2nd Act to Give Grants to 3 AZ Women
Three Arizona women have each received a $1,000 grant to further their philanthropic work after cancer from Phoenix-based A2ndAct.org.
Building on the theory that helping is healing, Sue Ellen Allen, Holly Rose, and Isabelle Barbour each crafted unique ways to give back to the greater good after their own long and difficult cancer journeys.
Sue Ellen Allen of Scottsdale is the founder of REinventing REentry, whose mission is to educate and reshape society’s perception of former inmates. A former prison inmate treated for breast cancer while incarcerated, Sue Ellen plans to use the funds to improve the organization’s exposure and to develop their inaugural Prison Food Cook Off.
Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump! founder Holly Rose of Phoenix will further her organization’s mission of making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Currently assisting one woman a day with a new wig, Rose will apply the funds directly to their wig program.
Tucson author Isabelle Barbour will use her grant to create and publish a “bird’s eye view” of life in treatment and recovery from cancer. Via her brand new blog, The Aerie, she’ll offer families compassion, a sometimes- humorous perspective, and hope for their journey, all of which are sometimes difficult to find while in the midst of a life threatening disease.
“A cancer diagnosis draws a line in the sand of life,” said Judy Pearson, founder of A2ndAct.org. “And it doesn’t end when treatment does. Even when there’s no longer any evidence of disease, the diagnosis and treatment forever changes a life. But there is great healing in helping, and these survivors have found their cancer’s purpose by doing wonderful things in the world.”
There are nearly one million women survivors of ALL cancers in the state of Arizona. These women continue to face long-term and life-limiting effects of their disease and its treatments. But an ever-growing body of research shows that cancer survivors who participate in volunteer programs – whether existing or their own – experience impressive psychosocial and physical benefits. Additionally, survivors find new meaning in the lives they fought so hard to preserve.
A2ndAct.org is the only organization in the nation whose mission focuses solely on supporting women survivors of ALL cancers who have found purpose in their lives after cancer by giving back. And the organization doesn’t just celebrate cancer-related 2nd Acts. Women survivors focusing on animals, children, the elderly, the environment and more have been illuminated in the organization’s spotlight.
“We highlight the courage, perseverance and work of these brave women because it improves the lives of those around them, and inspires the survivors who come after them,” said Pearson. “And a worthy 2nd Act isn’t defined by size. In this case, size doesn’t matter! I am proud of the hard work and money raised by our organization that allows us to give to these women’s passions. It’s the ultimate pay it forward love fest!”
A2ndAct.org will officially present the grant awards to Allen, Rose and Barbour at one of their signature Girls Night Out events, Wednesday, September 13, from 6–8 pm.
