Not all of us know our purpose in life, and for Rachel Shur, founder of United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN), this purpose didn’t reveal itself to her until she was 26 years old. For years Rachel was undecided on a career, on her future and the big picture -her purpose in life. But in 2006, it all came clear to her when Rachel was diagnosed with final stage Leukemia.
positive attitude can get you through any situation, it did for Rachel with cancer!
Having lost her father to the “disease” at a young age, Rachel was somewhat familiar with “cancer” and its devastating marks. However, Rachel kept a positive attitude through her own experience with cancer. In time, when Rachel felt well enough she started sharing her story to anyone that would listen. Rachel’s account’s of her experience with cancer turned into a passion and she found herself not only speaking at high schools and colleges, but also for The Ombudsman of Los Angeles, The City of Hope & The Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Eventually, Rachel noticed that just speaking about cancer wasn’t enough. While other organizations were raising money for a cure, the survivors fell short. Being a survivor herself, Rachel had experienced the lack of money, the need for services that weren’t offered, help for dental care, and treatments for the side effects she had encountered as a result of her treatments. In 2009 Rachel started United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN).
UCAAN is cancer patients’ resource organization. When Rachel was diagnosed, she was given very little information about available resources. Rachel feels that these resources should be given to survivors and their families upon diagnosis.
The organization provides support and hope to cancer survivors and their families. The “Share the Hope” jewelry that Rachel makes is donated to survivors and their families. The hand made “In Support of” and “In Memory of” plaques, the Music CDs that are donated to Radiation Oncology for the patients to listen to during radiation, and the hand made cards decorated by volunteers and children that are sent to the cancer survivors/patients in the hospitals, are just a few of the things that UCAAN does for the survivors and their families.
UCAAN is currently in the process of raising money for a new program: “Healthy Eating & Healthy Living”, which will provide 5-local cancer survivors in Ventura County/Conejo Valley each with a 2 year gym membership, a $25 organic market gift card every month for an entire year and healthy cooking and education classes. In order to offer this program this year, UCAAN needs to raise $3500.
UCAAN needs the support of the community. Because they are a smaller organization, UCAAN dose not get as much support and is often over looked. The organization is hoping that the more they get out there, the more people will see not only their passion but also the need of such an organization for cancer survivors.
UCAAN Make A Difference in the Lives of Those Affected by Cancer!
Mom, Wife, Co-founder of 805County.com, Real Estate Blogger, and a Social Media enthusiast based in Ventura County, California. Contact Mana: 805-443-8898 Or Mana@805County.com