The Survivor Movie
A Message of Hope and Healing from The Cancer Crusade
The Survivor Movie has been viewed more than two million times in every state in the United States and in more than 93 countries around the world.
Please keep it going by using the forwarding link at the end of the movie. We hope you will share them by forwarding to everyone for whom you feel they might have meaning.
You can view the movie by visiting http://www.thesurvivormovie.com/.
Thank you to Roger and Kathy Cawthon for their permission to use the Survivor Movie as a source of comfort to the Great Guy Group, our families, and our friends.
Bringing Hope Home
Bringing Hope Home
A Chester County Life Exclusive
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By Tony Rotondo
Photography by Kelly O’Keefe
This is a story of courage, hope, and undying love. A story that touches the heart, inspires admiration, and stirs the spirit of volunteerism. It’s a story that began in 1997 and appears to have no end. In that year, Nicole Isenberg began a long and painful battle with Stage IV Hodgkin’s disease. Pregnant with her youngest daughter, Nicole fought with all her might to juggle painful treatments, bouts of nausea, and the normal stress of being a devoted wife and mother.
Her husband Paul says, “Our friends and family reached out to help whenever they could, but it became harder and harder to stay in touch.” That’s when Nicole suggested they host a dinner to support local cancer organizations and reconnect with old friends. “The idea,” remembers Paul, “was to invite all the ‘great guys’ we knew and support others who faced the same challenges.”
Tim Sherry, an old college friend, joined Paul in inviting friends and relatives to what was to become The Great Guy Dinner. That was back in 2002. Their labor of love has grown from beef and beer outings supported by local sports personalities into what today is a vibrant non-profit organization – The Great Guy Group – dedicated to delivering financial assistance to families battling cancer as well as contributing to the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society.
Nicole’s inspiration drove both men to take their Great Guy idea to a new level – one that involved the Big 6 NCAA Philly Coaches, especially Fran Dunphy of Temple University and Phil Martelli of St. Joseph’s University who both sit on the National Council of Coaches vs. Cancer.
In 2005, Sherry threw out his silent auction fundraising net and caught Lisa Natalizio Booth, a local Chester County businesswoman. “After one meeting with Paul and Tim,” says Lisa, “I knew their organization was different. I had never experienced such passion, enthusiasm, and fun as I did with them.” The silent auction was a smashing success, as were the annual dinners, which got so big, they had to be moved from The Desmond to the Chester Valley Golf Club. “We more than doubled the amount of the silent auction and added a live auction to the event. When we have an idea,” says Lisa, “we truly make it happen.”
In 2007 The Great Guy Group was incorporated, its mission clearly and humanely defined: Together we are an extraordinary resource, serving patients and their families, connecting donors and benefactors to improve lives that have been burdened by the cancer experience. In addition to founders Isenberg, Sherry, and Booth, they are joined by Mika Maloney. “The four of us meet monthly. Paul and Timmy continue to bring sponsors on board,” says Lisa. “I work on public relations and marketing and hold the checkbook. Mika does community development and everything else.”
Headquartered in Malvern, The Great Guy Group is committed to presenting community programs to support wellness in our lives by creating fundraising events to provide funds to cancer patients and their families. “Paul has huge plans for us. Last year we raised $150,000 and this year,” says Lisa, “we hope to raise $200,000. We have committed to donate $100,000 to the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge over the next five years for a total of $500,000.”
For more than 20 years the Hope Lodge project, a tangible representation of the American Cancer Society’s mission statement, has provided a warm and caring home away from home for adult cancer patients and their families. There are 22 Hope Lodges across the country, the newest and nearest – the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge – will be located within the greater Philadelphia area on property donated by the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philanthropic organizations like The Great Guy Group are actively involved in making the 30,000-squarefoot Lodge able to accommodate guests in 37 private rooms a reality.
Along with the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, future projects include furnishing the Paoli Hospital Cancer Patients’
Waiting Area and working with other Chester County hospitals to provide whatever assistance is needed. They are true to their credo: “We believe in bringing hope home.”
Nicole Isenberg’s brave battle against the ravages of cancer ended in August 2003. The Great Guy Group lives on and is a tribute to her life.
BENARI JEWELERS Presents $2,000 Check to Great Guys
BENARI JEWELERS, a premier retail jewelry store at 100 Main Street is contributing $2000 to Great Guys, representing a percentage of proceeds derived from its recent ‘Ladies’ Night Event’, held on August 12th.
Benari Jewelers became involved in Great Guys, according to spokesperson, Scott Brown, because of the benevolent work done on behalf of cancer patients and survivors.
In 2007, The Great Guys was incorporated with its mission clearly defined as – “Together we are an extraordinary resource, serving patients and their families, connecting donors and benefactors to improve lives that have been burdened by the cancer experience.”
Headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Paul Isenberg, Lisa Natalizio Booth, Mika Maloney and Tim Sherry meet monthly to coordinate their efforts on behalf of the patients and families dealing with this disease.
Last year, the group raised $150,000 and this year their goal is to raise $200,000. There is already a commitment to donate $100,000 to the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge over the next five years for a total of a half million dollars. In addition to the support of the Hope Lodge in the greater Philadelphia area, other beneficiaries include Paoli Hospital and other facilities in the area to assist people faced with this diagnosis.
Benari Jewelers President and CEO, Jacob Benari, stated, “No one stands alone. We are part of a greater plan, a community of people who need to step up and do their part on behalf of worthwhile causes. We are devoted to playing a vital role in our community – as a business and friend to those who live and work among us. We’re delighted to be participating in Great Guys and look forward to evolving our role in the future.”