 Hi, I'm Jan Reardon and I am very proud to be able to represent the Jennifer Reardon Foundation which my brother started the foundation after my sister-in-law Jennifer Reardon and the four pillars of the foundation are community vitality, women's empowerment, early childhood education, and women, oh, let me think, what did I just miss here? Early childhood education, women's empowerment, financial literacy and early childhood education. That's the other one that we were going to talk about in our next show. But for today, what I'm so happy about with community vitality, obviously, is the fact that we have this amazing resource here in the Burlington, Vermont area that has done so many wonderful things over the years that I'm just so anxious to be able to talk with my guests about. I have one guest here in person and one that is zooming in. So in person I have Olivia and her last name is Galuzzo and she is a grant intern for the Vermont Cancer Support Network. And then Jeff Moreau is here as the executive director. He's zooming in to meet with us. Where are you, Jeff? By the way, what state are you in? Well, currently I'm in Oklahoma. Okay, well, thank you. Obviously both of you. Right. Thank you both so much for being here. It's just wonderful to have you and obviously I've done research on the website and it's even more impressive than what I had already heard just to know certain things that are in place that have been sustained for such a long period of time. So I'd like to begin, obviously, now that we know, you know, who each other are here in this setting, if we could just talk about, maybe Jeff, you'd like to begin and just share the mission of the Vermont Cancer Support Network with us for starters, would be great. Certainly. Well, it's very straightforward. It's to improve the lives of Vermonters that are touched by cancer. Beautiful. And can you just, you know, give us some idea exactly of how this all began and I know it's evolved over the years even with a name change back in 2018 to take it to even a more resourceful level as far as the wide spectrum of services that you provide. We're mostly volunteer-based. I consider myself kind of the coordinator just to make sure that the balls are still in the air, but everything else is done through volunteers and we really started out in central Vermont with a strong connection to central Vermont Medical Center and a number of cancer survivors in that region. And you mentioned the name. We used to be the Vermont Cancer Survivor Network and over the years, survivorship is a big part of our mission. But as you said, we're really trying to lend support in a variety of new ways. So we did change our name to reflect that. Great. And how long have you been the executive director, Jeff? I started in 2019 and that's a lofty title for sure. I'm very, very part-time. And as I say, everything else is done by volunteers. And frankly, that's why we are so excited to have Olivia helping us this year through her internship to develop funds to continue our work. Thank you, Jeff. And Olivia, so you are a senior at UVM and you reached out to Vermont Cancer Support Network to do volunteer work. And so you're a grant intern for the organization. And can you just tell us a little bit about that experience? I mean, what brought you to inquire and then how things are going for you in that role right now as a volunteer, which thank you both very, very much for the work you do. Yeah. So I heard about this organization through a specific class that I took to get placed in this internship. So my professor told me about this organization and I'm really interested in nonprofit work, looking to do that as a career going forward. Thank you for that. So rewarding. Yeah, it is. And yeah, I heard about the Vermont Cancer Support Network and it's something I'm really passionate about. And I've done a lot of work in the cancer realm previously. And I knew it would be a perfect fit to both with the mission and my desire to get more experience in the nonprofit realm. And how has that been working for you in regard to grants? Do you actually do grant writing? Yeah, that's wonderful. That's such a skill in itself. Yeah, definitely. And that's working well then for you. How many different organizations have you been in contact with to do some collaborations? A handful I've submitted probably around maybe around five grants, maybe a little bit more than that. It's a lot in a short period of time. Yeah, but I've been trying to reach out to as many organizations I can to try to build more connections to help spread our mission. And yeah. And thank you again so much for reaching out to the Jennifer Rudin Foundation because this is exactly as I go back to, you know, community vitality as one of Jen's pillars. It's something that, you know, it's so widespread. But when you get into, you know, this area of, you know, working with people and cancer, it's just such a great bond and a rewarding experience. And we want to help in any way that we can just to keep the community really moving forward in such a positive way around something that's very, very challenging. So thank you again for what you're doing. What would you say, you know, maybe you could both answer this. We'll start with maybe we'll start with you, Jeff, just as far as this topic goes and then have Olivia, you know, talk with us as well. But how do people get to volunteer and donate? Like, what are the different ways that they can get involved with your organization through either volunteering or and or, you know, making donations? Well, the best program that we have for volunteering is called Kindred Kitchens. And what we do through that program is we partner up an individual that has experienced a certain type of cancer with someone that's newly diagnosed in that area. So, for instance, I'm a thyroid cancer survivor. And if Olivia were recently diagnosed, we could be matched up and I could provide that real life experience. Absolutely. What a difference that makes. Provides