Local retirement community supports American Cancer Society by embracing one of its own

Covenant Shores retirement community participated in a trio of community outreach events to honor, support, and educate those affected by breast cancer, including the community’s own Resident Life Director Roxanne Helleren. Helleren, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and after months of chemotherapy is now cancer free, planned the events as part of her mission to educate, support, and encourage those affected by cancer.

“We are a small community with a big heart,” said Covenant Shores Executive Director Bruce Erickson. “Our residents and staff take care of each other in so many different ways. By supporting the American Cancer Society (ACS) we’re supporting Roxanne and the millions of others who are affected by this disease. We’re inspired by her spirit and commitment to helping others who are on this journey.”

Beginning with a “Making Strides” rally on Oct. 7, the community honored all cancer survivors and welcomed ACS representatives to educate guests about the latest cancer research. At the second annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” on Oct. 8, the community’s cancer survivors kicked off a campus walk, leading more than 110 residents, families, staff members, and pets to raise over $4000 for the ACS. In Seattle on Oct. 29, Helleren and a group of residents joined other walkers at the “Seattle Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K. The Covenant Shores bus was waiting near the finish line to take them home.

“A little rain didn’t stop us,” said Helleren after the 5K. “I am grateful for my American Cancer Society family – for those who are in treatment, survivors and supporters. I have been blessed to know some awesome people who have added richly to my life and fight dearly for this cause, including my Covenant Shores family.”

Helleren said her mission is to continue to provide opportunities for residents at Covenant Shores to give to the ACS through campus and community walks; to educate people about the BRCA gene mutations, breast cancer prevention and available community resources; and to support and encourage women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. She currently serves on the ACS executive advisory board.

“Covenant Shores residents are generous, and they’re committed to making the world a better place,” said Helleren. Last year, the community logged more than 20,000 volunteer hours and was recognized by the ACS as the one of the top 10 fundraising companies in the greater Seattle area.

In addition to participating in the “Making Strides” walk, each month a group of residents makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to include in the 100 lunch bags they assemble using cookies, chips, fruit and water to donate to local homeless shelters.The Stitches from the Heart club members knit and crochet baby booties, caps, sweaters and blankets. Since 2006, the group has donated more than 2,000 items to local charities helping families in need.

Covenant Shores, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community, is located at 9150 Fortuna Drive, Mercer Island, Wash. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Shores, call 877-385-8613 or visit www.covenantshores.org.