up appearance by Santa Claus himself! Thanks to kit provided by the American Cancer Society. everyone who joined us! We meet on the 2nd Anton Maillie, Karen Morin-Green, Nancy Allen, Santa National In-Choir (Jovial Kemp), Claudia DeCea, Arthur Toretsky Wednesday of each month in Sherman Oaks.

2 Follow us on Twitter @weSPARKsupport and Like us at Facebook.com/wesparkcancersupportcenter To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit weSPARK.org/donate – Thank you!

An Evening with Michael McDonald & Friends look Better, Feel Better! On December 9th, The Beauty Bus Foundation partnered with weSPARK for our annual pop-up salon! The Beauty Bus Foundation delivers dignity, hope and respite to men, women and children and their caregivers through beauty and grooming services and pampering products. During their visit, Beauty Bus volunteers provided free haircuts, hair and wig styling, facials, manicures, and make-up applications for our guests. Each guest also went home with a bag of goodies to encourage continuing self-care at home. Thanks to The Beauty Bus Foundation for their partnership and services; we appreciate what you do in our community!

Anita “Sarge” Kellman of Beat Cancer Bootcamp & her helpers Including weSPARK’s Operations & Guest Manager, Carlin Bell 6TH ANNUAL 10K RUN & 5K RUN/WALK

Our annual Run/Walk was back and better than ever this year! On Roman Jones shows Jodi & her puppy Beth Grant & Jack McGee January 23rd, hundreds came out to run and walk in support ofwe SPARK off his fi nisher medal fi nishing their race! present trophy to a 5K/10K top fi nisher at Lake Balboa Park. Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Whole Foods, and Fleet Feet were there along with our other community partners and vendors. Emcees Jack McGee and Beth Grant charmed everyone with their playful humor and kicked things off with a vigorous warm-up led by Anita “Sarge” Kellman of Beat Cancer Bootcamp before 1. Michael McDonald, Honoree Charlene Sperber & Jack McGee 2. Jay Moriarty, Rachelle Carson, Dianne Burnett & Executive Director Nancy Allen the 5K/10K. The little ones weren’t left out of the fun as our Kids Fun 3. Steve Porcaro, David Paich, Joseph Williams, Steve Lukather, Mabvuto Carpenter, Co-Chair and performer Amy Holland and weSPARK Board Run and activity area off ered face painting, games, crafts and more. The Member Mark Walberg 4. Emcee Extraordinaire Alonzo Bodden 5. Board member Jim Morris, Kam Morris, Tiff any Harris, Suze Lanier-Bramlett, Marci Moran, Director of Development Marlene McGuirt, Catherine Curry-Williams, Lucinda Piligian and Board Member Scott Williams morning ended with an awards ceremony recognizing top placers in each category. A HUGE thank you to all of our sponsors, vendors, runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters for participating in this fun-fi lled and active day! A special shout-out to event founder and Mari Fuentes, Event Founder Anton Maillie, Beth Grant, Kandace Hurdle of CTCA, Jack McGee, weSPARK Program Director Lea Salvatore, Clinical Coordinator weSPARK Board member, Anton Maillie & Mari Fuentes! Stephanie McGee and Director of Development Marlene McGuirt

Look Good...Feel Better Join us at weSPARK for a night of beauty and fun, plus a make-up kit provided by the American Cancer Society. Space is limited, must call to sign up. We meet on the 2nd Call Carlin at Wednesday of each month www.cancercenter.com in Sherman Oaks. (818) 906-3022

Follow us on Twitter @weSPARKsupport and Like us at Facebook.com/wesparkcancersupportcenter To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit weSPARK.org/donate – Thank you! 3

