No One Should Face Cancer Alone!

As a resident of Temecula, Michelle was frustrated with the lack of local resources available to her while facing the challenges of cancer treatment. A cancer diagnosis is always a shock. Even more so for a healthy young woman like Michelle who was vegan, studied holistic medicine, and interested in joining the Peace Corp. Michelle shared concerns about a lump in her breast on several occasions, to different medical providers. Each time she was assured she was too young and healthy for any concern. It was her Peace Corp physical examination that prompted a biopsy, and finally, a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer at the age of 23.

Michelle was desperate to find others who understood the emotional toll that cancer is. She found support at the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Resource Center- the first place Michelle said that someone cared about her as a person, and not the cancer. She envisioned a local resource center in the Temecula Valley that would offer the same emotional comfort, support, and hope. The Center she dreamed of would include both educational and supportive components for the whole family.

Instead of focusing on missed opportunities, Michelle’s family and friends chose to take positive action and bring Michelle’s wish to reality. Michelle’s Place was founded in her honor less than a year after she earned her angel wings.

Michelle always shared her knowledge and experience in battling cancer in a positive, uplifting way. This continues to be the goal for Michelle’s Place every day. Michelle’s Place offers all services at no cost to the community, tailored to meet the needs of the client: financial assistance, support groups, comfort items (wigs, prosthetics, etc.), wellness classes, a behavioral health team, and educational resources.