Established in 1996, Sponsoring Survivorship began its supporting efforts when founder Julie Kelley was facing the challenge of her mother Darla Petranek having been given the grave diagnosis of breast cancer with a mere 5% chance of survival.

As a marathon runner, Julie would run virtually for miles. Often on her daily runs she would see longtime family friend Shirley Crawford (cofounder). They would talk about Darla's amazing recovery but also the emotional and physical challenges of cancer and what they could do to help others so that anyone facing breast cancer would never feel alone.

Shirley set Sponsoring Survivorship in motion by suggesting a walk in honor of Julie's mother. What began as a small caring group of 17 friends in 1996 has grown to hundreds of supporters. To date Sponsoring Survivorship has helped over 200 men and women in Lake County financially and emotionally with the dream to help hundreds more.

Survivors of Cancer make a huge family, a family in which many of the members have never met, but have formed a common bond of experience and life trial. We understand the challenges and the hardships of surviving. We are bound by our mutual support, our humor, our fears, and our courage. At times we may need support in meeting our treatment and medical costs. We are here to help.

Sponsoring Survivorship was established to help local women and men cover costs associated with their struggle against breast cancer.