Thank You to our generous supporters in 2015! We are grateful to have so many wonderful donors willing to contribute to weSPARK. You enable us to offer innovative and life-enhancing services every year, and it’s thanks to you that we can offer them all free of charge. the denotes a donor who is also a Torchbearer; a big-hearted individual who commits to giving an annually Torchbearersrecurring gift of $250 or more to weSPARK. living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Jeffery Colton Kristina & Christopher Dukes INFERNO ($40,000 +) Carol Pintothe Howard Meesthe Robin & Bryan Cranston Poker To Royalty,rchbearers LLC Kolja Erman Linda ToMeyersrchbearers Cancer Treatment Centers of Donelle Dadigan living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Marcia & Arnold Fazekas living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Nanea & Victor Reevesthe Kenneth Moss America Claudia DeCea Anita Rich Torchbearers Justine Fluent Megan Mouton QueensCare Foundation Tony Denison living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Forest Lawn Lisa Robertsonthe the Movie Madness Video Charlene Sperberthe Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Matthew To Siegelrchbearers Fred To Foxrchbearers & More, Inc. living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Torchbearers Elaine Donley Dan Frischman living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Sylvia D. Silver Margie Mullen Torchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow BLAZE ($10,000-39,999) Janet Dresner Frank Galassi Josephine Skibbythe the David Murray Betul & James Engel Louis Slimp Torchbearers Patty To & Billyrchbearers Gardell Matt & Kossal Nelson The Bolkin-Heline Family living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Ruth Essegian Ryan Stiles Carol Gaspar Lance O’Conner Torchbearers In Honor of Sherry Netherland living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Lena Evans Joe Gechtman The Kroger/Ralphs Foundation Terry Takeda Cheryl O’Neilthe V. Donnovan Field Francine Tolkin Cooper Alvan R. Gendein Valerie To &rchbearers Cliff Perri-Lipson Michelle Sperber the the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Shelley Fine Arthur Toretzky Torchbearers Marie & Vincent Torchbearers S. Germann LoriAnn & Richard Persinger Ellice Sperber & Dale Van Fossen the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Deborah Torchbearers & Damon Fisher United Talent Agency Jann Goldsby Steven Piorkowski living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Chad & Jennifer Fitzgerald Spencer Valesquez Barbara Gottlieb Jane Pitluck To rchbearers FLAME ($5,000-9,999) the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow The Gale Family Foundation Kerry & Saralee Vosburg Kathleen Hallinan Eileen To Rayrchbearers the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow The Downey-Short Foundation Geanie & Richard Galinson Eric Wasserman TorchbearersAlex Hanan Leslie & Dr. Leonard Reid living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Fleishhacker Foundation Janet Garrison & Michael Swanson Lloyd Weintraub Cheryl E. Harmon Jason Roberts In Honor of Sherry Netherland Michael Gendler Jeanne Hayden & Gary Jeffery Weissmanthe Melvin & Beverly Rosenthal John Aaroe Group Comm. Dean Gilford The Zemeckis To rchbearersCharitable Greenberg Larry Rudolph Foundation Natalie Goldman living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Chad Hayes Foundationthe Jerry Sanfordthe Chuck & Eden Kokoska Charlene Gorzela Ruth Ziegler Torchbearers Rose & Bill Hayetthe Monica To Saylorsrchbearers Anton Maillie & Mari Fuentes Cathy Lind Hayes living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Health Net To Foundationrchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Lynn & Roger Zino living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Robert Schiller Dru & Richard Margolis Health Care To Partnersrchbearers Parrish Hearne Torchbearers living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Donald W. Schwartz Jay Moriarty Bruce Hecker Torchbearers ($500-999) Gina Hecht living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow SPARK Science of Mind Spiritual Center Karen Morin Green, RN & Gary & Helene Heller Margaret Henkel Los Angeles Keith Addis Casey Green Adam Hirsh Keith Herman Annette I. Shapiro the Nancy Allen the the James & Kam Morris Lisa To& Jeffreyrchbearers Hurrell Rise Herring Torchbearers Michael Sherman Torchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Gary Alwood living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Muskin Family Foundation Joanne & Barry Jacobs Andrea Hutter Heather Simpson Kim & Frank Annino Lucinda & Craig Piligian Hillary & Michael Kanigher Phil Idrissi Arnold J. Sisk Anna & Yancey Arias the Eileen & Joseph Porcaro Jennifer Kessler Jeannine Imperialethe Fred SolomonTorchbearers Ed Baker living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow The Uplands Foundation Coleen & Steven Kirnan Mark J. Islam To rchbearers Kathryn Spanberger Martin Bandier the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Wells Fargo Friedmann Richard To Jensenrchbearers Gary Stamler Torchbearers Denise R. Baruch living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Whole Foods Markets Zorina Kroop Gabriel Jones Jeffrey Stern the Vicki & Donald Berghoff Scott Williams & Catherine Kyle RudowTorchbearers Memorial Fund Barbara A. Joseph James Sutorius living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Michael S. Bertram the Curry-Williams Francis La Maina Marilyn & MitchellTorchbearers Kaplan Yvonne & Steven Thomson Paul Beulke living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Maurice LaMarche Keller Williams Realty Torchbearers - William Toth Erin & Scott Brewster living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the GLOW ($1,000-4,999) Coco Leighthe Studio City Tower To Cancerrchbearers Research Lionel Brown living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Lucia To Macerchbearers Sherald Ann Kent Foundation Judd Apatow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Bryce Buckmaster the the the Andy & Robin Mandell Ilyanne & ToMikerchbearers Kichaven Lisa Turco Torchbearers Jules ToBerlinrchbearers Debbie & James Burrows living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Stephanie & Jack McGee the Daniel Klien Jason Turner Gerald Bernardi & Joe Keenan William Calvert Torchbearers Richard & Erica Merkell living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrowMichelle & Ron Lam Bessemer Trust Joel Vendette Sigute & Daniel Miller Pamela & Scott Carleton Lex Lang Janet Blake Jason Villard the Sharlene & Glenn Miyagishima Larry G. Cohenthe Hector & Matilde Lavenant Karen To &rchbearers Kenneth Blancato Akyba Webb living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrowthe Stanley To Coltonrchbearers Steve Moore living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Brian Lechner Matt Weintaub Suzanne Bronson Torchbearers Daniel Cortese the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrowOccidental Entertainment Group Richard & Robin Leonard Karen & Gary Winnick Burdge & AssociatesTorchbearers Architects, Inc. Claudia & Carlos Cosenza the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Holding, Inc. Ron Li-Paz TorchbearersSally Winsberg Dianne Burnett the Sam Crutcher living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Lorraine &To Davidrchbearers Paich Allyson & Bill Livendale William To Witheringtonrchbearers California Bank & Trust living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Jessica Davis living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Paradigm Talent Agency Shelley Lozdon Donald Wood Church of Religious Science Jimmy DellaValle Derek Perrinthe Susan & Sheldon Malchicoffthe Ian F. Woolf Deborah & Daniel Clark Torchbearers Sarah Driskill Torchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow

