Charlenes Dream
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We’re changed. All of us. In ways both large and small. How we shop, how we eat, how we celebrate, how we grieve, how we love. Our world amid the cautious air of coronavirus is different. But that doesn’t mean we simply turn away or throw in the towel. Our story is still being written. We adapt, overcome, find new ways of making it to the next chapter.
One local charity forced to rewrite the rules is Charlene’s Dream, a resource and support center for women diagnosed with various forms of cancer. Charlene’s Dream provides a welcome and tranquil harbor in a tumultuous sea of questions and anxieties. Their mission during a time of pandemic is perhaps more crucial now than ever. All of which begged the question, “How can we reach out to clients when actually reaching out could have disastrous consequences?”
Prior to the pandemic, clients often found respite in the face-to-face care and contact given by the team of volunteers and fellow patients who could empathize with their struggles. It was a chance to educate themselves but also, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to connect with others who’ve fought or are fighting the same battle. That connection, however, was forced into short supply due to isolation measures and social distancing.
“Covid-19 is cold glass between us,” says volunteer Eliani Berman, a registered nurse and breast cancer survivor. “There is no substitute for a hug. The opportunity for hugs and holding someone’s hand was easily available to all. That is now gone.” To further complicate matters, cancer and its various treatments leave clients, many of whom are older, with compromised immune systems, making them especially vulnerable to the ravages of Covid-19.
As such, a number of monthly support programs were also put on hold, including craft nights, “girls’ night out” events and introductory “Breast Cancer 101” classes. In an attempt to fill the void, volunteers have been busy connecting with as many clients as possible via phone. With stay-at-home measures being reexamined, however, the hope is to phase in face-to-face meetings using masks beginning this month (**edit note: June).
Face-to-face meetings weren’t the only issue. Charlene’s Dream has had to temporarily shutter their headquarters, located at 501 N. Wild Olive Ave. behind Seabreeze United Church. The warm, boutique space is filled with comforting touches as well as a host of supplies: wigs, breast prosthetics, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves and stockings, scarves, hats, camisoles, beauty supplies, jewelry and more, all of which are free to clients. But what good is it when clients are unable to walk through the door? Volunteers decided that if clients couldn’t come to them, they would go to the clients. Now, if someone calls or emails in need of an item - many of which are not covered by insurance - a volunteer will deliver it to their home, leaving it in a driveway or at the front door.
“We want folks to know that we are still here,” says volunteer Cindy Thornton, a RN breast cancer nurse navigator and survivor. “We will reach out to assist any woman with cancer to the best of our ability within current safe guidelines.” Many of the women Thornton speaks with are single or have children who have moved away. Those circumstances have proven especially isolating during this time of crisis and put these women at higher risk for depression and loneliness.
“Reach out both by phone and mail to [these women],” urges Thornton. “They need to hear that they are loved and not forgotten.” In addition to calls and messages, Thornton also recommends contacting Charlene’s Dream for suggested books and merchandise that could be sent through the mail to help someone along their journey.
“Charlene’s Dream has been a wonderful asset to my life,” says Eileen Lowe, a volunteer team member who has endured her own battle with cancer, “Cindy and Eliani are just filled with love, support and encouragement for all the women, especially those going through some very difficult times.” It is a sisterhood born of both hope and aspiration. Charlene Brady, the charity’s namesake, was a nurse navigator and an oncology nurse, a woman who recognized the need to provide supplies that insurance would not cover. She hoped one day to retire and open a boutique to offer these supplies to cancer patients free of charge.
And though her dream would eventually become a reality in 2016, Brady, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, sadly passed away just months before the doors could open. Her desire to heal cancer patients, body, mind and soul, however, lives on. And though all planned fundraisers, including two annual larger ones, that they rely on for a sizable portion of funding had to be canceled, the team at Charlene’s Dream refuses to be daunted. Amid the charity’s soothing tone lies a roaring determination, one that will carry them through this crisis and the changes it’s necessitated. “Fair warning,” says Berman, “once it is safe, I plan on hugging everyone until they squeal!”
**All products offered at Charlene’s Dream were purchased by donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals wanting to help. If you’d like to help, please visit charlenesdream.com or call (386) 871-3028.
All photos provided by: Knox Imagery