some support to her, some connections, some resources. Is someone to talk with? And the reality of it all makes such a difference, you know, not that, you know, people certainly have empathy regardless, but it's a different level when you've, you know, definitely walked in those shoes and you know exactly what to do. And that's what I love, as you say about, you know, the Kindred connection to in the sense of, you know, the one program in particular that we referenced when we were chatting through email was with the Sally Fox Memorial Fund and how well that's from 2014. I think that's the place and maybe you could just expand upon that a little bit more. It would be wonderful. Kindred Connection is an invaluable support. But the Sally Fox Fund is kind of my favorite thing that we send out gas cards to individuals that have to travel for treatment and Sally and her husband experienced that. They were traveling to Boston and they knew the hardship that comes with that and the expense. And so if a provider is working with someone and they need that assistance, they just reach out, we make it easy and we send them a gas card. And hopefully that makes it a little bit easier for them. Absolutely. And I love that idea. Olivia and I were talking about that earlier where there's certain things that you just don't really think about. But it's so significant in the grand scheme of things when you think about the number of trips and the amount of money and the expense that goes with that on top of everything else that you've needed to readjust and and hopefully, you know, rise up and face the challenge. If you can get support along the way, obviously, that just helps you even psychologically. And as far as healing goes, that's the last thing that you need to be dealing with is the worry of the financial piece. So that that is such a beautiful program. And one of the things we've tried to do is we've gotten away from just sending the standard letter in the gas card. We do it more in a greeting card format so that when you open it, you know, this is tough to be diagnosed and to deal with this. But hey, someone's thinking of me. Absolutely. It's a it's a million dollars right there. You know, just the thought and really how it can warm your heart and have some bright spot in the day of doom and gloom. So that is it's wonderful. And Olivia, when you, you know, kind of going back to the previous question, but when you're obviously involved with the organization and you do write the grants, what types of things are you requesting during that process? Yeah, so our main thing is the Sally Fox Memorial Fund. So we're I'm kind of talking about that whole process and trying to elicit funds for that fund so that we can be beautiful. So we can continue to provide that to people because it is a very valuable resource to people within the Vermont community. Yeah, so I focus on that. But I also focus on more general operating funds as well so we can continue providing other forms of support like the Kindred Connections and our website platform with it has hundreds of resources. It does. The calendar and everything that is listed on your website and the different events that are going on. I mean, you know, there's so many things that could be life altering for people that they wouldn't know about otherwise. And even on a social level and again, the camaraderie that, you know, would come with that and working with the volunteers in your organization. I mean, it's a lifeline. And it's obviously, you know, so beautiful to have right here in Burlington. And, you know, even though there is travel, we're in a really nice central spot to be able to get to larger cities very easily, you know, between Boston or New York and Montreal. It's it's nice that we don't have to go, you know, always get on a plane. You can drive and that's expensive enough. So obviously this fund is, you know, such a big assistance for families. And so what other types of volunteer opportunities then, you know, similar to what Olivia is doing, Jeff, would you say or is there a need for? Are there any, you know, types of things that you're looking for people to be able to work with you? Well, we're always looking for board members. We have a very small board of directors. So people that are interested in helping shape our organization and move forward, we certainly would welcome that. And what would you say, you know, as far as someone who is interested in becoming a board member and getting more involved, what would the details of that look like? You know, is that something that what type of experience would you prefer? And also, you know, what what is the schedule like and the commitment like in that capacity? Well, we try to make it easy. We only meet quarterly and so we don't have a whole committee's and that sort of thing. We really build on the individual's interest and what they want to bring. So one of the programs that we have that we haven't spoken about is Maria's weekend and that is a retreat that we do ever so often for folks that are finishing up treatment and beginning to think about what is life like going forward and developing some other passions, interests, recreation, physical activity. And so that only happens with people coming forward and saying, hey, I want to I want to put this on. So we are looking for some folks that that perhaps the join the board and reenergize that particular program. We're always looking at the background that. I'm sorry. So event planning, somebody with that type of a background, even if they may not have the medical aspect, but at least the organizational skills to help form the event and be able to coordinate all the different pieces that go into putting on something so significant. So that's wonderful to hear. And we do have some folks that have been involved in years past that I think would still be willing to advise and help with that. The other area that is natural is just our own sustainability. Obviously, Olivia's work with us is short lived through