Board of Director's Chairperson, Teri Warford: My mother died of cancer in 2009. During the last few months of her life I took her up to the oncology clinic on a regular basis. The people who were involved in Cheerful Heart and serving soup at that time were always so upbeat, kind, and loving. We didn’t often have the soup there, we made Mom’s appointments right before lunch so we could go out to eat afterwards and then maybe take a drive. But we often took soup home; when we got back to the assisted living where Mom stayed I would warm the soup for her dinner. So, I stay involved with CH in honor of Mom. I am "paying forward" the wonderful kindness she received from people. I believe CH has an important place in Lake County, serving cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. I am proud and honored to be on the board. 
Jeanne Doepke: The mission for Cheerful Heart is one of service to our fellow man. As a cancer survivor I feel so lucky to have been born in this day and age to have access to advanced cancer treatments so that I feel well enough to want to give back in some way to my fellow cancer patients. Many members of the CH board are more involved in service than I, however, I still feel I am making a contribution and always hope to do more. At our board meetings we hear about the folks we serve and all the generous folks who contribute to this cause. Making a difference to a patient or caregiver who is involved in cancer treatment keeps me wanting to do more.
Valerie Lindstrom: I became a Cheerful Heart board member in 2003 and my husband, Art, and I both served as volunteers and board members. Art was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 1997, and we felt giving back to cancer patients was important for us. Art felt good being able to share with others struggling with the diagnosis. It was our experience that folks find it difficult to talk with cancer patients and their families because they don’t know what to say. Listening and sharing with a cancer patient when they most need love and care is still one of the reasons why I stay involved with Cheerful Heart. Art passed away in August 2008 and I feel like I’m honoring him by continuing to connect with cancer patients.
Barbara Morin: I joined Cheerful Heart in 2008 as the Volunteer Coordinator and board member. Coming from a family with a history of cancer (father, mother and myself in 1985) helped create my passion to contribute to CH as best I can.
Most rewarding are the friendships I have formed during my weekly visits to the oncology clinic. Knowing the cancer patients and staff has fulfilled and enriched my life in so many ways, and strengthened me for my most recent battle with cancer.
In Sarah’s words: “Cancer has been in my life as long as I can remember. My maternal grandmother died of liver cancer in 1988. Six months later my paternal grandmother died of colon cancer. My father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 55; he died at the age of 63.
In Leah’s words: “As a nurse, of course, I have cared for countless individuals and their families who have battled cancer. Like so many others I have also been personally impacted when cancer has touched many of the ones I love the most. My youngest sister was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at the age of 25 and I walked beside her for the next nearly 13 years as she underwent surgery, chemo-therapy and a stem cell transplant. She died at the age of 37. A cousin I was close to suffered with and died from pancreatic cancer. My mom was diagnosed with ductal breast cancer and was thankfully able to be fully treated with a mastectomy. Most recently my husband and life partner of 45 years was diagnosed with lung cancer two weeks after my retirement from my full time position at the hospital. His disease advanced very quickly and he died in less than two months.
Leah says of her involvement with Cheerful Heart, "it is a way to repay all those who touched my family members with care through the years"
