Wings of Hope – Cancer Support

Carolyn Etinger has been with Wings of Hope for eight years.  On July 13 she will be a 15 year cancer survivor.

Wings of Hope is a cancer support center serving Southwest Iowa since it was incorporated in 1994.  It’s goals are to help people wherever they are on the journey to recovery and to help them become survivors and thrivers.

Wings of Hope runs a Hope Chest Renewal Room at 427 E. Kanesville Blvd, Suite 202, in Council Bluffs.  They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until noon and by appointment by calling 325-8970.  They provide wigs and hats, cancer information, survival kits, and cancer support free of charge to cancer patients.  The survival kits include comfort items (pillows and lap blankets), written information, and other necessities.

Wings of Hope provides four different support groups that meet monthly.  They also have a learning program, called Healthy Survivor, to enhance the lives of cancer victims.  They provide counseling services for individuals and families.

For funding they hold three fundraisers each year and receive several grants.  Their next fundraiser is a Golf Tournament on July 10 at Bent Tree.  They are distinct from the American Cancer Society, because all Cancer Society money goes for research while Wings of Hope only provides local area services.

Wings of Hope received about 800 contacts last year.  They are staffed with two part-time employees.  For more information see their website at www.wingsofhope.org.