In Store Event with Diana K. Thomi and Janet M. Eldridge

Lois Thomi was planning a long-awaited vacation; yet, she instead found herself in a hospital room hearing the dreaded words, "You have cancer." While enduring the many difficulties of chemotherapy and radiation, Lois did not dwell in her sadness. She reached out to others who were facing the same challenging journey and began to offer hope and education about the cancer experience. From a small living room in their modest home-offering a few cookies, and hope-they grew to become a cancer support organization serving thousands of patients and families annually. Join her beloved daughter, Diana Thomi, on a journey as she recounts the details of Lois' cancer journey and how the doors opened for one of the most impactful non-profits in the State of Kansas, Victory in the Valley, to become a beacon of hope and encouragement.

Diana K. Thomi is a native Kansan. She was born in McPherson, and after graduating high school, she relocated to Wichita to attend Wesley School of Nursing, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. After completing the program and receiving her RN, B.S., Diana held several leadership positions at Wesley Medical Center, including oncology. Later, Diana was recruited to join the faculty of the School of Nursing, where she loved teaching others.Following her mother's diagnosis of cancer, Diana began assisting her by reaching out to other cancer patients and their families with support and hope. These acts of kindness and caring led to the founding of Victory in the Valley, Inc. Today, this nonprofit comprehensive cancer support organization provides free support services to over 100,000 cancer patients and families across Kansas each year. Diana has received numerous awards throughout her professional career. In 1996, she was one of ten nurses selected from across Kansas to receive the prestigious Nursing the Heart of Healthcare Award from the University of Kansas. Diana's experiences as a nurse and caregiver for herparents have given her a unique ability to understand and comfort others. Her gifts of compassion, empathy, and fun-loving humor offer encouragement to those seeking answers during their cancer journey. Diana has counseled and guided thousands of patients and caregivers and remains a vital part of speaking to individuals and groups to encourage and share HOPE!

Janet M. Eldridge is an accomplished professional with a heart for service and a talent for organization. She earned her associate's degree from Friends University and has spent the past 19 years as an Executive Assistant at Lewis & Associates, where her expertise and dedication play a vital role in the company's success. In addition to her professional career, Janet serves on the Board of Directors for Victory in the Valley, Inc. Beyond her work and community involvement, Janet cherishes time with her family. She and her husband, Mark, have been happily married for 40 years and are the proud parents of three grown children. Their greatest joy is being grandparents to three wonderful little ones who live in Wichita and fill their lives with love and laughter. Janet also considers it a privilege to share her musical gifts at church and in the community, using music as a way to uplift and inspire others.

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