Sandi's Hedgehogs for Hope
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2023. After five months of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, I felt broken. My strength gone, my body scarred, my heart heavy. I had heard about Hope Chest and was curious. In the summer of 2024, I went to the annual Dragon Boat Festival, watched the boats race along the Buffalo River, and wondered if it was something I would ever have the courage to do.
A few months later I decided to check out an exercise class. Nervous, I entered the workout room and immediately felt a surge of positive energy. This was different from all the support groups I had tried during and after treatment. This was a group of women determined to not let a cancer diagnosis keep them from living life. It was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to today. I just passed the two-year anniversary of my surgery and am now a full-fledged member of Hope Chest. I rowed in two festivals last year, made a bunch of new friends, and most importantly – started to regain strength and confidence. Hope Chest provides a lot of things: a gym membership at Catalyst, nutrition classes, paddling, and a community that helps those with breast cancer feel comfortable (and strong!) in their changed bodies.
Hope Chest is a lifesaver for so many women in Western New York, and they need your help! Please consider donating to the Fund for Hope, and join us at Buffalo Riverworks on June 13 for the Dragon Boat Festival. Paddles Up!
A few months later I decided to check out an exercise class. Nervous, I entered the workout room and immediately felt a surge of positive energy. This was different from all the support groups I had tried during and after treatment. This was a group of women determined to not let a cancer diagnosis keep them from living life. It was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to today. I just passed the two-year anniversary of my surgery and am now a full-fledged member of Hope Chest. I rowed in two festivals last year, made a bunch of new friends, and most importantly – started to regain strength and confidence. Hope Chest provides a lot of things: a gym membership at Catalyst, nutrition classes, paddling, and a community that helps those with breast cancer feel comfortable (and strong!) in their changed bodies.
Hope Chest is a lifesaver for so many women in Western New York, and they need your help! Please consider donating to the Fund for Hope, and join us at Buffalo Riverworks on June 13 for the Dragon Boat Festival. Paddles Up!
Be the first to contribute.
Sandi's Hedgehogs for Hope
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2023. After five months of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, I felt broken. more...
by Sandi van Everdingen,
Williamsville, NY
Created February 17, 2026
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2023. After five months of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, I felt broken. My strength gone, my body scarred, my heart heavy. I had heard about Hope Chest and was curious. In the summer of 2024, I went to the annual Dragon Boat Festival, watched the boats race along the Buffalo River, and wondered if it was something I would ever have the courage to do.
A few months later I decided to check out an exercise class. Nervous, I entered the workout room and immediately felt a surge of positive energy. This was different from all the support groups I had tried during and after treatment. This was a group of women determined to not let a cancer diagnosis keep them from living life. It was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to today. I just passed the two-year anniversary of my surgery and am now a full-fledged member of Hope Chest. I rowed in two festivals last year, made a bunch of new friends, and most importantly – started to regain strength and confidence. Hope Chest provides a lot of things: a gym membership at Catalyst, nutrition classes, paddling, and a community that helps those with breast cancer feel comfortable (and strong!) in their changed bodies.
Hope Chest is a lifesaver for so many women in Western New York, and they need your help! Please consider donating to the Fund for Hope, and join us at Buffalo Riverworks on June 13 for the Dragon Boat Festival. Paddles Up!
A few months later I decided to check out an exercise class. Nervous, I entered the workout room and immediately felt a surge of positive energy. This was different from all the support groups I had tried during and after treatment. This was a group of women determined to not let a cancer diagnosis keep them from living life. It was exactly what I needed.
Fast forward to today. I just passed the two-year anniversary of my surgery and am now a full-fledged member of Hope Chest. I rowed in two festivals last year, made a bunch of new friends, and most importantly – started to regain strength and confidence. Hope Chest provides a lot of things: a gym membership at Catalyst, nutrition classes, paddling, and a community that helps those with breast cancer feel comfortable (and strong!) in their changed bodies.
Hope Chest is a lifesaver for so many women in Western New York, and they need your help! Please consider donating to the Fund for Hope, and join us at Buffalo Riverworks on June 13 for the Dragon Boat Festival. Paddles Up!
Be the first to contribute.