I began to think about alternative forms of communication when I volunteered at parent support groups. Divorced parents used to ask me how they could communicate more with their children. I realized we don't have to speak face to face all the time.

I believe that people hold on to notes. I do.

If they don't feel appreciated, they're not going to stay with the job.

[Matthews] welcomes meetings with individual parents.

We provide several support services. We have boutiques with wigs and hats for people going through treatment. We have guest rooms, seminars and education programs where people can learn more about their cancer.

All the money raised goes directly to the services of the cancer support homes. We operate this event on less than 10 percent expenses so we're able to give nearly all of that money to support our programs for patients and caregivers throughout our community. This event allows us to give a lot of our services free.