4 Would you like to help weSPARK shine? Interested in donating to weSPARK or becoming a Torchbearer? To make a tax deductible donation, return the enclosed envelope or visit weSPARK.org/donate!

Zachary Shroyer Elize Augustine Salon Susan A. Masback IGNITE ($250-499) Wendy & Michael Jamesthe Mary & Robert Joesel TorchbearersOhan & Sergio Simonian Gina & Nilo Escalante Jeanne & Thomas McCaffrey Marjorie Abrahams living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow John Slavin Susan Ezell Christine McIrwin the Nico Juberthe Anait Alabyan To rchbearers Jeffrey Menell theliving in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Barbara Torchbearers Kadish Michael Sorich Jamie Fang living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Christopher Torchbearers Alan Frank Michaelis living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Steve Kaplan Torchbearers Nathan I. Spracklen Fleet Feet Sports living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Michael Albala Galit & Amit Kashman Jason St. John Thomas F. Fouladi David Miller Christopher Allison Gail Kaufman Maria & Glenn Swiatek Kathleen & Richard Franke Kimary & John Miller Barry Balonick Miles Kavaller Michael Tansill Stacy Fraser Shahbaz Mirzadeh The Begley Family Foundation Elizabeth Kenney The Comedy Store, Inc. Sara & Richard Gagliardi Helen Moaveni Miguel Belinky Dale Kinsella Renee Victor Virginia & Mario Garcia Marie Carmen Moyer Michael Benjamin Gail Vitar Tawnya Gartside Alice Neely Carmela Kleinthe Patty Blamchete Thomas To Klimekrchbearers Zip Vitullo Justin Gavejian Mark Neff living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Maxine Brauerthe Philip Koek Samantha Vuong Gentle Care Hospice, Inc. Elizabeth Osborne Michele To Brettrchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Richard Krieger Tony Walder Joseph Gieb Jo Pessin Anthony P. Briggs the the Eileen &To Jayrchbearers Lagman Nancee Weinstein Jill & Joseph Goldstein Wendy Pierce Renee Brook Torchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Dillon J. Lamar James Welden Enid Graddis Andrea Platner Ronald Cammarata Kevin E. West Diana Grant Zoya Pomeranets Lori & Larry Lapidesthe Barry Charles Bess & Brian To LaRosarchbearers Steven Wolfe Jennifer Guerrero Jan & Roger Quinn-Jutras Lisa & Indra Ciccarelli living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Gayle & Thomas Larson Loren theWoll Richard Halverson Lori & Jeffrey Reesing Nancy F. Cohenthe Alison To &rchbearers Wickham Zimmerman Miki Herman Barbara & Thomas Reilly Laurie G. Linvill living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Stephanie To Connellyrchbearers the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Eddie Ziv TorchbearersKelly Hollis Nancy Reis Marian LoblTorchbearers the living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Sheila Cooper theliving in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow the Karen To &rchbearers Jon Lopez Torchbearers Jon Hotchkiss Marie & Joshua Ritz living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Edward To Darnellrchbearers John Ickovics Herbert & Linda Roberts living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Ronald Marinaro Torchbearers FRIEND ($150-249) Leigh Datzker living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Madelyn Cain Inglese Suni Romi the Jeff & Lynne Markusthe Pier Ali Parents To ofrchbearers Moses Davis Bogdan Iofciulescu Joy & Warren Rotblatt living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Stephanie A. To Marshallrchbearers Natasha Detmer living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Jan & Gary Ames the Pamela McDaniel Torchbearers Barbara Jampel Joe Saccone living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Judy Antoon Jane & Allan Torchbearers Dietrich Trisha Jochen Yoriko Saneyoshi living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Suzanne McDonald Thomas Auten Chris Donnan David Joyner Robin Sax Metropolitan Culinary Services April & Keith Ayers Tom & Gerry Donnelly Aris Kakkis Gina Scheerer the Sarah Metzger Steven Barry Ice Dube Torchbearers Kaleo Marketing, LLC Nancy & Wayne Schoenfeld living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Gabriela Militellothe Steven Bear Stacee Evans Robin Mintzer-Davis Torchbearers & Katherine & Anthony Kallal Bob Scott living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Barbara & Frank Bereny Thomas & Deanna Evans Martin Kaplan Joanne & John Scribner David Davisthe Allan Biblin Sandi & Gary Falcone Gary Moglovkin Torchbearers Esther Katzman Rosella Serulnic living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Happy Blank David Ferry Meryl Kern Taulheedah Shakoor-Curry the Susan & Dave Moriaty Body Energizers Julian To Finkelsteinrchbearers Bonnie & Gerry Koch Jed M. Silverstrom living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Cheryl Nadjarian Barbara & Bill Booth Steve Fix Torchbearers Trice Koopman Dana Singer living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Larry Namer James Bradshaw Anne Flett-Giordano Barbara Koster Judith Skelton Jim Nash David Brauner Linda Freeman Betty Krulik Herbert Slavin Carol Selimah Nemoythe Gabrielle & Kevin Breard Marcos Gallarza Michael Nixen Torchbearers LA Valley College Phyllis Spear living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Stephanie Bronson Justin Galli Amy Landecker June Squibb Howard Nusinov John Brown Arlene Garfield Janice & Larry Lang Sridhar Sreekakula the Vicki & Bruce Nussbaum Rima Buch Donald ToM. Garrettrchbearers Susan Lashkari Bobby Tessel living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Ron O’Nealthe Allison Caine Jeanne Gervin Option To rchbearersOne Lending, Inc. Sylvia Lautsch Jocelyn B. Tetel living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Zachary Calig Nancy Goldsholl Andrew Leeds Rebecca & Lance Thomas Sam Orenderthe Ellyn Carfrey Richard Gross Carla ToPattersonrchbearers Fern & George Lippert Teresa Thome living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Christopher Carson Pamela Guest Ira Liss Robert Tzudiker Loretta & Joel Petersen Nancy & Roger Casey Michael Guillaume Marina & Edward Livshits James Valestrino Steve Porcaro Deanna Chaffee Jon Gunn Jill Lowy Lori Wagner Mary & Ira Porter Goldstein Joel D. Cheresnick Linda Harmon Lily Lu Mark Walberg & Robbi Morgan Joe Privitelli Peter & Rebecca Chernack Tiffany Harris John H. MacDonald Fran Wild May Quigley-Goodman & Michael Chieffo Lizzie Heaney Marta & Santiago Margulies Ruth B. Zangwill Simon Goodman May Collection Consultants of CA Tasha & Armando Hernandez Dan Marrow Mona & Gregory Zekowski Karen Read Louis Cortina Jay Hieatt P. J. Marsden Brad Zoellick Nancy N. Robertsonthe Ruth Crofton Bob Hirsch Suzanne & MiltonTorchbearers Russikoff living in wholeness...buildingthe hope for tomorrow Valerie Curtin Gary Hoffman Victor Salant Torchbearers Jeff Houston living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrowJon & Sarah Davison Stephanie Samuel This list includes all supporters who gave $150 and Crystal Husband Ashlee Dean Lynn Sarver up from 2/1/2015 through 1/31/2016. Thank you to Bonnie G. Jacobs Barbara Dipalma Alex Schwartz & Larry Rudolph Bruce Dolin all our donors! Sharen Jacobsthe Jodye Selco Torchbearers living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow Would you like to help weSPARK shine? Interested in donating to weSPARK or becoming a Torchbearer? To make a tax deductible donation, return the enclosed envelope or visit weSPARK.org/donate! 5

