During the most stressful time in my life, I found the people at OjaiCARES really did care.

— Holly Thrasher

“In November of 2018 we got the scary diagnosis that my sister, Lisa had stage 4 bladder cancer. The first few weeks were a blur and we felt scared and overwhelmed. Everything was happening so fast and within hours we were thrust into a new, uncertain world.

I had no idea what we were supposed to do first. On the suggestion of a friend, I reached out to OjaiCARES for direction and support. Within days I met with Renee to coordinate meals and make a plan on how best to support her. But, Lisa’s chances of survival were slim and she passed on Christmas eve, only 39 days after her diagnosis. OjaiCARES was with us through every phase of these final days of her life.

No one should have to face cancer alone. Hearing the cancer diagnosis is terrifying. But OjaiCARES lives up to its name. It was a huge relief to know that they really cared enough to help us navigate such a horrific disease. They truly care for cancer patients and their families. I’m so very grateful to OjaiCARES that I didn’t have to go it alone.

With the support of OjaiCARES I was able to stay calm during so many emotional moments. It was vital to have someone to help our family understand the diagnosis and the emotional roller-coaster of the cancer journey.”

OjaiCARES has been a lifeline for my husband Sean and me, as we journey through the ups and downs of living with cancer.

“OjaiCARES has been a lifeline for my husband Sean and me, as we journey through the ups and downs of living with cancer. They understand that caregivers need support too!

We have found love, guidance and fellowship from the various support groups. We’ve been able to  access more peace, feelings of well-being, as well as resilience, by attending their therapeutic yoga and imagery programs.

We’ve both received Reiki, oncology massage, and personal counseling – all of which make it abundantly clear that we are not alone on this journey. It is difficult to express our appreciation in words – OjaiCARES has our heartfelt gratitude!

— Sean and Deirde Daly

OjaiCARES is certainly a blessing to the community of Ojai and I am forever grateful”

— Jackie Parker

“In November of 2018 we got the scary diagnosis that my sister, Lisa had stage 4 bladder cancer. The first few weeks were a blur and we felt scared and overwhelmed. Everything was happening so fast and within hours we were thrust into a new, uncertain world.

I had no idea what we were supposed to do first. On the suggestion of a friend, I reached out to OjaiCARES for direction and support. Within days I met with Renee to coordinate meals and make a plan on how best to support her. But, Lisa’s chances of survival were slim and she passed on Christmas eve, only 39 days after her diagnosis. OjaiCARES was with us through every phase of these final days of her life.

No one should have to face cancer alone. Hearing the cancer diagnosis is terrifying. But OjaiCARES lives up to its name. It was a huge relief to know that they really cared enough to help us navigate such a horrific disease. They truly care for cancer patients and their families. I’m so very grateful to OjaiCARES that I didn’t have to go it alone.

With the support of OjaiCARES I was able to stay calm during so many emotional moments. It was vital to have someone to help our family understand the diagnosis and the emotional roller-coaster of the cancer journey.”

“I am so grateful to OjaiCARES for the support on so many levels during my husband’s experience with cancer.”

Margaret Peake

“I first called when he was in the hospital and had just received his diagnosis and undergone emergency surgery in LA.  I was so relieved to be given the amazing support by phone and to know I was not going to have to go through this frightening experience alone. The relief I felt was beyond what I can express.

OjaiCARES has provided me caregiver support both individually and in a sweet caregiver support group. Additionally, I have received rejuvenation and nurturing through massage and Reiki from them. Through volunteers and their beautiful organization, they have even been able to offer this support without charge.  I am also so grateful to receive the support of the group called Stronger Together and our exploration of the Radical Remission videos and interactive experiences.  I always feel lifted and nurtured after any experience I have had with OjaiCARES.  We truly are stronger together.

What a treasure we have in OjaiCARES! I know I can call anytime and receive additional navigational support and emotional support. Many friends in larger communities are amazed when I tell them we have this in our small town, as such services are not available in their larger communities. I am forever grateful for the loving support we have from this wonderful organization.”

“Why I’ve chosen to volunteer

Kelli Loughman
Volunteer, Oncology Aesthetician

OJAI CARES just had their annual fundraiser. I want to share with you why I’ve chosen to volunteer there and the difference this organization makes in so many lives. My personal experience with OjaiCARES began after my husband Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I reached out to OjaiCARES to see what kind of services they offered. After quite a bit of convincing, he agreed to try a massage.

A few months before Mark passed away, he was in quite a bit of pain and it was getting harder and harder for him to get out of the house. I talked him into having a massage at OjaiCARES hoping it would relieve some of his discomforts. Honestly, I could not believe the change in him when I picked him up. He loved it! He felt so much better that we were able to go out for a nice lunch- he even ate an entire sandwich that day. I knew at that moment that it was an organization that I wanted to be a part of.

A few months after Mark passed I began volunteering there as an Oncology Esthetician. I’ve witnessed first hand the positive effects that our services have on our clients. OjaiCARES offers many different services to support our clients (and their caregivers!)-patient navigation, advocacy, counseling, massage, and reiki to name a few. These services are all free of cost to our clients. Susan, Renee, Tiffany, and the entire volunteer staff are so incredibly compassionate and supportive and work tirelessly to help those affected by cancer right here in our own community. Please think about supporting this non-profit organization if you can.

Friends & family- it’s coming up on the 4 year anniversary of Mark’s passing. If you’d like to donate in his memory please do so at https://ojaicares.org/donate2017/  Your donations make it all possible!”