her internship, but we have to be a sustainable organization. And there's things like liability insurance, the tax return, the hosting of the website, you know, all those basic things are our budget is tiny. It's around $25,000. Oh, Jeff, that is that. We have to raise that amount of money every year. Right. I don't really know of another organization that is in this area doing so much on a volunteer basis. I mean, that that's beautiful, beautiful work. So again, thank you so much. And how many different people are working for the most part at one time as far as volunteers? I would say we have a couple dozen volunteers that are active, but we have over 100 on our list through Kindred Connections. So but we don't get as many referrals for that program these days as we have in the past. It has increased recently. I think a lot of folks look to the internet and videos. So we started hosting some videos online to get some of that basic information out there. But the referrals for that program aren't quite as strong as they used to be. And that's why we've kind of expanded our scope to provide support in other ways. And that's what I love. You talk about, you know, kind of shifting gears and how you did that back in 18 with the survivorship program going to support and expanding the way that you've had. It's really just an amazing way to keep up with the times. And I'm sure you throw the pandemic into the mix of all that at that time and how that must have added some different, you know, like levels of what you need to do to reach out to the people that you wanted to be in touch with. Well, there was, you know, obviously so much isolation right out of the pandemic. And what we don't have as many referrals as we would like. But we have a lot more than we did prior to the pandemic because I do think people are craving that social connection. Absolutely. It's so important in the midst of everything else, you know, to at least have the social piece in place and to be consistent with that, too, which I, you know, I look at your calendar and all the different things. It's like there is always something that you can get involved in, which is beautiful, the variety and the diversity that you provide for somebody, regardless of what type of cancer they have. You know, the needs are all the same and the desires to be able to be together. It doesn't change. Absolutely. And we want to be that hub. So that's how I look at your site. We don't put on all those events ourselves. Those are cancer related organizations. So we certainly would welcome any additional listings, whether it's a fundraiser or a support program or an application program. All you have to do is just email us and we'll add it to the schedule. That's fabulous. And also with that, Jeff, if you don't mind just giving us the website so that people can go that have not experienced anything about Vermont Cancer Support Network yet so that they can just go to the site and see what a resource that is in itself. So what is that address? Well, it's very easy. It's vcsn.net. So network and Vermont Cancer Support Network. So vcsn.net. Fabulous. And then there was one other thing. Let me see here. So with the events, as you were saying, like with Maria's weekend, so is that something there's talk about that perhaps happening in the fall? Yes, we have gone back to some of the folks that organized the last Maria's weekend and they're interested in doing it again and they're just beginning planning conversations. It will either be this fall or next spring. Wonderful. You know, again, they're volunteers and busy people. So it would be up to their lead on that. And is there a venue that you already have in that you used before that you would use again or does that vary over time as well? We've changed it up over the years. We've done it at Bolton, which is absolutely wonderful. And the last event was done at one of the state parks that host overnight guests and has cabins. Oh, that must have been fabulous. It might move around. And how many people, on average, would you say attended those events? It's usually around 12 to 15 folks. That is wonderful and still intimate, too. In that venue, which is so nice. And you've shown the website and on that front page, there are people holding paintings and that's from Maria's weekend. And that was one of the activities that they did. Beautiful. And again, that's volunteer based. And what is the history on Maria and how the weekend came to be? Yes, Maria is someone that was involved with the organization and did pass away and her family and her wanted us to begin putting on these retreats. And I think it's happened again. It was before my time, but I believe they've done five or six of these retreats and her honor. That is wonderful. What a beautiful tribute that is. And so, Olivia, what would you say, given your experience over the last few months, working with Vermont Cancer Support Network, what has been most rewarding for you that you've seen and heard? Yeah, I would say hearing the different impacts that this support network has had on individuals, reading all the different quotes of thank you for providing this gas card. Like, it really helped me or with the kindred connections I've seen, responses from people saying, like, this has alleviated a lot of anxieties for me. Stress and that, right, right. And just seeing firsthand how this organization has benefited these individuals has been really impactful and makes me motivated to continue doing this work to help. Right. Help develop. And as you said, I mean, that you're committed to the nonprofit world, which is, you know, it's, I worked at the Y for many years and it is, it's just so rewarding to be able to help people out and then see how it can go full circle, too. You know, you love those positive outcomes and all the different steps that help somebody get to a place where they can then give back to that organization, which is just so beautiful. I mean, that's what life is all about. If we can't help one