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Home / Articles Posted by Robin Chesler

5:46 pm
Giving Back October

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tel: 805-379-4777 | cancersupportvvsb.org

We provide support and help for cancer patients in San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and Santa Barbara County

Learn More About About Cancer Support Community

Article by Monica Murrieta, Photos by supplied

For 35 years, Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara has stood alongside those in our community fighting cancer, as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Their mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking down barriers to care.

“I found a place where I could learn how to reduce the natural stress and anxiety from several surgeries, a multitude of tests and a year of infusions. I found a place where there were others going through similar experiences, and from whom I could learn that I wasn’t alone, and that I could be a survivor,” said Pat Thomas, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, describing what she found at Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara over 10 years ago. During her first visit to her oncologist, the nurse handed her a brochure for Cancer Support Community, encouraging her to seek support.

Conversely, her husband Bill, a retired Navy combat carrier pilot felt, “I don’t need no stinking group.” Bill tells this story often and now laughs at his first thoughts about a support group. Yet, after attending the Cancer Support Community orientation with Pat, she suggested Bill consider the Caregivers group, led by co-founder Marty Nason. Bill remembers that the group members became close friends over the 10 years he attended, laughing, crying and supporting each other through their challenges and worries.

Together, they continue to grow hope.

On top of Pat’s diagnosis, the couple’s young granddaughter had just been diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare cancer that develops in skeletal muscles. Their support groups became safe spaces where they could share their fears. Bill stated, “I needed a place where I could talk without worrying about upsetting Pat or our granddaughter and be able to work out my fears.”

Pat encourages others that may be hesitant to join a support group, “Just try it, for at least five visits. If it isn’t for you, that’s fine. If it IS for you, you will know quickly because you’ll feel stronger. Promise to give it a try and you will be glad you did!”

For women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of death among women. Cancer Support Community offers a variety of breast cancer support groups: Newly Diagnosed, Advanced Breast Cancer and Life After Breast Cancer (all stages).

Joining a support group offers a powerful source of emotional support, understanding and empowerment for those facing this diagnosis. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, in early or advanced stages or adjusting to life after cancer, all programs are offered to anyone impacted by cancer. Through shared experiences and guided discussions, participants can reduce feelings of isolation, learn coping strategies and gain valuable insight into treatment options. Many also find renewed strength through active involvement in their recovery, stress‑reduction practices and access to community resources.

Cancer Support Community serves Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and the West San Fernando Valley, providing comprehensive, evidence‑based psychosocial support in English and Spanish. All services are FREE and include professionally-led support groups in English, Spanish and Japanese, individual counseling, social events, wellness classes and educational workshops. Cancer Support Community offers over 20 different support groups each month. Some groups are cancer-specific, but also offered are “all cancers” groups, as well as support groups for caregivers, our bereaved participants, survivors, family members and young adults.

Whether a participant is impacted by breast cancer or any other cancer, all of the support groups, wellness classes, educational workshops and support services are available to our community of cancer survivors, caregivers and family members. Together, group

Several fundraising events help to fund these services, including Hope Walk, Caravan for Cancer Car Show and Celebration of Hope Garden Party. To get involved or learn more about supportive care services, visit cancersupportvvsb.org/ or call 805.379.4777.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:16 pm
May Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Robin Chesler, Publisher

I’ve always loved entertaining—not the “Come over for dinner” kind (that’s Ben’s department!)—but the kind that makes people laugh. Whether it’s telling a joke, sharing a story, singing in the backseat of my parents’ car all the way to Canada and back, or tossing in a perfectly timed funny comment, making people smile has always been my thing.

But the role I love most? The Fun Grammy.

I may not be ready for stand-up just yet, but my entertainment skills have found their perfect audience: my four grandkids. They’re captive, they laugh at my silly jokes and, best of all, they think I’m “cool.”

Whether we’re baking (my skills are limited but perfectly acceptable for the under-13 crowd), playing intense rounds of double solitaire and gin rummy with my fiercely competitive 11-year-old—who is funnier than she realizes—or belting out The Beatles songs and Broadway show tunes in the car while remembering every single word…I am, and always will be, the Fun Grammy.

Being with my grands brings out my joie de vivre. There’s no need to be serious—there’s enough of that in their daily lives, and that’s their parents’ job anyway. The joy of grandparenting is getting to indulge my silliness, share my stories and simply have fun.

