Our Beginnings

Wings of Hope began in October 1987 as a monthly cancer support group. People met to discuss issues about living with cancer. They began to learn from each other about ways to improve their quality of life. It became apparent many people shared this need to express their emotions in a group or individual setting.

In 1994, a steering committee was formed to explore expanding the Wings of Hope concept to provide more comprehensive services for people with cancer as well as their family members.

Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center was independently established as a nonprofit organization in September 1994. Our goal then and now is to provide emotional support and guidance for people, family members and health professionals as they journey through their cancer experiences.

Patti Higginbotham, founder
Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center

Our Board of Directors

Our Staff

Carolyn Ettinger | Executive Director
carolyn@wingsofhope.org

Abbey Loughman | Executive Director

Ann Jones | Program Specialist
ann.wingsofhope@gmail.com

Donna Schoeppner | Administrative Assistant
donna@wingsofhope.org

Teresa Gleason | Development Officer
teresa@wingsofhope.org

Gloria Brennan | Image Recovery Specialist

We Stand Up for Justice and Equality and Healing

Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center is committed to encouraging health of the body, mind and spirit for each person facing the challenges of cancer in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro and throughout southwest Iowa. We actively work with clients who want to heal and are looking for hope in the darkness.

We recognize that cancer does not discriminate – it touches the lives of people regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, economic level, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, political beliefs or age. As a cancer support center, we cannot and will not support behavior and attitudes that contribute to racism, oppression and discrimination.

Wings of Hope stands up for justice and equality and healing. We are committed to broadening and deepening our understanding of the influence of race and ethnicity on the way we experience ourselves, one another and the world around us:

  • We commit to doing more to listen and learn about systemic racism and its effects on the health of individuals of color and our society.

  • As our collective awareness increases, we recognize that our responsibility and accountability for how we treat all human beings also increases.

  • We will work to develop cultural humility and acknowledge the pain and trauma of racism.

  • To move our commitment and intentions into lasting change requires a change of heart.  As such, we commit to engaging in meaningful practices of heart-based qualities:

    • Compassionate listening

    • Treating each other with kindness

    • Genuine levels of connection

    • Companioning the life experiences of all cancer patients, survivors and care partners in ways that open spaces for healing