Circle of Hope, Inc. has been assisting breast cancer patients, their families, and the community of Santa Clarita Valley since 2004. Colleen Shaffer created this breast cancer organization after her own journey when she discovered that breast cancer patients who cannot afford expenses associated with the treatment of breast cancer due to financial hardship were at a serious disadvantage. The focus should be on recovery, not debt. Circle of Hope was formed to fill this void of serving the people who needed the services the most. Circle of Hope provides financial, emotional, and educational support for breast cancer patients, their families, and the Santa Clarita Valley. Not everyone who comes to Circle of Hope becomes a client; however, the community, medical professionals, survivors, and their families recognize Circle of Hope as an important resource for individuals with cancer and others seeking information regarding this disease. Circle of Hope is an organization truly dedicated to helping its community members--we assist cancer patients who live in, work in, or receive treatment in Santa Clarita Valley. We pride ourselves on being a nonprofit organization dedicated to having a direct and effective impact on the community. Simply put, we believe in making a difference today, for a bright future tomorrow.
Colleen Shaffer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 1999. Following the completion of treatments and a double mastectomy, Colleen began to counsel individuals with breast cancer at every stage of the journey. She discovered in 2002 that the cancer had spread to other parts of her body. Having learned so much from others she had helped, Colleen began a new life to show that breast cancer, even at the metastatic stage, is not a death sentence; rather, it should be viewed as a chronic disease. Colleen continues to tell her story to others to help them realize that there is a reason to hope.
About Circle of Hope, Inc.
Our Founder & Past Presidents
Colleen Shaffer
Founder ~ Past President
Judy Penman
Past President,
2011-2012
Jordana Capra
Past President,
2007-2008
Jane Bettencourt-Soto
Past President,
2004-2006
How We Help
Financial support is granted to clients who meet the criteria and is used to alleviate expenses associated with cancer treatment.* Cancer patients who cannot afford expenses associated with the treatment of cancer due to financial hardship are at a serious disadvantage. Circle of Hope believes that by easing the burden of debt, a cancer patient can focus on recovery. One of the main services Circle of Hope provides is negotiation within all areas of medical expenses. By vastly reducing a client’s medical expenses, Circle of Hope has a huge impact on that client’s life. This also allows the Circle of Hope to accept more clients they would have not been able to accept otherwise.
We are dedicated to making a difference today, for a brighter future tomorrow. Circle of Hope is the only cancer organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides financial, emotional, and educational support services for uninsured and underinsured individuals with various forms of cancer, their families, and the local community. We help over 150 clients annually, issuing over $100,000 in financial support which includes Doctor/Facility Co-payments, Insurance/COBRA Premiums, Chemotherapy/Radiation Costs, Pharmacy Expenses and Second Opinions.
Circle of Hope also offers emotional support in the form of its Cancer Support Groups. Meetings are held monthly at the Circle of Hope offices. The support group is free and open to all cancer patients and survivors. Each month covers a different topic to help guide a cancer patient through the treatment process. The Cancer Support Groups aims to offer a positive and caring environment. Support group participants are paired with mentors, survivors who have completed cancer treatment, to provide personal encouragement and assistance with individual concerns. Team Pink is a cancer awareness and community outreach program developed by Circle of Hope. Acting as the educational support branch of the organization, Team Pink promotes healthy eating, exercising, balancing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. These behavior choices are associated with cancer risk reduction and early detection. We are devoted to helping local individuals in our communities. 100% of the proceeds raised and donated are used to give back to the community and support its cancer patients and their families.
*Support for this program is based on availability of funds. Circle of Hope reserves the right to add, change, or modify program and services without notification.
A cure for cancer may be discovered tomorrow; however, individuals battling this disease need support today. We believe that providing financial, educational and emotional support for cancer patients will increase the individual’s chance of success in their battle against cancer. Survivorship is expensive; the focus of our clients should be on recovery and not debts.We are here because we too have been affected by cancer. We have been through the process with our family members, friends, and ourselves. Circle of Hope understands that hope cannot exist if patients are struggling to pay medical bills or unanswered questions about the treatment process and life after cancer. We are here to help you today for a brighter future tomorrow. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are or someone you know is a cancer patient in need of support.