We’ve raised our kids. Now we get the best reward of all—enjoying our grandkids.

And honestly…isn’t that what life is about?

8:05 pm
December Giving Back

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County

360 Mobil Avenue, Suite 213  Camarillo, CA 93010

(805) 384-1144 | housingtrustfundvc.org

The Housing Trust Fund is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle.

Learn More About About Housing Trust Fund

Written by Heriberto Rodriguez

Photography by Casey Rodgers

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign raised record-breaking funds for the fourth consecutive year. Held in September at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark and supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the evening brought together more than 200 community leaders, advocates and supporters to “RAISE THE ROOF” for affordable housing in Ventura County.

During the evening, Denia, a mother of three who endured years of housing instability before finally finding stability through affordable housing, delivered a moving testimony. With persistence, faith and community support, Denia and her daughter received the keys to a safe, affordable home. She recalled the moment they stepped into their apartment, filled with sunlight, space and hope: “We couldn’t sleep for days out of pure joy. After so many years of uncertainty, this was a blessing from above.” Her story, both deeply personal and profoundly relatable, served as a poignant reminder of the life-changing impact of affordable housing in Ventura County.

Building on Denia’s experience, distinguished guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University, and Giorgio Angelini, Director of “OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas” and producer of the upcoming documentary “Evicted,” adapted from Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book, explored how stories like Denia’s reflect the broader urgency of affordable housing in America, and how art, education and faith can inspire systemic change. Their dialogue connected the audience back to Denia’s journey, reminding everyone that behind policy debates and cultural narratives are real families whose lives are transformed when safe affordable housing is within reach.

Other memorable highlights of the 2025 Compassion Campaign included a local case study from Executive Director of Many Mansions Doug Menges, who shared the story of Central Terrace, an 87-unit affordable housing development in Oxnard funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC. Menges highlighted how partnerships between the Housing Trust Fund VC, local governments and financial institutions made the project possible. Pillar sponsors Adey Tesfaye, SVP CRA Manager of City National Bank; Leona Rollins of the City of Ventura; and Veronica Quintana of Montecito Bank and Trust emphasized the critical role of public-private collaboration in sustaining developments like Central Terrace. A special moment of recognition occurred for Chair Emeritus Dawn Dyer, recently honored with the California Association of Realtors Champions of Home Impact Award, for her unwavering dedication to supporting affordable housing initiatives and community development. Guests were also invited to participate in a live vote as part of the “Build a Home” lending library decorating competition, selecting McCarthy Companies as the inaugural “Paint It Forward” award recipient. The libraries were built by local Life Scout Andrew from Troop 858 as part of his Eagle Scout project. Each library will be placed in communities supported by Housing Trust Fund VC, extending the impact of Compassion Campaign beyond the event.

Joining Keystone Sponsor HOPE in supporting Compassion Campaign 2025 is a prominent list of sponsors, including City National Bank, City of Ventura, Montecito Bank and Trust, Community West Bank, McCarthy Companies, Mission Bank, L.A. Lath & Plaster, Kaiser Air Conditioning, and Wicks Roofing, Solar, and Electric.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County: Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of July 2025, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $48.8 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,899 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low-and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers and the homeless.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:09 pm
December Giving Back

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tel: 805-379-4777 | cancersupportvvsb.org

We provide support and help for cancer patients in San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and Santa Barbara County

Learn More About About Cancer Support Community

Article Provided. Photos by Robin Chesler

On Sunday, September 14, under radiant blue skies in Thousand Oaks, 255 guests gathered at Los Robles Greens Garden for the annual Celebration of Hope Garden Party. The afternoon was filled with warmth, unity and heartfelt tributes as this year’s Oncology Hero and Founders’ Distinguished Service Award recipients—true exemplars of courage and service—were honored.

Laughter and stories of resilience echoed through the garden, reminding participants why they come together: to uplift and strengthen those impacted by cancer and to inspire hope for brighter tomorrows. This year’s event was a powerful testament to the strength of community and the healing power of compassion.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara extends their deepest gratitude to their generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers and every guest who joined them. Their presence helped raise vital funds—and even more importantly, lifted countless spirits.

Together, they continue to grow hope.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved