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Vocalist Angel Duncan Nichols paused as elementary students from Hunter Christian Academy chimed in with the chorus of the song “Angels Among Us.”

Oh, I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love

The performance was one highlight of the Our Laughter in the Rain (OLITR) annual event on Sept. 24 in Short Pump. OLITR is a nonprofit organization and care group founded by Cheryl Tankersley, the owner of a salon specializing in wigs for patients with cancer and alopecia. OLITR supports women affected by cancer, including patients in active treatment and survivors who received care at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The theme of this year’s OLITR event was “Angels Among Us.” As part of the program, OLITR recognized seven individuals in the Richmond area for their commitment to women facing a diagnosis; three award recipients are part of the Massey team.

Freda Wilkins, M.S.W., M. Div., a Massey clinical social worker, leads support and mindfulness groups and various integrative health programs. Wilkins connects with patients daily at Massey’s Stony Point and Hanover facilities and frequently lends her ear after hours when someone is going through an especially tough time. At OLITR, Wilkins shared that it is rewarding to become ingrained in individuals’ life stories and cancer journeys.

“They open up to me. I get to know their real fear, and then we can work through it. I get to give to people, be present with people and be real with people. That's what makes this job matter to me,” said Wilkins. “The joy is seeing people find their strength, go out into the world and live and do whatever they were meant or called to do.”

Sharon Rivera Sanchez is a Massey patient turned advocate. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2015, Rivera Sanchez is now a Cancer Champion, a volunteer opportunity in Massey’s community engagement in research initiative. Rivera Sanchez is the founder of two nonprofits, Saving Pennies 4 A Cure and Trials of Color. A vocal proponent of clinical trials, Rivera Sanchez received $5,000 from Massey’s Community Grant Initiative in 2022 to advance her colorectal cancer education efforts.

"There are times when I genuinely question whether what I am doing is having an impact on the cancer community. Even though it could be challenging, I must persevere,” said Rivera Sanchez. “Cancer patients want encouragement, support, care and someone who will always speak out for them. The community award [from OLITR] means so much to me, and it has inspired me to keep going."

Tara Daudani was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in 2018 at age 37. She received chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiation treatment at Massey. Daudani, the Women and Wellness 2022 Co-Chair, is a wife and mother of two children. She founded Lend Them a Helping Hand (LTAHH), a nonprofit that creates registry-like lists of tasks for friends and family to complete when a loved one needs help the most.

“I felt so honored and humbled to be recognized along with the six other amazing women on that stage. It was really an unexpected surprise,” said Daudani. “I started LTAHH to fill a gap I found in organizing help when going through cancer treatment. Our goal is to continue to get this free site in the hands of those who can benefit it. We are now offering free presentations about the benefits of offering and accepting help along with free informational cards so more people know about LTAHH.”

About 650 local cancer survivors registered to attend this year’s OLITR. In addition to the awards ceremony, the program included fashion shows, a keynote speaker and a vocal performance honoring children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Written by: Amy Lacey