[KHTS] – Circle of Hope, a Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit supporting breast cancer survivors and their families, is hosting its 10th annual Run/Walk For Their Lives on April 5 at Castaic Lake’s Lower Lagoon.

Circle of Hope’s purpose is to provide financial, emotional and educational support for breast cancer patients and their families.

And while popular Santa Clarita Valley events like Vine 2 Wine and the run/walk are a big part of their success, the real story is the people behind these events, said Ray Tippet, executive director for Circle of Hope.

The run/walk is a success each year because of the tireless work of volunteers, board members and those helped by Circle of Hope who seek to give back, he added.

One of the rewarding aspects of working for the Circle of Hope is it’s a Santa Clarita Valley-based organization dedicating its resources for those battling the disease, and their friends and family, in the SCV.

Wendy Thrush is a shining example of the difference an individual, and the organization, can make, Tippet said, with Thrush “always finding ‘new eyes’ as she calls it, to get involved with the Circle of Hope.”

“(Thrush) has been apart of this event for the past eight years has made great strides to make this event better each year,” said Ray Tippet, executive director of Circle of Hope. “She has played many roles throughout the years, and we are so blessed to have her.”

Like many of those who help Circle of Hope, for Thrush, the battle with breast cancer was a personal one for the Valencia resident.

Thrush became a Circle of Hope client in 2008, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thrush developed an autoimmune disease from her treatments and started IVIG antibody infusions to calm the severe rash and internal injuries.

The symptoms of this treatment have similar effects to chemo treatments, but Thrush never allows her own health concerns to slow her down, Tippet said.

“I believe that there’s a reason for everything, and I do believe that through the experience I’ve had, I’ve gained a tremendous amount of insight to a breast cancer patient and what they feel and go through,” Thrush said. “And so now, to be able to give back to my community, and give that same encouragement and help that I got — it makes it manageable.”

In 2011, Thrush became Circle of Hope’s first client to take a seat on the COH board. She also runs a support group she became involved in through Circle of Hope while she was a client.

“(Thrush) is a fighter,” Tippet said, talking about what she’s overcome and how she coordinates the event with women like Staci Mickelson and Anita Kornick. “She’s a warrior, and she’s our hero.”

Since the event thrives on the Santa Clarita Valley’s community support to be a success, the Circle of Hope is welcoming everyone to Castaic Lake’s Lower Lagoon at 32132 Castaic Lake Drive Castaic, CA 91384 on Saturday, April 5.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.,  with a 1K Fun Run starting at 8:15 a.m., a 5K Fun Run at 8:45 a.m. and a 5K Walk at 9 a.m.

Click here for the location on Google Maps.

About Circle of Hope

Circle of Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit breast cancer organization located in Santa Clarita Valley, California.  We are dedicated to making a difference today, for a brighter future tomorrow. Circle of Hope is the only breast cancer organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides financial, emotional, and educational support services for uninsured and underinsured individuals with breast cancer, their families, and the local community. We have helped over 130 clients to date, issuing over $100,000 in financial support.About Circle of Hope, Inc.