In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Welcome to the tenth month of LOVE makes US great! This blog follows a monthly formula. Fourth week – bringing more love to our communities. Let’s start loving.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

October is awash in Pink Ribbons. This might lead us to think that we’re on top of it with research, treatment, and patient support. Yet there is still so much more to do, and many community organizations are quietly helping every day.

Earlier this month, I shared a little about my experience attending a support group for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Let me tell you a bit more about the healing work of the Cancer Support Community (CSC) San Francisco Bay Area. They are part of a network across the country with local orgs called CSCs or Gilda’s Clubs (yes, honoring the forever funny Gilda Radner).

CSC offers a wide variety of programs to all cancer patients, families, and caregivers. All programs are FREE. They depend on the generosity of donors' time and dollars to offer support during one of the most challenging times in their clients' lives. 

They strive to meet the needs of their very diverse clients with programming that ranges from resilience-building gentle yoga and Qigong, to mental health break comedy and sing-along nights, to body-strengthening nutrition classes, and community-building support groups. 

Most importantly, CSC offers a space to learn and share experiences within a compassionate, empathetic community.

Now more than ever, CSCs rely on members of our community to keep the lights on and to get the word out about this resource that builds health and hope.

Supporting local community groups that improve the lives of our loved ones is love in action. Here’s a link to my local CSC https://cancersupport.net/support-us/donate/. Please share an organization you support to let others know and perhaps send a few dollars or hours their way.

Love requires participation. 

Love requires sharing. 

Love requires action. 

Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(Yes, love really is my middle name.)