OUR HISTORY

In 1982, Lois Thomi was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. The difficult months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that followed were a time of fear and loneliness because she felt no one understood what she was going through. The turning point came when a former cancer patient offered Lois encouragement. It was this act of caring that prompted her to start this organization in 1983 with the help of her daughter, Diana.

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Beginning in her living room as one small local cancer support group, Victory in the Valley (VV) has expanded its services with the goal of providing practical assistance, encouragement and spiritual support. The Lodge at Victory in the Valley was purchased in 1986 to provide lodging for out-of-town patients who were receiving medical treatment in Wichita. Since that time, VV has served patients from over 350 cities in KS. Since 2007, lodging assistance is offered through a negotiated VV rate at specific hotels. A referral from the cancer patient's oncologist is required.  VV has grown into a comprehensive cancer support organization serving patients and families, providing over 100,000 support contacts annually.

 

Through the generosity of others, all support services are provided at no charge. Lois retired in 2003 and her daughter, Diana, began serving as Executive Director.

 

On May 13, 2013, our beloved VV Founder went home to be with the Lord. The ministry of Victory in the Valley continues as a loving tribute to Lois who always shared how important it is to reach back with encouragement and hope to others still going through the cancer journey.