That’s what the Angel Foundation in Mendota Heights is for.

The 15-year-old organization recognizes that a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, and their programs meet the needs of kids to adult caregivers.

The Angel Foundation offers two groups of programs. Team Yarn hats will be given away through the Facing Cancer Together programs. These free programs are provided to adults with cancer and their families during diagnosis, treatment and end-of-life. Year-round groups, programs, events and resources are provided at no cost.

MIND BODY WELLNESS
Support groups for families: parents, caregivers, young adults with cancer (18-26), young adults with a parent with cancer (18-26), and children’s medical play groups. On March 31, participants will learn the M technique of gentle touch and relaxation for the whole at the Angel Foundation office. Family Art Studio is coming up Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Adler Graduate School - Art Therapy Studio in Minneapolis. The next Children’s Group Medical Play Session will be Saturday, April 2; children will learn and explore real medical materials.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Families are invited to attend social gatherings throughout the year. This is a wonderful and fun opportunity to grow your support community.

EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERIES
A 4-week program for the entire family. Peer-based groups focus on therapeutic themes to promote communication and understanding of the cancer diagnosis and how it impacts a family. The next session will be Mondays April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 5-8 p.m., at Park Nicollet Fraunshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park.

CAMP ANGEL
A three-day camp for kindergarten to18-year-olds with a parent or caregiver who has had cancer. A unique and fun opportunity for intentional and meaningful activities and experiences. This year’s camps will be offered June 16-18 or Aug. 16-18, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Eden Prairie.

TEEN OUTREACH
Monthly events and programs where teens (13-18) can interact with their peers who also have a parent/caregiver with cancer. Teens will build strength and resiliency through a variety of therapeutic and expressive art activities. In March, teens explored the art of making a documentary with digital filmmaking as a format for self-expression through W2 Films. On Saturday, April 2, the group will hang out at Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Splatbat Paintball is planned for Friday, May 27 from 6-8 p.m. in Minneapolis.

To register for these programs, contact Jessica Lindsay at jlindsay@mnangel.org or 612-627-9000 ext. 503.

HEALING WITH EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Melissa Turgeon sees art as a way to create meaning out of something that doesn’t make sense. As written in the Fall 2015/Winter 2016, Angel Foundation newsletter:

Art Therapy helps validate that feelings are real or understand outside of yourself. It inspires exploration of materials to inevitably discover self-truths and identify feelings when words aren’t enough.

This validation of feelings and the impetus to find others who can understand and relate to one’s situation is one of the reasons that families participate in the Facing Cancer Together program — to find that community that understands and can validate each other’s feelings — whether it is fear, hope, confusion, or anger. Art Therapy aids in building that connection to yourself and others, without having to try and find the right words.

Often times, painting drawing, or sculpting through pain or grief can help illuminate and resolve issues. Art Therapy isn’t necessarily about teaching a skill, but rather meeting individuals and families were there are at and discovering an inner world of images.

For people living with cancer, Art Therapy can be an avenue to explore feelings of mastery, control and body image. It can aid in learning what pain triggers one may have or can help process anxiety and thoughts. ... Imagine painting through pain, exploring clay to pound out your frustrations as a caregiver or writing a song to let it all out.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The other set of programs offered by the Angel Foundation aim to help with the tremendous financial pressures a cancer diagnosis can bring. Studies show that 40% of cancer patients will fall below the poverty level sometime during their treatment.

Angel Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to adults in active treatment for cancer, living in or treated in the seven-county metro area of the Twin Cities to meet critical non-medical needs such as:
- Housing payments
- Food
- Utilities
- Fuel costs

More at www.mnangel.org or call 612-627-9000.

Today, Thursday, May 29. 2014, we dropped off 60 fun and funky children's hats at Amplatz Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.

We donated there last year in June. Read about all the good work they do at Amplatz here in the post titled: Kids at Amplatz Like All Sorts of Hats.

Children age 0-25 are treated at Amplatz. Some are outpatient and some inpatient. Each month, roughly 1,000 kids go through the Amplatz outpatient clinic. When it comes to choosing a hat, kids at Amplatz are all different. Some want one that’s a certain color. Others want a different hat for each day. They view a hat like a hairstyle, and want lots of variety. Some just want a hat that keeps their head warm. Others care a great deal about texture.

We didn't come in on a day when the Child Family Life advocates were working, the the lady at the front desk thanked us for the great donations. At an average value of $15 a hat (and really, these handmade beauties are worth more!), we donated a value of $900. Pat yourself on the backs for that!!

