Local nonprofit helps moms going through cancer treatments

Helene Foundation was founded in 2009 by Dr. Tracy Davidian after she saw what her mother-in-law went through during her throat cancer journey.

Posted 2:29 p.m. Oct 21, 2021 — Updated 2:29 p.m. Oct 21, 2021

RALEIGH, N.C. — October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so we decided to spotlight a Raleigh non-profit that helps moms going through cancer treatment.

The Helene Foundation has helped more than 235 families since being founded in 2009.

Here is a Q&A with Helene Foundation Executive Director Susan Bowers:

Helene Foundation Executive Director Susan Bowers (Helene Foundation)

Tell us about the Helene Foundation? Is it a local chapter of a national organization?

Susan Bowers: Helene Foundation is a local nonprofit that provides immediate, practical support to mothers fighting cancer to positively impact their families. No, Helene Foundation is not supported by any national cancer organization and does not receive any government funding. Funds raised stay right in our community so we’re able to tailor services to meet the mother’s/family’s immediate needs.

We like to say Helene Foundation is “Here for the Now” because we provide immediate assistance to women who have been diagnosed with ALL types of cancer - our goal is to reduce the mother’s stress and allow the family to maintain as much normalcy as possible. And because we’re not a cookie-cutter organization, we can be flexible to customize 1) our services and 2) the length of time we have a partnership. And, in the heartbreaking cases where Mom loses her fight, we continue to assist her family.

Our trained volunteers serve as the main point of contact for each family and touch base regularly to ensure needs are being met and to provide emotional support. This personalized point of contact is what makes Helene Foundation unique – one-on-one connection often supersedes what we provide in money and services.

How did you personally get involved with this organization?

Susan Bowers: Helene Foundation was founded in 2009 by Dr. Tracy Davidian after she saw what her mother-in-law went through during her throat cancer journey. After she passed away, Tracy wondered how women without a large support network – like the one her mother-in-law had – did it. She worried about single moms, moms who were new to the area, married moms with families who relied on a second income…how did they do it? So, with that in mind, the Helene Foundation was created and we are proud to share that 260 moms and 525 children have benefited from our care. Cancer can strike any part of the body, at any time, and until there’s a cure, Helene Foundation is Here for the Now!

I am a teacher by training, but I stepped away after my third child was born and I found myself immersed in local nonprofit work. Because I was enjoying volunteering so much, a friend suggested I apply for the Executive Director position at the Helene Foundation. Needless to say, I researched the organization and I could not update my resume fast enough! If ever there was a time that I felt a calling, it was then. Every aspect of it was, and is, something I am passionate about—children, families and women helping women. In February 2022 I will celebrate 10 years with this wonderful organization!

I say all the time, I have the most heartbreaking job because I see what these women and families go through, but it is also the most heartwarming job because every day I am fortunate to see how we make a difference I the lives of women and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. We do make a difference!

What are some of the ways you help families?

Susan Bowers: Some women find themselves suddenly single and without a network. They may not have anyone to watch their children when they attend treatment. Sometimes there isn’t even money for gas to get to treatment. Mom may not have the energy to cook dinner or clean the house, but both must be done. Often, she is unable to get her children to their activities. Some moms find themselves suddenly single because the husband or significant other leaves as “this isn’t what he signed up for” – sadly, this is happening more and more. The list goes on. This is when the Helene Foundation steps in. We help fill all of these gaps, and more. From Schwan’s frozen meals, grocery store gift cards and childcare during treatments, to bi-monthly house cleaning, gas cards and diapers, the Helene Foundation tailors services to each individual family.

Many helpful and well-intentioned folks can and do step in to help. But when the casseroles are no longer streaming in, the offers to help with childcare have dried up, and the inspiring messages are infrequent, the Helene Foundation lightens her load and her mood because no mother should have to choose between putting food on her table or gas in her car.

Since we are with a family for about six months – we’re not a one-time, drop-in-the-bucket fix – we can help navigate all the uncertainty that cancer brings.

Over the years, there have been families who have left their footprints on our hearts and our minds.

A son made the high school basketball team (yay!). But he was still wearing shoes from 8th grade because there wasn’t money in the family budget for new shoes. We were more than happy to step up and help with that!
Michelle passed away from ovarian cancer, but her husband shared that she commented many times how comforted she was knowing that her son would enjoy the summer camp Helene Foundation set up. Knowing her son had something to look forward to brought her peace.
Jennifer, a newly single mom of a 2-year-old who was dealing with breast cancer, lived in a rented trailer and had no one else in her family. She said she loved when we called because she knew it was someone who cared, who took the time, and who would listen and help!
Shavonda, a young mother of three with ovarian cancer, left an abusive relationship and was truly on her own. She requested help with furniture she found at a local thrift shop. When we called to discuss payment, the thrift shop owner said they wanted to meet us. Upon hearing her story, the owner was so touched by Helene Foundation’s mission that he offered to match our amount.
One Friday night, Shavonda’s meal delivery service was delayed and she had no food. While we tracked down her delivery, we ordered pizza as a Band Aid. Helene Foundation’s flexibility allowed us to be Here for the Now!
A mom who is receiving a bone marrow transplant needs to come home to a clean environment, so Helene Foundation paid to have the carpets cleaned.

How can readers help?

Susan Bowers: Our largest annual fundraiser is Helene Foundation Gala which is held the first Friday in May. It’s an incredible evening dedicated to raising funds but also to celebrating our families. We would love to have you join us as we eat, drink, celebrate and rock out to the legendary local band Sleeping Booty! Of course, you don’t have to wait until May to make a difference! Feel free to donate or volunteer today, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website. The funds raised stay local and assist women in our community. We are so grateful for every single donation – you make a difference!

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