November Newsletter

Dear Friends of Reclaiming Hope,

Thank you to each who attended our October 10 Annual Fundraising Dinner. The dinner effort helped bring in needed funds for us to continue to meet the practical needs of Survivors. Thank you to all who had a part in making the evening a success!

October is Cancer Caregiver Awareness Month – being a cancer survivor myself, I know how important my caregivers were as I walked that journey. I honestly don’t think I would have survived that experience without the support of those around me.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank not only cancer caregivers, but those who care for all who have been profoundly traumatized. Our Mentors and staff are so gifted in this way.

I’ve been reading – again – about trauma. Here’s an enlightening quote:

“Trauma is such a cunning enemy. Those of us who’ve survived its terrors often marvel at how quickly it can recede, at least at first. Once you get to safety, your visible wounds – your cuts, your bruises – heal and fade. Your psyche, too, revives, like a drowning man who, pulled from the depths, somehow spits up dark water and opens his eyes. But recovering victims like me know too well how trauma lurks in the shadows, always there. No matter how many years go by, or how many therapists you see, it can rise, seemingly out of nowhere. A song on the radio may summon it. Or the scent of a stranger’s cologne.” – pg xxii, Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre 2025

I believe that every Survivor we’ve walked with would say “YES” to this. It’s one of the factors which makes healing a roller coaster.

Here’s what some of the women we’re currently walking with recently said to us:

“You guys helped me more than anyone because you know me.”

“Thank you so much for always holding up to your core values in every situation since I met you all you have been there with me 100% helping make sure I never have to live that life again. When you told me that in the beginning it seemed so unreal that someone would really be there for me and you truly have stood on every word you have expressed. I truly love you and thank you so much for being the beacon for so many facing this dark reality.”

“You helped me through an awful day and it was like the lesson that God keeps trying to teach me, just don’t give up and the devil can’t win. Thank you so much for being there.”

Our Survivors are all struggling right now with food insecurities – their SNAP benefits have helped them get on their feet as they rebuild their lives. We’re helping them with good and gift cards. If you want to make a difference in the life of someone, you can help us give them hope through food/gift cards.

As we ride through November, I’m grateful for caregivers, for supporters, for new life in Jesus, and so much more.

With gratitude and hope,

Praying that you have a grateful month and Thanksgiving celebration.

Sues Hess
Executive Director
Reclaiming Hope