“Thank you for thinking of us. This is great stuff. Wonderful work,” Heidi gushed.
Heidi explained that the Angel Foundation helps about 400 families each year through a variety of support groups and events in the Facing Cancer Together program. These are provided to adults with cancer and their families when cancer strikes. “The diagnosis affects everyone,” pointed out Heidi. Amy agreed with her, noting that many of the blankets and shawls Team Yarn has donated have actually gone to caregivers and family members.
The organization of about 10 staff members, used to be in downtown Minneapolis but moved last August when their rent started to go up. Now that they’re located in Mendota Heights, parking is easier, said Heidi. “This space is much more accessible,” she remarked.
While some events are offered at their office in Mendota Heights, the Angel Foundation is out in the community quite a bit, holding support group meetings at Park Nicollet Frauenshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park, family open art studio at Adler Graduate School in Minneapolis, and Camp Angel at Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie. Heidi pointed out that families who participate move from program to program. The Angel Foundation works with families during new diagnosis, treatment and end-of-life.
This year, Camp Angel has expanded to offer a camp in both June and August at Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie. Part of the value of this location for the three-day camp is that you don’t have to drive up north to experience a relaxing time away.
A Winter Retreat is held each year at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. It combines holistic wellness options such as nutrition and acupuncture with art therapy. This year, kids painted while listening to classical music. “It’s always fun to watch the kids explore that kind of expression,” said Jessica. “It gives them something to do — and other things come out too.” The activity gives them a way to channel their grief and confusion, and through the art, they may be able to talk about things.
The non-profit’s largest fundraising event, the annual Angel Gala, is held each January at the Hilton. This year marks the Angel Foundation’s 15th anniversary, and they intend to celebrate at the Jan. 28, 2017 Gala.
Angel Foundation also offers emergency financial assistance to help with various bills. People often find out about those programs through their hospitals, as the paperwork is filled out by medical professionals. Most come to the Facing Cancer Together programs through word of mouth.
So, spread the word!
More about the Angel Foundation here.
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