Former Cancer Association Leaders Unite with a Fresh Mission

This week in Lake Havasu City, the Cancer Association of Havasu’s former leadership addressed the community for the first time since breaking away from the Havasu Community Health Foundation. Members, along with supporters, gathered at Shugrue’s Restaurant to announce the establishment of their new nonprofit entity, Cancer Care Resource, and to clarify the reasons behind their departure.

“It was not an overnight decision,” Rose Marie Eaton, former treasurer of the Cancer Association’s governing committee, explained during the meeting. She emphasized that the decision took nearly two years of deliberation, driven by significant challenges within the previous organization. “When we closely examined the situation, it became a unanimous decision,” she added, highlighting the collective agreement among the executive committee.

Eaton further assured attendees that cancer care programs previously suspended by the Havasu Community Health Foundation would soon be reinstated under the new nonprofit. The founding figure of the Cancer Association of Lake Havasu, Evie Cistaro, lent her voice to the discussion, noting her integration into the newly formed committee just months after the organization’s 25th anniversary. The break stemmed from disagreements with the Health Foundation regarding donation allocation for cancer patients.

“Unfortunately, a lot of confusion arose around funding,” Cistaro remarked. “They kept it, and they shouldn’t be keeping it. We’re here to help the people in this community. That’s why we raise this money.” Her comments resonated with attendees focused on community needs.

The meeting garnered backing from various local officials, including City Councilwomen Michele Lin and Jeni Coke, City Councilman-Elect David Diaz, and Mayor Cal Sheehy. Moving forward, Cancer Care Resource has a slate of events planned, including “Breast Friends of Havasu” and “Ribbons of Color” support groups on September 4, a Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness on September 21, a fashion show fundraiser on November 13, and Cancer Survivors Day on June 7.