Please help our TOP SECRET Celebrating Monte team support the hundreds of people in Western Massachusetts and beyond who are living with cancer, along with their loved ones, who benefit from Cancer Connection's one-to-one guidance, support and programs. Who is it secret from? Camp out host Monte of WRSI-93.9 The River. We want to surprise him. Why? This is it--the 14th and FINAL Camp Out on Wednesday, February 26th. Let's raise $1,000 for every year Monte has hosted this fundraiser--$14,000. It's your last chance to donate during the Camp Out. Be there for your friends and neighbors facing cancer.
I benefited from Cancer Connection's mindfulness class when readjusting to work after cancer, and from the Prepare Yourself for Surgery visualization recording especially created for me. All FREE because our community raises funds to provide the services. That mindfulness class would have cost $400. The recording, at least $150. All while we were "cost-sharing" endless appointments, imaging, a biopsy, 2 lumpectomies, and one mastectomy--and that was for a low-key cancer issue.
I wish there had been a Cancer Connection when my mom had cancer. She would have loved a little relief from the awful pain and life disruption that gentle reflexology or massage with our warm and kind providers offer. And cancer for her was a terrible financial burden. All that support would have been free. Her social security disability was not approved until after she died!
What about her caregivers? I was so focused on my mom, school and work--I was a ball of tension and then a grieving daughter. It would have been amazing to talk to someone who wasn't in my family about it. It would have been weird as a young person to come in to the center, but I could have been convinced to get a massage or take a rowing class. No WAY could I have paid for that at age 23 as an early childhood teacher.
Monte got this as soon as he heard about Cancer Connection. People need support, support that they can customize to their own needs, and need it close to home and work. Now he has raised $623,000 over 13 years of camping out. That's a lot of people receiving massages, getting their mojo back in a rowing class, and receiving one-to-one support.
Are you a long time fan of Monte's good works? Are you a long time supporter of Cancer Connection? Are you a friend or family member of mine? Please join us! I hope you'll consider making a donation by March 15th and helping us meet our team goal of $14,000. Your gift, which is tax deductible, will go directly to Cancer Connection to support their important work.
If you want to learn more about Cancer Connection's free programs and services, visit their website: www.cancer-connection.org.
Thank you for your support.
Cancer Connection Camp Out
February 26-27th, on the Old Courthouse Lawn, in Downtown Northampton: 93.9 The River’s Monte Belmonte will camp out in the cold one last time to raise funds for Cancer Connection’s free, non-medical services for people facing cancer, and their families and caregivers here in western Mass.
“I hate camping. Especially in winter. And I really hate cancer. But when dreaming up this year’s Camp Out I thought maybe we should add something else I strongly dislike: The Grateful Dead. The Deadheads around me keep trying to convince me otherwise, so here’s their chance. I’ll keep listening to the Dead as long as the money continues to come in. That way Deadheads will have to pony up to make their case. All the while keeping the money flowing for Cancer Connection and subjecting me to the endless noodling and incredibly long songs of the Grateful Dead.” --Monte
“During a time when I really wanted support, caring, comfort and understanding, the people at the cancer support group listened to my story, related to my experience, acknowledged my thoughts, accepted the tragedies, and heard me. I was no longer alone.” -- Howard Hanna, Cancer Connection participant.
Since 2006, the Cancer Connection Camp Out has raised over $623,000 for Cancer Connection’s free services. That's 14 years of camping out since Cancer Connection's doors opened 20 years ago.
How can YOU help? DONATE to a camper or team on this site. There is a service fee that you can opt to pay ornot.
Make a challenge. It's not too late! Join many local businesses including Camp Out Champion Greenfield Savings Bank. Email us by Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 4 PM.
Listen to 93.9 The River on the radio or via their website, wrsi.com starting at 6AM, Wednesday, February 26th until at least 10AM the following morning Thursday February 27th.
Stop by and enjoy the spectacle and the entertainment! Writing a check? Bringing your piggybank? Make your gift at the Camp Out!
Or mail your check to Cancer Connection, 41 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01060.
Together, let's support Monte as he works tirelessly to make it fun for people to give. Please make a donation to support this critical resource. Last chance to donate to the camp out.
Help us thank 93.9 The River FOR HOSTING the Campout!
Cancer Connection offers programs and support free of charge in a comforting and welcoming environment for adults and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and their caregivers. The funds raised from Monte's Bed In for Cancer Connection provide 1-to-1 guidance, integrative therapies, support groups, and many physical and creative workshops that help people take care of themselves at a very trying time of life. We focus on coping strategies, relieving stress, building physical and emotional strength, and feeding the spirit. Visit our website or call our office at 413-586-1642 for more information.