Breast cancer survivors receive, share hope
In February 2021, Rose Nye received a package of “Hope” at her home in Fombell.
This package, stuffed with goodies and positive messages, had been sent from the Club Hope Foundation in Ellwood City. This gift symbolized the nonprofit’s mission: “To provide encouragement, services and hope to patients and families affected by a cancer diagnosis.”
Earlier that month, Nye had been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of invasive breast cancer. However, that one care package from Club Hope marked the beginning of a journey for Nye — one that started with community, faith and, indeed, hope.
In response to Nye’s diagnosis, her niece, Maddie Speicher, launched a Facebook page to share updates and to raise money for treatment. Speicher opened the page under the name “Bring the Rain,” a nod to Nye’s favorite song by Christian band MercyMe.
With the love of her family and Club Hope behind her, on March 31, 2021, Nye was scheduled for her first session of chemotherapy in Pittsburgh.
On that very same day, Nye’s sister, Callie Campese, received a phone call that would instantly change her life. That morning, Campese had been busy praying and checking on her sister. The phone call, however, did not concern Nye, but herself.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Campese recalled.
Campese’s official diagnosis was triple negative invasive carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that grows and spreads faster than most other invasive types.
While everyone was baffled by the news, Speicher logged on to her Facebook page, changed its name to “Bring the Rain #sisterstrong,” and stated:
“We don’t think this is a coincidence. Our family is very close, based with a lot of faith, and we feel it was a God thing that they get to be able to beat this TOGETHER.”
With chemo scheduled only one week apart, the two sisters supported each other constantly, though Campese’s treatment journey took her to Houston, while Nye stayed in Pittsburgh.
Throughout their treatments, Cara Atkinson, the founder of Club Hope, continued to support both sisters with flowers, cards and personal check-ins.
“It was nice to have someone to walk through this with us,” said Campese. “Cara has become like family. Rose and I knew we wanted to give back and say thank you.”
On Oct. 22, 2022, the sisters’ gratitude took the form of a breast cancer awareness fundraiser. The proceeds from the event benefited Club Hope and its beneficiaries, who continue to receive support from the foundation through gas cards, gift cards for meals, items needed for in-home care, and outsourced clearing and handyman services.
The event was so successful that Nye and Campese continued to throw the fundraiser every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, Campese and Nye celebrated their fifth consecutive fundraiser for the Club Hope Foundation, at the Lilyville Church of God Lighthouse in Franklin Township, Beaver County.
“Last year, we raised $16,000 toward Club Hope. This year, our goal is $20,000, and I have no doubt that we will meet that goal,” Campese said.
Only last week, Campese was re-diagnosed with breast cancer. However, this news has only inspired her to continue striving toward faith and hope.
“I beat this once. I’m going to do it again,” said Campese.
To support, Campese, Nye and the Club Hope Foundation, visit clubhopefoundation.com.
