Ann's Place

09/05/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!

Meet Sandra Ramirez, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their message:

“Hello, my name is Sandra. I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, and by God's grace, I have now been cancer-free for three years. I am a positive woman, full of faith and resilience, always focused on moving forward. I deeply love my family and my children, who are my greatest inspiration and the reason I never gave up. I am a member of the El Mismo Barco and Resilientes support groups, where I have met wonderful people who have been a tremendous source of encouragement throughout my journey. I would be honored to participate in the fashion show to proudly represent the Hispanic community and bring a message of hope to everyone who is still fighting cancer. No one deserves to go through this journey alone, and I want others to know that there is always hope and that they are never alone.”

To read more about Sandra’s Journey or to donate to their fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/sandra-ramirez

Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort!

To purchase tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sKK9ZMq85PMS3YrczkQrmw?t=1784832421

09/04/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!

Meet Megan Julian, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their message:

“My name is Megan Julian, and shortly after my 23rd birthday, in January of 2023, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Stage IV Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

At the time, I had just graduated from college and begun my career as a multimedia journalist. I was excited to start the next chapter of my life, but instead, everything came to a sudden halt. What I thought was a pulled muscle turned out to be a tumor growing in my groin. My mobility became limited; I was overwhelmingly fatigued.

As my journey continued, I stopped working, endured months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, lost all of my hair, and faced the physical and emotional challenges that come with a life-changing cancer diagnosis. While surviving cancer was one battle, I am incredibly grateful to have won, learning how to rebuild my life afterward became another.”

To read more about Megan’s Journey or to Donate to their fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/megan-julian-1

Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort!

To purchase tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sKK9ZMq85PMS3YrczkQrmw?t=1784832421

09/03/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!
Meet Keegan Merrill, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their message:

“I am a proud boy mom whose life changed forever in August 2016. At just 25 years old, while pregnant with my youngest son and raising my 17 month old toddler, I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. I still remember being told it was the "good cancer" to have with a hug from my doctor and a text to my boyfriend, letting him know I was sick. I began the fight of my life.

Over the years, I endured multiple chemotherapy treatments, countless side effects and the physical and emotional challenges that come with living with cancer. In 2022, my journey took another difficult turn when I was placed on palliative care before receiving an emergency stem cell transplant in January of 2023.

Throughout all, Ann's Place has been a constant source of hope and support for my family. They are more than an organization, they are a compassionate community that walks alongside families navigating cancer offering emotional, practical and financial support when it is needed most.

It is an honor to be part of a fundraiser for a cause that has given so much to my family and to countless others. Ann's Place help reaches far beyond what many people see. Thank you Ann's place for being the safe haven so many families need and for continuing to provide hope, compassion and support. You are truly a blessing and I am forever grateful for everything you do and will continue to do with everyone's support.

To read more about Keegan’s Journey or to donate to their fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/keegan-merrill-1

Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort!

To purchase tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sKK9ZMq85PMS3YrczkQrmw?t=1784832421

09/03/2026

The Through the Lens Traveling Art Show has arrived at the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library in Naugatuck!

This powerful exhibition features portraits celebrating the courage, strength, and unique stories of individuals who have experienced cancer. Each image is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a story worth honoring.

Thank you to the Howard Whittemore Memorial Library for helping us share these meaningful stories with the Naugatuck community!

09/03/2026

Meet Kim Downy, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their message:

“I’m a pediatric physical therapist by training and was working in a local elementary school when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during the pandemic. I experienced a permanent surgical complication from my surgery, and while managing the implications from that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, all within the span of a year and a half. Then, just when I thought I’d finally be moving forward, my amazing radiologist died by su***de. I was really struggling, and Ann’s Place was there for me. Conversations with an incredible social worker, trying my hand at meditation, writing, art, reiki, grief yoga, and even piano lessons, all helped me as I navigated a path forward and a new normal. I went on to become the Founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors! in support of doctors who were there for me when I needed them most. I currently publish a weekly podcast, monthly Substack newsletter, book series, and I’m hosting an upcoming physician retreat in gratitude and celebration of doctors, who are keeping me alive. The personal connections and support I received during a time when I felt very lost made all the difference, and I am so grateful…Thank you, Ann’s Place!”

Donate to Kim's fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/kim-downey-1

Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort! To purchase tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sKK9ZMq85PMS3YrczkQrmw?t=1784832421

09/02/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!

Meet Del Vecchio Family, here is their story:

“There is so much more to associate with Ann’s Place than cancer—caring, compassion, support, and friendship. For the Del Vecchio family, it truly has been a family affair. Our family has experienced cancer diagnoses involving six of our seven immediate family members, three of whom have faced multiple cancer journeys.

My late wife, Carol, had her first breast cancer diagnosis in the spring of 1986. Then, in April 2009, our second daughter, Laurie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, Carol was diagnosed with a more common form of breast cancer. In 2015, Carol developed myelodysplastic syndrome, and my daughter Amy suggested that I attend the Caregivers Support Group at Ann’s Place.

