Professional answers to difficult questions
My late husband and I were recipients of the wonderful support by OjaiCARES in the last years of his life.  Although we have lived in Ventura for over 50 years and have active support from friends, the medical community, and our church; it was OjaiCARES with their loving support, professional answers to difficult questions, and practical active solutions that kept us positive throughout his cancer and subsequent heart failure.  Now he’s gone, and I count on OjaiCARES as my lifeline as I regain my strength.  The future would not seem as bright without OjaiCARES in my life.
M. B.
The services they provide truly enrich my life and create connections I will not soon forget!
Cancer is an overwhelming disease that can make you feel totally alone. Renee and the OjaiCARES team have helped me navigate the challenges I have faced. They give their clients access to positive, helpful and life changing information. I have been blessed to attend seminars, support groups and massage therapy! OjaiCARES is an invaluable resource for survivors, fighters, their families and loved ones. The services they provide truly enrich my life and create connections I will not soon forget! I am beyond grateful for their impact on my life.
N. T.

“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 is an oasis in our community where loving hands and loving minds reach out to those of us who are living with cancer.
Over the past couple of years OjaiCARES has reached out to me to offer support, encouragement and hope. Even in our uncertain times, one thing is certain, OjaiCARES is still reaching out. I feel truly honored to have been able to meet and become acquainted with the most amazing people in our community who make OjaiCARES a very nurturing place.e.
N. T.
OjaiCARES is an invaluable resource
for survivors, fighters, their families,
and loved ones.
Cancer is an overwhelming disease that can make you feel totally alone. Renee and the OjaiCARES team have helped me navigate the challenges I have faced. They give their clients access to positive, helpful, and life-changing information. I have been blessed to attend seminars, support groups, and massage therapy! OjaiCARES is an invaluable resource for survivors, fighters, their families, and loved ones. The services they provide truly enrich my life and create connections I will not soon forget! I am beyond grateful for their impact on my life.
A. R.

“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

I am so grateful for the unburdening I have experienced by sharing this journey!
OjaiCARES is an incredible, rare gem of a gift that offers encouragement, connection and facilitates self-care for anyone in our community touched by the journey of cancer. 
L. M.
OjaiCARES is a wonderful example of what it means to be part of the community of the Ojai Valley.
 Caring for your neighbors and making sure self-care is regularly offered. It has made such a difference to my emotional well-being. I cannot say “thank you” enough.
Katie Z

“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.”

It is a huge support as I walk my cancer journey – with a big smile in my heart.
 I just finished a massage and Reiki session at OjaiCARES given by one of their amazing volunteers.  She asked me how was that for me?  I replied there’s a big smile in my heart.

There is a big smile in my heart for the amazing support group, for the radical remission group. When I tell friends with cancer about OjaiCARES, they are amazed!  We are so lucky to have Renee and all the volunteers doing this work.
Patric Peake
I am so grateful to OjaiCARES for the support on so many levels during my husband’s experience with cancer. 
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.
Margaret Peake

“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.”

A very important organization, providing services to our most important people.
 Because of the depth of hard feelings surrounding cancer, my Dad wanted to protect his family from feeling sad and hurting. He found so much comfort in the groups with Renee. Not only comfort but deep understanding and love. Something only those going through the same thing could ever provide. Our family is forever grateful for the beauty my Dad was offered and a part of during this most sacred transition.

Friendships and connections developed in this safe place, my Dad always looked forward to his Tuesday meetings. It was something he got to do for himself and those in there with him, providing an important break from the burden of our breaking hearts.
Rheina
One does not know another’s pain, only the quiet exchange and wonder to behold, their strength, courage and resilience.
 I volunteer as a Massage Therapist at OjaiCares because giving is a part of growing, it gives me the opportunity to live life more deeply, to love and understand others at that place where they are in their lives, to support and hold them up during periods of discomfort and feeling alone. In return, I meet real people, who are grateful beyond words that I have provided them with a place just to be. 
Judy Mangione
Volunteer, Oncology Massage Therapist

“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!”