I am writing to tell you how much I love the' Josh Dog'. We give them to our pediatric patients before going into surgery. I am sure that it helps to decrease their anxiety. Just the smiles on their faces, or hugging him as they go to sleep is great. Thank you for sharing Josh with us and our patients.
Sincerely,
Devera Tomes, RN, CNOR

A Spanish speaking only family of 5 with 3 of these children age 0-5 came for vaccines. All children received their immunizations. During the vaccine process to the crying 3 year old our nurse noted all teeth had massive decay. The entire mouth was impacted. Our bi-lingual MA educated the family of the importance of the long term health impact of dental health with an immediate emergency referral to Loma Linda Children’s Dental Clinic. One week later the family returned for a required WIC physical and parents expressed gratitude and appreciation for our referrals and the care they received at Loma Linda. This family also received referrals for food assistance and left with immediate hygiene products, diapers, shoes for all three and clothing for two of the children.

A homeless father with an 18 month old baby came to us for diapers. They were living on the street. Within minutes calls were made to our local shelter and the required TB skin tests as well as other needed vaccines to make the child up to date with the immunizations were provided. This father left with diapers, clothing, jackets and shoes for his child, a jacket for himself, non perishable food, blankets and a backpack to hold his supplies. The backpack also included a book for his baby including 2 sippy cups. A call out to the community was made and before he left a contact for a local job was made. This father, with a military background was without work for 7 months.

One of our mothers who attended our Spanish Head Start STEP Parenting class funded First 5 came to us for vaccinations and resources for her three children age 0-5. This mother’s husband has been out of work for over a year and more often than not, they do not have enough food to feed their children. A partnership with a local retailer provides non perishable food and household items as available from returns and damages. Besides providing the necessary immunizations this family received a heater (they live in a rented garage in Home Gardens), a rug for the cold floor, clothes, jackets and shoes for all three children, blankets for the entire family, laundry soap, diapers x 2 for the babies and a stroller. This mother was recently diagnosed during her last pregnancy with diabetes and did not convert to a non diabetic status after delivery. We were able to send her to our Spanish Speaking Diabetic Education and support group for care.

Written by Jacienda Keff, Breast Cancer Survivor
May 8, 2010

I have been a cancer survivor for just 1 month. When I first detected two breast tumors, I did not know who to call or where to go. I was referred to The Foundation through Michelle’s Place in Montebello. Shortly after contacting them, I received a phone call from a woman I now call my personal cancer sponsor, Donnette Wheat. As a cancer survivor, her personal story was incredible. I don’t think I could have been more blessed in this match!
The presenters that come to speak to the breast cancer support group are so encouraging to women going through cancer, and allow us to feel like women. This program is so vital and needed, and more people need to know that support is available, and it works!!

Written by Donnette Wheat, Breast Cancer Survivor

May 10, 2010

“You have cancer.” No one wants to hear those words. I remember the feeling of panic engulf my body as I processed those words at 7:00p.m. on a Wednesday night in January 2002. I knew with no immediate family close by, I was going to need to find support somewhere. I joined a breast cancer support group that gave me the will to be strong and endure to the end. Ever since that experience, I have wanted to have a chance to give back and help other women who felt like I did.

The Foundation for Community and Family Health Breast Cancer Support Group in Corona has given me that opportunity. I have been a member of the group since it began, and now I lead the group once a month. As a breast cancer survivor of 8 years, I love how I am able to give to others the same support that I needed when I was battling breast cancer. The Foundation’s Breast Cancer Support Group is one of the biggest blessings in my life today. I love meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month with women who have battled, are battling, or may battle breast cancer. It is incredible to see the love, caring and level of support it offers to all of us. We have a variety of presenters, fitness nights, craft nights, makeover nights and just meet to talk and have a girls night out!! In September 2010, we will be honored to have plastic surgeon, Dr. Irvin Turpin from Orange County speak to us! All of this is FREE to members and made possible due to the generosity and donations of our wonderful community to The Foundation.

The annual “Our Local Fight” Against Breast Cancer Walk is so fun and important! Get ready to join with us this year to make a difference in our community by giving your support any way you can!