Celene鈥檚 Angels supports those going through breast cancer treatment
Celene Petre knows the fear and struggle that comes with being diagnosed with breast cancer.
She was diagnosed in 2018, and went into remission after one year of treatment. Then, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in 2020.
While Petre is in remission today, she wanted to help others who were struggling like she had.
鈥淚 realized there was no help in our area for people going through breast cancer treatment. We launched Celene鈥檚 Angels in the third quarter of 2019 and started helping people right away,鈥� Petre said.
If you haven鈥檛 been through it, it鈥檚 hard to imagine all the obstacles one faces when dealing with a diagnosis and treatment, she said.
鈥淭he cost of treatment is astronomical. You might need help with groceries or gas. We鈥檝e donated toward wigs and even house cleaning for those who have underwent surgery. People don鈥檛 plan to get breast cancer in the next two years. It doesn鈥檛 occur to anyone to save up a year鈥檚 worth of salary, and for some the treatment is even longer,鈥� the New Eagle resident said.
For the past few years, Celene鈥檚 Angels has hosted its annual fundraiser 鈥� a cash bash-type event with various auction items. One year, they did purses, another year it was themed baskets. Local businesses have supported the event.
鈥淏urns & McDonnell has been our title sponsor for three years. They are an amazing group and they are hands-on at our event. There are so many others who have sponsored over the years. These are the rocks of Celene鈥檚 Angels,鈥� Petre said.
Women and men currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer can request an application online. They fill it out and pair it with a doctor鈥檚 letter, and Petre calls to find out what鈥檚 needed and when.
鈥淲e鈥檝e never turned down an applicant. We鈥檝e always been able to help. Whether you鈥檙e going through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, we鈥檙e ready to walk with you,鈥� Petre said.
Not only does she help with financial needs, Petre can help emotionally too. Imagine being in the beginning stages of a diagnosis with questions, concerns and fears coming at you faster than manageable. Getting a call from Petre can help ease the fear.
鈥淚 also see myself as an advocate for patients and even a counselor sometimes. People don鈥檛 know what questions they need to ask their oncologist. We鈥檙e not equipped to ask some of the hardest questions of our lives,鈥� Petre said.
Washington County-based Celene鈥檚 Angels is operated by volunteers. Not only can members of the community donate funds, they can donate their time too. Some help at the fall fundraiser. Others help organize needs for local patients such as cleaning services or a meal train.
鈥淪ince my first diagnosis, I鈥檝e always said, 鈥業 don鈥檛 know who or how all of these people came to my rescue but they are my angels.鈥� I鈥檓 glad Celene鈥檚 Angels is able to help others now,鈥� Petre said.
Visit https://www.celenesangels.com/ for more information.