Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Mellon and Sherri Ziomek.
The Tough Warrior Princess organization was founded in 2010 by two cancer survivors and a caregiver hoping to make a difference. Sherri and Patty had just battled the disease and had a very positive supporter, Cheryl Woodsom, who gave them the push to make something happen.
They found that giving money to large organizations funding cancer research was important, but wanted to make a difference on a more personal and local level. Knowing the struggles survivors face throughout treatment and beyond, they wanted to provide more direct support.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been surprisingly smooth, looking back on the journey. We are an all-volunteer organization, hoping to build what we call an “Army” of volunteers. We don’t want to over-extend ourselves or grow too quickly and want to be able to effectively manage the support needed.
We have always referred to the journey as magical. It seems that whenever we have a need, the answer somehow arrives. Whether it is a financial need, need for services or support, we have always found what we are looking for in very unexpected ways. It requires constant attention, hard work and committed troops, which is not always easy considering demands of everyday work life and families of our own.
Not being able to devote full-time attention to the organization is probably the biggest challenge given the ever-expanding needs.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tough Warrior Princesses – what should we know?
The Tough Warrior Princesses strive to provide support for women affected by cancer. When someone is diagnosed or facing recurrence, we spring into action. We fill a Survivor Basket with items that are needed going through treatment, items of love and support, a resource guide, inspiring jewelry, book of survivor stories, gift cards for gas, CVS, groceries and massage and many other items.
We try to have a friend or family member deliver the basket to the survivor at the right time. The caregivers are going through the journey almost as much as the person fighting the disease.
Including them in the process is very important. We then provide any follow up support or services requested to the best of our ability. We have given rides to treatment, delivered meals, provided friendship and support, financial assistance, housecleaning and other tasks. The main goal is just to let survivors know there is a network of supporters who care and understand.
We like to think that what sets up apart from others is our ‘Army of Volunteers’. We have a board of ten directors that guide the decisions of the organization, but truly it is the feet on the ground and people stepping up to help when we need it that make it all possible.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our families deserve so much credit. Our children and many youths in the community have stepped up in so many countless ways to volunteer, do heavy lifting and help organize events and fundraisers. A lot of time goes into this and it helps when the whole family is involved.
Countless local businesses have also made a huge impact. Expertise, guidance, financial support, volunteerism, fundraisers and general promotion have all been given in abundance by businesses. We are blessed by so many giving partnerships that go above and beyond. Businesses can help small non-profits in so many easy ways. A little help really goes a long way.
The TWP Army of everyday volunteers and the support we get from family and friends is the reason we can continue to provide support and resources to those fighting.
Contact Info:
- Address: 80 Monroe Street Amesbury MA 01913
- Website: www.toughwarriorprincess.com
- Email: info@toughwarriorprincess.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toughwarriorprincess/
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