"We appreciate this stuff," said Julie Quinn, the Voluntary Assistant at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. On Thursday, May 15, 2014, we dropped off two boxes filled with 18 men's hats and 9 shawls at the VA Hospital.

As it has been with most of our donation spots, members in our group are connected to the VA Hospital and have had loved ones treated there.

Amy, Aurora, Axel, Josey, Jenn and Tesha (not pictured) make the delivery at the VA Hospital on May 15, 2014.

Julie Quinn - What a lovely lady!

Julie isn't sure if she's paying it forward or backward. "We had 23 more years with my dad because of the care he got here," Julie said, "and 12 more years with my brother because of the care he got here." She's been an employee there for 18 years, and figures she needs to be there at least 35 years to pay the place back! Recently, her son-in-law was treated at the VA hospital. "I am going to be here forever," Julie said with a laugh.

Julie informed us that items that are red, white and blue are most popular with the vets and their families. We will start collecting red, white and blue yarns, and ask you all later this year to focus on making items in those colors so that we can make another donation to the VA (maybe in December?). Julie noted that shawls and lap blankets are very popular, and they go through many. She encouraged us to make them in large sizes because the laps of veterans aren't small.

"Caregiver stuff is so important," agreed Amy Pass.

There is also a 10-bed hospice facility at the VA campus. "We provide the families with comfort bags," said Julie.

Another program at the VA provides more support to caregivers within 40 miles of the VA. Volunteers go to the homes of patients and hang out there so that the caregiver can get a break.

The arms of the VA stretch out in hundreds of ways. Some of the hats donated through volunteer services wind up heating the heads of young, homeless vets, those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. When they returned, they weren't able to adjust, and now roam the streets.

The radiation treatment at the VA is cutting-edge. When it was purchased, they demanded different equipment than what was being used at the other VAs in the country. Their equipment has a removable piece so that as the area affected by cancer gets smaller, the amount of radiation going in is less and less.

ABOUT THE VA HOSPITAL

According to its web site (http://www.minneapolis.va.gov):

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System hosts one of the largest and most active research programs in the VA health care system. There are currently over 160 scientists and investigators conducting 550 research projects.  Research projects carried on by these investigators cover the gamut of human disease with emphasis on brain physiology, Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease (pulmonary hypertension, abdominal aneurysms), infectious disease (influenza, urinary tract infections), diabetes mellitus (basic biochemistry and clinical management), outcomes-based research (HSR&D)  (sexual harassment, tobacco addiction, PTSD, and polytrauma), heart disease, prostate and colon cancer, hematologic malignancies,  chronic pain,  schizophrenia, addictive disorders, Gulf War syndrome, hepatitis C, traumatic brain injury,  and chemical dependency.

When it comes to cancer, the Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.

There are about 30 new patients weekly at the VA. Providers there have approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.

The department has 8 Medical Oncologists, 4 Physician Assistants, 2 Oncology pharmacists, an Oncology Patient Navigation Team consisting of 1 RN and 1 Program Support Assistant, and multiple RNs, LPNs and Clerical staff providing service in the Hem-Onc Clinic (3V) and Oncology Infusion Clinic (3F). In addition, the Oncology Team has a Social Worker, a Dietitian, and an integrated network with Specialty Care services.

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center hosts an annual Cancer Survivor's Day celebration that takes place in the fall.

The view from the main lobby is incredible, although it is under construction right now. We could only see what it looks like from the second floor.

A display of flags educates folks on how our national flag has evolved through the years.

The parking lot was full of these.

A puzzle in progress in one of the lobbies.

The Fisher House is like the Ronald McDonald house. While their loved ones are being treated at the VA hospital, family members can stay at the Fisher House for free. We are going to look into donating to them in the future.

department has 8 Medical Oncologists, 4 Physician Assistants, 2 Oncology pharmacists, an Oncology Patient Navigation Team consisting of 1 RN and 1 Program Support Assistant, and multiple RNs, LPNs and Clerical staff providing service in the Hem-Onc Clinic (3V) and Oncology Infusion Clinic (3F). In addition, the Oncology Team has a Social Worker, a Dietitian, and an integrated network with Specialty Care services to meet your every need. - See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

The Hematology-Oncology (Hem-Onc) Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides quality cancer patient care, conducts both clinical and laboratory cancer research programs to improve the care and outcome of our VA cancer patients, and educates trainees in cancer care.
The Hem-Onc Section provides both inpatient and outpatient consultative services for the evaluation and care of approximately 30 new patients weekly, and  has approximately 13,000 outpatient provider visits annually.
- See more at: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/services/oncology/Hem-Onc.asp#sthash.qgaW9RNV.dpuf

Allison Spicher exuberantly praised the two boxes of hats we dropped off at the Minneapolis Hope Lodge on Thursday, May 15, 2014. "They are beautiful!" she said. "They look really warm."

