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Style Magazine

Threads of Life

Jul 08, 2011 08:45AM ● By Style

Photo by Dante Fontana

The measure of a life well-lived is the legacy that is left behind – most notably the relationships we develop with our loved ones, our friends, and the communities that inform our characters.

The legacy of Janet Nachtman, the wife of former Marshall Medical Center Administrator Frank Nachtman who died from breast cancer in 2005, is interwoven with all of the aforementioned and the nonprofit her friends established in her memory, Threads of Life, formed to raise funds for Marshall Medical’s Cancer Resource Center.

“As Janet battled her cancer from diagnosis to treatment, she became a champion,” says member of the organization’s event committee, Linda George. “She pioneered improved cancer treatment and early detection and received such wonderful care that her friends wanted to ensure that all women receive the same, regardless of their ability to pay – uninsured or under-insured.” As a result of Nachtman’s persistent and passionate advocacy, and the efforts from Threads of Life volunteers to continue her work, Marshall’s Cameron Park-based Cancer Resource Center assists patients and families from differing backgrounds better prepare for the myriad of challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis – among them a Patient Navigator program, social services, nutritional counseling, education, support groups, a no-cost mammogram program, and help with transportation.

Raising awareness for these programs and ways to navigate cancer is another priority aim of Threads of Life, which hopes to shine a philanthropic light on answers to the most perplexing questions facing cancer patients and their loved ones. “We help patients move from fear to hope, from illness to health, with support and compassion and state-of-the-art technology,” explains George.

The highly involved and dedicated Threads of Life volunteers have been instrumental in helping generate substantial monetary contributions from parties of all sizes. The organization’s flagship event – the Threads of Life Quilt & Fine Art Charity Auction – will kick off at the quaint bed and breakfast at Shadowridge Ranch in Placerville on August 20. The intricately designed and lovingly crafted custom art quilts made by area quilters – including many from the Wild Wednesday Women quilting group, as well as those from El Dorado County and neighboring communities – will be auctioned (coverlets are currently on view at Marshall’s Cancer Resource Center). The event will also feature live music, wine tasting and, most significantly, the opportunity to support a cause that has or will touch so many in the local community.

“More than ever before, a cancer diagnosis includes hope of changing the lives of individuals and their loved ones in many ways,” George says. “The Cancer Resource Center and Threads of Life are dedicated to treating the whole person and their loved ones, not just the condition. Due to the enormous support we’ve received from area quilters, we have been able to spread the word that care is available to all who ask.”

Funding for Threads of Life began with a grant from the Marshall Foundation for Community Health and proceeds are funneled through  the Foundation.


For more information, visit threadsoflifeplacerville.com.