Fifteen years ago, we were saying goodbye to my Mother and we didn’t even know it.
With the generosity and support from friends, family, and the East Valley Women’s League, it was no longer a one-woman show.
YES, CANCER SUCKS, BUT LOVE AND LAUGHTER CAN MAKE EVEN THE TOUGHEST DAYS A LITTLE BRIGHTER
Love, Compassion, Understanding, and Hope
Our Mission
Chemo Companions provides companionship through a network of trained volunteers who bring comfort, conversation, laughter and nurturing essentials to the chemo lounge. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of those undergoing cancer treatments by offering friendship and emotional support. The guiding forces behind Chemo Companions are love, compassion, understanding, and hope.
Chemo Comfort Bags
After spending time in several chemo lounges, with the help of patient requests we curated, a bag full of thoughtful items to boost patient’s mood, provide support, and keep patients warm and cozy. Bags include a handknit hat, a blanket, lip balm, fuzzy socks, a handwritten inspirational card, tea bags, puzzle & coloring books…and other goodies meant to provide support like a friend who knows what you need before even asking. Some of these items are handmade by loving support groups or donated by companies who care.
Grateful for our Donors
We are thankful for those who have shown their support and contributed to our cause through donations.
Meet Our Founder
Chemo Companions comes from the heart of its founder, Alyssa Dinowitz, and was born from her own family’s experiences with cancer. Alyssa’s mother, Marriann Gofonia, passed away in September 2009 after beating breast cancer four times. During her many rounds of chemotherapy treatments, the Gofonia girls (there are five, each as spunky and spirited as their mother) would all but turn the chemo lounge into a party hall with laughter, jokes, hugs, and love. Then, something interesting began to happen.
News & Stories
Nonprofit, oncology center offer free yoga classes for Phoenix-area cancer patients
One way they’ve teamed up is by offering free yoga classes to cancer patients, their loved ones and caregivers.
Meet our newest volunteer
Jovie Noel began her calling as a cancer therapy dog at the very tender age of four weeks old. As a small puppy, Jovie was removed from a bad situation where she was receiving minimal care. Chelly Bosworth received a call from her veterinarian’s office asking if she would be willing to foster a puppy in need. That very same month Jovie came into Chelly’s life, so did cancer.
