Celebrities bring message of hope to annual Cancer Support Community gala




STAGE PRESENCE—Co-hosts Jim Moret, chief correspondent for the TV news magazine “Inside Edition,” and his father, actor, director and singer James Darren (think Moondoggie from the“Gidget”Moves) emcee the Evening of Hope Gala for the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara on April 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The Thousand Oaks-based nonprofit organization serves more than 2,400 adults, teens and children affected by cancer each year. SUSAN WEININGER/Acorn Newspapers

STAGE PRESENCE—Co-hosts Jim Moret, chief correspondent for the TV news magazine “Inside Edition,” and his father, actor, director and singer James Darren (think Moondoggie from the“Gidget”Moves) emcee the Evening of Hope Gala for the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara on April 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The Thousand Oaks-based nonprofit organization serves more than 2,400 adults, teens and children affected by cancer each year. SUSAN WEININGER/Acorn Newspapers

While a diagnosis of cancer often shocks and scares people to their core, patient survival rates depend on many factors, including the emotional support they receive during treatment and beyond.

Members of the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/ Santa Barbara attested to the power of support, sharing many tales of hope at the annual CSC fundraising gala April 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. Dubbed “An Evening of Hope,” the event celebrated lives saved and the power of care and connection between cancer survivors.

James Darren, actor, director and singer who appeared in the 1980s TV series “T.J. Hooker,” and his son Jim Moret, chief correspondent for the television news magazine Inside Edition, were the evening’s masters of ceremony.

Darren said the community’s “support and friendship inspire hope.”

Andrea Roschke, board chair of Cancer Support Community, said her husband, Mark, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003 and was given a 5% chance of living beyond two years. Mark began attending sessions with the support community and found the strength to battle the disease. He lived for eight years after his cancer diagnosis. Roschke said her husband helped inspire many people to fight cancer with hope and determination.

Cancer Support Community offers hope in many forms, including a place where cancer patients and survivors are supported through weekly get-togethers and mindfulness classes like yoga, pottery, knitting and painting—all at no cost.

Holly Spiegel accepted the Celebration of Hope Award at the gala. Spiegel proved to be a force of nature when she walked onstage in a red princess gown and tiara.

“I believe in tiaras and costumes,” she said of her decision to tackle the breast cancer diagnosis she received in 2016 with humor and resolve. The news of cancer, she said, challenged her to take care of herself. “My soul got a workout,” she said.

After a quick round of tears, Spiegel said, “I armed myself with laughter and love with no edges. I didn’t choose cancer, but I could choose what I wear.”

During her course of treatments, Spiegel wowed doctors, nurses and fellow patients by wearing different costumes to each therapy session.

She came as Rosie the Riveter, Wonder Woman and a variety of powerful princesses, helping inspire her to battle the disease like a warrior, she said.

“Cancer is serious, but I didn’t have to be serious all of the time.”

Her treatment included a mastectomy, six rounds of chemotherapy, 34 doses of radiation and some reconstruction surgery.

During the gala, several awards were presented. The City of Westlake Village, represented by Mayor Ned Davis and the other City Council members, captured the Philanthropy Award.

Cancer Support Community, formerly known as the Wellness Community, has called Westlake Village home since it opened 28 years ago.

“The sense of giving and the sense of community has never stopped,” Davis said. Each year, he said, the city provides a community grant to the center.

Laurie Peterson was presented with the Celebration of Life award. She was recognized for her work as the gala chair for five years, her friendship and positive attitude, sense of humor and “work smarts.”

Peterson is a longtime volunteer at the center. She was inspired to give of her time when a friend who had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer told her how the programs saved her life.

“ She’s now healthy and strong, 20 years later,” Peterson said of her friend.

While cancer is a “devastating and very expensive disease . . . cost should never be a barrier to hope,” Peterson said. The motto of the support group is that “no one must face cancer alone.”

Dr. Timothy O’Connor, a radiation oncologist associated with St. John’s hospitals in Ventura County, spoke about questionable advice he’s received over the years.

He was told to get a sailboat to help him relax. Someone else said he should steer clear of people who might embarrass him.

“Now I need a bigger boat for my embarrassing friends,” O’Connor said.

On the more serious issue of cancer, he said, people need good advice, and the support center “provides that vehicle.” He added that the center shows people “how to enrich this very human journey.”

In addition to a silent auction, a live auction offering weeklong trips to destinations such as Mexico, Manhattan and Mammoth Mountain raised over $35,000.

Proceeds from the Evening of Hope Gala will fund Cancer Support Community’s professional programs of support and education for adults and children affected by cancer.

For more information on the nonprofit and programs, visit cancersupportvvsb.org.