WHO WE ARE Words from weSPARK Guests weSPARK is a nonprofit cancer support center dedicated to enhancing the quality Support + Prevention + Acceptance of life for cancer patients as well as the + Recovery + Knowledge lives of their families and friends. Our programs and services are provided free of charge and are designed to heal the “Until weSPARK, I had nowhere else mind, body, and spirit of all those whose to turn. Whenever I was feeling lives have been affected by cancer. down after chemotherapy, I came

WHAT WE DO to weSPARK to relax. weSPARK

weSPARK offers over 40 free, ongoing became my second home classes and workshops delivered by and anytime I visit I still feel expert facilitators, instructors, medical psychologists, social workers, and physical welcomed.” — Mary Peters therapists to empower cancer patients with the educational, inspirational, and emotional tools to help them throughout their treatment and recovery process. “Going through breast cancer SUPPORT GROUPS has been difficult, but weSPARK’s • Facilitated by a licensed clinical social Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, and worker or therapist • Held in a safe, homelike setting for Drum classes have helped us relax 90 minutes and feel better. We will forever • Serve patients who are in-treatment, be grateful to them.” post-treatment, and in ongoing treatment — Rosa and Leo Villegas • For family members, including caregivers, bereavement and children and teen groups “It was hard for me when my InTEGRATIvE COmPlEmEnTARY THERAPIES mom passed away from cancer. It sounds so generic, but it is • Include Restorative and Gentle Yoga, Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Acupressure, so true: weSPARK’s teen Reiki, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi support group changed my • Offer holistic aid for cancer patients ” — Sabina W. • Provide physical rehabilitation, stress life for the better. reduction, pain management, anxiety management, and relaxation techniques

CREATIvE & EDUCATIOnAl “ : WORKSHOPS weSPARK is a sanctuary All you need is an open mind and • Include Creative Writing, Guided Imagery, Jewelry Making, Mah Jongg, heart, and weSPARK offers you Music Workshops, Food Nutrition, tools and resources to not simply and Mindfulness Meditation • Designed to be both inspirational and “cope,” but to be enriched in informational the face of adversities.” — Paul S.

6 Follow us on Twitter @weSPARKsupport and Like us at Facebook.com/wesparkcancersupportcenter To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit weSPARK.org/donate – Thank you! Words from weSPARK Guests Financial AllOCATIOn OF EXPEnSES Administrative Year in Fundraising 7% & Events Review 15%

In 2015, weSPARK committed over three-quarters 78% of our expenses to programs, ensuring that we can continue to off er diverse, comprehensive services Programs for those aff ected by cancer to enrich their minds, bodies, and spirits. weSPARK is dedicated to growing and supporting these vital services. Fiscal Year ended 1/31/2016

weSPARK is the benefi ciary of a few wonderful 2015-2016 FISCAl grants, and our fabulous and fun events make up a decent portion of our income. However, YEAR-EnD InCOmE weSPARK would not be where we are today without the generous ongoing support of our Grants donors. It is thanks to you and your kindness that our doors are open and we can expand, grow, and 9% Events thrive with a diverse range of services that are vital to help those impacted by cancer. weSPARK Donations is there for those who need us and YOU, our 25% supporters, are there for weSPARK. Thank you! 66%

For Every Dollar You Donate: • 78¢ goes to fund all of our programs • 15¢ covers fundraising costs • 7¢ covers management and general expenses

YOU keep the spark alive at weSPARK... The Torchbearers is for big-hearted individuals who wish to give an annually recurring gift to weSPARK Cancer Support the Center for annually recurring needs. To become a Torchbearer, Torchbearers please visit our website: wespark.org living in wholeness...building hope for tomorrow

Follow us on Twitter @weSPARKsupport and Like us at Facebook.com/wesparkcancersupportcenter To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit weSPARK.org/donate – Thank you! 7 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 1494 13520 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

weSPARK Tax-Deductible ID: 95-4758462

We Invite our Spanish-Speaking Guests… ¿Usted o un ser querido tiene cáncer? ¿Usted o alguien cercano ha sido afectado por cáncer? PLATICAS EN ESPAÑOL

Cancer Support Center

Usted no está solo, venga y hable con otras familias en la comunidad hispana que también están pasando por lo mismo. Venga con preguntas. | Obtenga recursos. Pacientes con cáncer, miembros de la familia, y cuidadores. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Si usted está interesado o gusta más información por favor comuníquese con Susana Stewart, Trabajadora Social o Elaine Ruiz, Coordinadora de Ayuda Comunitaria al número (818) 906-3022