Spicher told us they would make great prizes during Bingo that evening. Plus, they will put the hats out in the box where guests can look through them at their leisure.

We delivered 74 hat and 1 scarf to the Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Left to right: Aurora, Amy, Josey, Axel, Tesha & Jenn.

Adults receiving cancer treatments in the Twin Cities area who reside 40 miles away can receive free lodging at the Hope Lodge in Minneapolis.

Team Yarn made its first donation to the Minneapolis Hope Lodge in Minneapolis in February 2013, and surprisingly (to us) Debbie Nelson, our tour guide from before, recalled our group.

"I just think the Hope Lodges are such a great deal," remarked Team Yarn co-founder Amy Pass during our visit. "It's totally impressive."

Debbie Nelson of the Hope Lodge noted that last year was the first year that the Minneapolis facility has been self-sustaining, and they hope that continues.

Learn more about the free services offered at Hope Lodge that we learned about on previous visits here.

Jenn carries in a box of hats.

Cousins Amy and Jenn

Allison Spicher admires our donation.

"We're the family you didn't really want to have," said Debbie Nelson.

It was fun to see the courtyard in the spring, as our last donation was made during the winter. A group of volunteers had planted items just the night before our visit, and it looks gorgeous!

Our group with Debbie Nelson (left) and Allison Spicher (right).

On Monday, Feb. 3, 2013, we donated 7 prayer shawls to Our Lady of Peace Home, Health and Hospice in St. Paul.

Volunteer coordinator Kim Perez gave us a tour when we arrived, and told us about the history and operation of Our Lady of Peace. "We are a very small hospice center," she said. "This is perfect."

We donated only prayer shawls to Our Lady. They didn't need lapghans because their patients are at end of life, and already have blankets and hats.

Their motto is: Care for the body. Comfort for the soul.

The rooms inside look upon an outdoor courtyard.

Our Lady of Peace has 21 rooms. Each has a flat screen TV, clock and radio. The rooms have two beds, separated by partitions. Handmade quilts add a splash of color to each bed. Patients range from 18 to the elderly. Our Lady is currently working with Children's Hospital to offer hospice services for children, as well.

The Dominican sisters who founded the organization were very forward thinking, and made sure that each room in the facility has a view of the outdoors. In the chapel, natural light streams through windows and skylights. They also made sure to provide large storage areas.

In the main floor lounge, the is an aquarium. The second floor lounge has an aviary stocked with exotic birds. "It's a nice diversion," said Perez.

The average patient stays at Our Lady for nine days. Perez has seen the average stay drop during her time there. People typically come to Our Lady when they have exhausted their medical coverage and are in crisis. "We're not governed by Medicare because we're free," Perez explained.

The majority staff at Our Lady has been there a long time, including Perez, who began working there 25 years ago as a housekeeper.

Our Lady began in 1941. Back in those days, those with cancer were sent to an island to die alone, according to Kim. Rose Hawthorne Lathrop saw the discrepancy between those with money and the poor in their treatment. She began caring for the poor and sick, and from that, an order was born.

At one time, there were 8 homes in the United States, but that was pared to only one in 2009 because there weren't enough sisters to manage the homes and the Franciscan Health Community took over the operation. However, the Dominican sisters did form a partnership with 4 sisters from India, who still help provide the care in St. Paul. Fifty volunteers lend a hand to help things run smoothly.

In addition to the hospice facility, Our Lady also provides home health services to the nearby community.  The Highland Block Nursing Program is housed at Our Lady, and it has provided good partnership opportunities for each organization.

FOR MORE HISTORY
Read this post: http://teamyarn.blogspot.com/2014/02/history-of-our-lady-of-peace-home-in-st.html

Our Lady of Peace is located at 2076 St. Anthony Ave. in St. Paul. Call 651-789-5025 or browse ourladyofpeacemn.org for more information.