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20 Year Cancerversary

Elisa Guida - Founder of StringsforaCURE

A Cancerversary can be bittersweet. You think about everyone you have met along the way and wonder why you have made it through 2 bouts with breast cancer.

Doesn’t seem possible that 20 years ago today, life was changed forever. I was faced with my first breast cancer diagnosis, so young, so shocked, no lump!

When my cancer came back 10 years later, again no lump, it took a piece of me, for better or worse.

Never asking “Why me?” I ask “What am I supposed to be doing regarding this disease?”

My answer was revealed in 2008 while attending a Bon Jovi concert when my love for art and music merged with an idea of giving back to those battling cancer. Fast forward to this 20 year Cancerversary, watching this idea come full circle when I founded the StringsforaCURE® Foundation in August 2010. It became a 501(c)(3) charity in the summer of 2012. I thought fighting cancer was a battle, little did I know what lied ahead with the challenges of SFAC becoming a 501 (c)(3) charity.

One way that we fundraise is by getting famous musicians to donate their used guitar strings. I design jewelry and 100% of the net proceeds help fund StringsforaCURE’s programs. Our main program is our gift card program and in my wildest dreams I never would have imagined that SFAC would have helped over 708 cancer patients, giving over $108,165 directly to these patients, many who are battling breast cancer. The charity that I founded gives out $100 gas, grocery and pharmacy gift cards to provide a lift to the patient and some well needed financial assistance. We also give out Medical Grants, comfort baskets and educational and inspirational books.

I reflect on those who gave their life to this disease and pray that one day, when I am still here, that I get to see some type of CURE for this Cancer curse, which for me turned into a blessing.  In the meantime, I will do my best to help those in their daily challenges with this disease.

 

 

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