another, again, going back, you know, to Jen, my sister-in-law and her mantra, it's to always be kind, loving, caring, sharing. So everything in our family that we do through the foundation is all based on being kind, loving, caring and sharing. So it's all KLCS. And if you have that mission, you know, you're always able to help somebody and you don't even know at times who you may be appealing to, but it could be somebody that, you know, needs that connection more than they ever would have said. But the fact that it's available is just, you know, such a gift again to this community. So what would you say, Jeff, you know, as far as the vision for the future, even at, you know, going out the next couple of years, do you see any, you know, strategic changes that would need to take place based on, you know, how the medical industry has evolved? And, you know, thankfully, there are more success stories than there had been before. And that's what I love about, you know, your mission is you're there for the full family through every step before and after. Because, you know, after can obviously be very traumatic as well. You're not the same person. You go back into a life that is different than what you had before. So, again, to see the support on that side of things to me seemed very unique as well because I think that had been an area before that I sadly know quite a few people that have been dealing, you know, with cancer diagnosis. And, you know, life afterwards is different. I mean, you're grateful for sure. And so there's so much good, but it's a big adjustment. You know, you've been through a lot. And so, again, I love that piece of what your work is all about also. But what would you say in the future? Is there anything else that will adjust or change over time that you can see in the near future? Well, I would love to see us do more programming. We have done some educational programming where we've gone around and done presentations across the state. The last one it actually had to do with medical marijuana and just helping people understand how that might be an option around cancer treatment. And you, Jan, mentioned that this is evolving in terms of cancer treatment, new technologies and that sort of thing. So to the extent that we can let folks know and give them hope about these other options that might be out there. And then there's always things that, you know, we might not think about, but alternative therapies like acupuncture and rickety and yoga and how important those sorts of things are. So to your question, I'd love to see us have more volunteers that have that expertise and could go out and either virtually or in person be able to provide more of these opportunities to learn or educational resourcing. It's so true. I mean, years ago, again, just thinking of different people that have had to take this journey as difficult as it was to schedule different things. There were not these other means of being able to get relief, like you talk about medical marijuana and then acupuncture and just what rakey, all those things that you can do that just even psychologically put you in so much better of a place to be able to deal with the disease that you have at that time. And to get you through that because you have hope, part of you is feeling like, okay, I have some control over what I want to do and tomorrow I want to do acupuncture. So there's so much involved as far as the positivity that comes with all of these resources and the collaborations that you are looking to form in the future are fabulous. And again, we're in a great area with a lot of talented medical personnel and people with great experience in other forms and alternative forms, as you say, of treatment. So we're going to be wrapping it up here. Touch on something that's so critical. It's that positivity. That is the number one medicine in my mind to get a cancer diagnosis. One day at a time, positive. I'm going to fight this. I'm going to be successful. And sometimes it's hard to get to that point. Oh, I couldn't agree with you more. That's smart. Right. I mean, you know that just with an injury or if you're down for the count with the flu or COVID, you know what that's like. And then you put that truly on steroids as far as the magnitude of what you're dealing with and what could be better than obviously to get that balance back in your life. And sadly, you know, to nobody is it's unfortunate. But for years, that wasn't really part of the equation. There was so much about, okay, you know, just really trying to fix things. But all the other different things were in need of adjustment as well. So now that that's really, you know, so much more comprehensive is such, you know, I have to believe in the future will become the norm. So we are going to be wrapping it up here, which I hope that we can maybe come back together again in another year or so. We'll get Olivia back from, you know, her travels and her nonprofit work. And I certainly want to spread the word, Jeff, and even personally see about getting involved as a volunteer with the network. I just think it's fabulous, the work that you're doing. And I am so grateful and thankful for the time that both of you have given to be here on the, you know, the kindness connection with the kindred connection. I just love it. It's fabulous. And again, maybe just as we go just one more time with the website is get people to go and check that out would be just fabulous for them to be able to start spreading the word to. So what was that again? It was it's vcsn.net. Okay, perfect. Okay. Thank you both so very much. I really appreciate this. And I hope we can stay in touch and do some more things together over the years. And certainly wish you and safe travels home to you, Jeff, but safe travels after graduation and congratulations on how well you've done. Thank you so much for this opportunity as well. My pleasure. My pleasure. Thank you, Jeff for zooming in with us. We really appreciate that. Take care. Thank you. Take care. Bye now.