I met others who were also navigating cancer with a loved one, and together we found understanding and support as caregivers. After Carol passed away, I joined the Transitions Group, where I have found such wonderful support and formed new friendships that have extended beyond the meetings. As a prostate cancer survivor who is currently facing a second prostate cancer journey, the support and friendships I have found at Ann’s Place mean so very much to me.

In 2018, my son, Dan, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and is doing well.

My daughter Laurie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009, was then diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2020. During Laurie’s 2020 cancer journey, my eldest daughter, Debbie, received a breast cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve 2020.

In July 2023, my youngest daughter, Denise, received her breast cancer diagnosis. All three of my daughters underwent surgeries and treatments. I am grateful that all four of my children who have faced cancer are doing well.

Never would we have expected cancer to become a family affair. But with the support of Ann’s Place, we learned, we supported one another, and we overcame so much together as a family.” -Dan

Donate to click: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/daniel-del-vecchio-debbie-pontelandolfo-laurie-hubbell

09/01/2026

Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating courage, beauty, and the powerful stories of local cancer survivors.

Join Ann’s Place for Through the Lens on Thursday, September 24, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort in Southbury.

Enjoy inspiring survivor portraits, delicious tastings from local restaurants, raffles, a silent auction, and more, all while supporting Ann’s Place and our growing free cancer support services throughout Greater Waterbury.

🎟️ Tickets are $50. Space is limited, so reserve yours today!

Click Here to learn more or to purchase tickets: https://www.annsplace.org/all-events/2026/through-the-lens-z5bzx

Ann's Place is your compassionate partner in navigating cancer. We offer free support services in CT, including support groups, individual and family counseling, and wellness classes designed to uplift and empower individuals facing cancer. Servicios gratuitos de apoyo para el cáncer

09/01/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!
Meet Elizabeth DeConno, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their bio:

“Before breast cancer became my diagnosis, it was part of my story. My mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor—the first time when I was just three years old, and again about a decade ago. Still, nothing could prepare me for hearing the words, "It's malignant," at 37 years old—as a single mother of three. In that instant, time stood still.

I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiation. As a Clinical Social Worker, I have always believed in the healing power of human connection. Living through cancer only deepened that belief. There is something profoundly comforting about sitting beside someone who doesn't need an explanation because they've walked a similar path.

Despite the trauma and shock, cancer transformed me in unexpected ways. It reminded me what truly matters. After years of quietly carrying feelings of inadequacy, I was given the extraordinary gift of experiencing just how deeply I was loved. Most unexpectedly, I learned how much of life I had missed by believing I had to carry everything alone. During treatment, I had no choice but to ask for help—and in doing so, I discovered that allowing others to love and care for me wasn't weakness. It was healing.

I am honored to support Ann's Place because finding a community of people who truly understand can change everything. The work they do reminds those of us whose lives have been touched by cancer that we are never meant to carry this journey alone. They don't just provide support—they offer belonging, hope, and a place to be fully seen, exactly as you are.”

Donate to Elizabeth’s fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/elizabeth-deconno-1
Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort!

08/31/2026

2026 Through the Lens: Meet our Models!

Meet Arieta Lejak, one of the inspiring models featured in Ann’s Place’s Through the Lens, here is their message:

“At 26, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, an age when most people are just starting to figure out their lives, and instead I was learning to fight for mine. It was the kind of diagnosis that stops everything: plans, routines, the version of the future I thought I had.
But cancer was never who I was. It was something that happened to me, not something that defined me. What followed was a journey through treatment, uncertainty, and some of the hardest days I’ve faced and through it, I found a strength I didn’t know I had. I learned to ask for help, to sit with fear without letting it run the show, and to find gratitude in the smallest, most ordinary moments.

Looking back, I wouldn’t undo any of it. That chapter shaped the person I am now; more honest, more present, more certain of what actually matters. I’m not defined by my diagnosis. I’m defined by everything I became because of how I chose to move through it. Without that journey, I simply wouldn’t be this version of me and I’m grateful for who I’ve become.”

Donate to Arieta’s fundraising page: https://donorbox.org/through-the-lens-2026-949166/fundraiser/arieta-lekaj

Join us in celebrating our models at Through the Lens on September 24, 2026, from 5–8 p.m. at The Heritage Hotel & Resort! To purchase tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/sKK9ZMq85PMS3YrczkQrmw?t=1784832421

08/30/2026

This week at Ann’s Place (August 31st- September 4th)

A look at our programs and services supporting those facing cancer.

Monday 8/31: Motherless Daughters Support Group
Tuesday 9/1: Walking Together
Wednesday 9/2: Men Together (Us TOO affiliate)
Thursday 9/3: Above the Shoulders Support Group
Friday 9/4: Mahjong

To see a full list click on the link here: https://www.annsplace.org/calendar-of-programs