Restoring smiles.
When Charessa Sawyers’ mother, Barbara Nobles, was diagnosed with breast cancer, it took a toll on both the patient and her family. “It was the first time I had ever seen her as vulnerable,” says Sawyer. “With no income and three daughters still in school, the bills piled up, and she lost her smile.”
Following successful treatment and a respite in Florida with a cousin, Nobles returned charged up, ready to restart her life. It was so transformative for the family that Sawyer, a licensed mental health therapist, created the Charge Up Campaign in 2013 to provide supportive mental health services to other cancer warriors and their caregivers regardless of their ability to pay.
The organization also offers supplementary services ranging from medical supplies for survivors and school bags for their kids to Thanksgiving dinners. Grants and donations support its work that is now offered in five Southern states.
Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and many, such as Sandy Springs residents volunteer coordinator Adria Sanders and chaplain April Kelley, have been involved long term. Kelley provides outreach and spiritual services to patients and has led prayer calls.
CHARGE UP CAMPAIGN
chargeupcampaign.org
@chargeupcampaign
