Wilmot Cancer Community Action Council (CCAC) Retreat 10/16/26
💜 An Inspiring Day of Connection, Hope, and Collaboration! 💜
Jessica and Shannon had the pleasure of attending the University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Wilmot Cancer Community Action Council (CCAC) retreat.
Jessica was honored to be invited as a keynote speaker alongside Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD. Both delivered incredible, inspiring speeches that truly made an impact.
Jessica shared the deeply personal story of her sister Lisa’s cancer journey, from her diagnosis to her passing, and how that journey inspired the creation of Lisa’s Spark Of Hope. She also shared how far our organization has come and the work we continue to do today to support cancer patients and their families. Her heartfelt speech touched everyone in the room and earned her a well-deserved standing ovation. 💜
The retreat brought together people from many different backgrounds, including doctors, researchers, organizations, and nonprofits, all with one common goal: finding new ways to better support cancer patients. It was an incredible opportunity to share perspectives, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
By the end of the retreat, new friendships had been formed, connections had been made, and plans were underway to bridge gaps and work together to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.
As part of this meaningful experience, Jessica and Shannon donated 50 Lisa’s Spark Of Hope care bags to the Wilmot Cancer Institute! 🎗️💜
We are so grateful to have been part of such an inspiring day and look forward to the partnerships and opportunities that will grow from it. Together, we can continue to bring hope, comfort, and support to those navigating their cancer journeys.
✨ Because no one should have to face cancer feeling alone or forgotten. ✨
Hello Fall Vendor and Craft Event 9/26/26
Fall brought the perfect backdrop for a day filled with color, community, creativity, and connection at our annual Hello Fall Vendor & Craft Event. From crisp autumn air and seasonal favorites to an incredible lineup of vendors and crafters, our second year was a wonderful celebration of togetherness, support, and smiles.
Although the weather brought a little drizzle, it certainly did not dampen the spirit of the day. Our amazing supporters still came out to celebrate our mission and help make the event a success. We were so grateful to have such a fantastic group of vendors join us, and Marilyn Bush kept the energy going all day as our DJ. We were also thrilled to welcome a very special guest who made the day extra memorable for the kids as they explored and enjoyed the event.
One of this year’s exciting new highlights was our Kids Corner, a special tent where children could relax, create, and have fun while parents enjoyed shopping the vendor booths. Kids were able to make crafts, color, and even paint their very own mini pumpkins! We also welcomed a mobile axe-throwing vendor, which was a big hit and is already excited to return next year.
We were also thrilled to offer so many wonderful raffle baskets and prizes. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who generously donated and helped make the raffle such a fun and successful part of the day!
Funds raised through the Hello Fall event will help provide the remaining items needed to complete our cancer care bags. This year, our goal is to fill 300 bags with comforting and practical items, which will be distributed in early December to cancer treatment locations in Cooperstown, NY, and Oneonta, NY.
We Have Been Blessed
Lisa’s Spark of Hope was truly blessed tonight by Ken and Lisa Gracey from the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, who presented our organization with an incredible $2,000 donation! 🥹🎗️
We are beyond grateful for your generosity and for believing in our mission to support cancer patients and their families. Your donation will help us continue making a difference and bringing comfort to those going through treatment.
Ken and Lisa, we cannot thank you enough for your kindness, generosity, and support! Your donation means more to us than you know. 🙏💝
Thank you for helping us keep the spark of hope shining bright! ✨🎗️
