Wanda’s Respite
was a Beacon of Hope
was a Beacon of Hope
“For Pete’s Sake seemed like a beacon
of hope, a gift to look forward to.
I cried after I received the phone
call from For Pete’s Sake! I thought,
‘It’s REAL, someone understands the despair!'”
of hope, a gift to look forward to.
I cried after I received the phone
call from For Pete’s Sake! I thought,
‘It’s REAL, someone understands the despair!'”
Wanda’s Respite was a Beacon of Hope
“For Pete’s Sake seemed like a beacon of hope, a gift to look forward to. I cried after I received the phone call from For Pete’s Sake! I thought, ‘It’s REAL, someone understands the despair!'”
Our Cancer Journey
Wanda is 49 years old with endometrial cancer. Wanda’s sister is her caregiver who now supports both her household and Wanda’s household in so many ways.
When Wanda heard about the For Pete’s Sake mission, she shared: “This has been such a long journey. Fighting for years just to find the right doctor to even get a diagnosis, years of blood transfusions, IV iron treatment, radiation and now, hormone therapy – all in the midst of a pandemic – has left me depleted.
For Pete’s Sake seemed like a beacon of hope, a gift to look forward to. I cried after I received the phone call from For Pete’s Sake! I thought, ‘It’s REAL, someone understands the despair!’ The financial burden, the guilt, and the emotional toll is so overwhelming. I know this gift of Respite will give myself and my sister the rest, relief and restoring that we both need to continue the fight.”
Wanda’s oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center was pleased to nominate Wanda for a Travel Respite as part of her continuum of care.
“Ms. Darden has been my patient since November 2018 when she was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She was only 46 years old when she was diagnosed. Unfortunately, in October 2021 she was diagnosed with a recurrence in her lungs and underwent a lung resection with one of my thoracic surgery colleagues.
Her cancer journey has been challenging at times. Her main avenue for enjoyment has been art. She and a friend were doing showings of her work, but then the pandemic caused these events to stop. It was during the pandemic that she was then diagnosed with a recurrence.
(As a new nominator to For Pete’s Sake), I was so pleased to hear about the Travel Respite program! The past 6 months have been challenging for her physically and mentally due to her recurrence and the pandemic, Wanda is so excited for a change of scenery that will help her relax.”
Our Break From Cancer
Wanda and her sister received a Travel Respite at Woodloch Resort with other families facing the difficult cancer journey. Below, please find a video that shares what this respite meant to Wanda!
View More of
Our Stories
Our Stories
Our Travelers take a break from what life with cancer has become with doctor visits, surgery, tests and treatment. Through a unique gift of time together, they create priceless magical, memorable moments, experience immeasurable joy amidst devastating crisis, confront cancer hardships together and find emotional healing, hope and happiness during an uncertain and tumultuous time.
Give A Break From Cancer
Every donation helps. Give the gift of a a break from cancer by making a monthly or single donation to our program. Learn more about our donation options and other ways you can help.
Every donation helps. Give the gift of a a break from cancer by making a monthly or single donation to our program. Learn more about our donation options and other ways you can help.
FPS has been awarded a perfect score by Charity Navigator, a feat accomplished by less than one-tenth of one percent of charities! As the end of 2023 approaches, we encourage you to make your gift by December 31! By choosing to support FPS, you are not just donating to a charity; you can give with confidence and know that your donation will have a direct impact on the 795 people we plan to serve this year with over 76,000 hours of respite.