Celene’s Angels to host fundraiser in New Eagle

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Breast cancer has had a big impact on Celene Petre’s life.

Celene, a New Eagle resident, is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and the disease claimed the life of her mother, Claudia Knaus of Monessen, in 2015.

But instead of dwelling on the misery and grief cancer has brought to her and her family, Celene, with the help of four dedicated volunteers, strives to bring aid and joy to other area residents battling breast cancer by way of the Celene’s Angels nonprofit organization.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Celene, who is currently in cancer remission, and Celene’s Angels volunteers will host a charity gift basket auction at Tubby Hall Riverfront Park in New Eagle.

Celene and her “angels” began raising money to benefit well known and national cancer-related charities over 12 years ago while watching her mom bravely battle breast cancer for many years.

At 9 a.m. April 23, 2018, Celene got “the call that nobody wants to receive” from her doctor informing her she had cancer. 

Thinking about her mother’s battle and reflecting on the long road to remission she had ahead of her, Celene became inspired to narrow and localize the focus of Celene’s Angels.

“After losing my mother to this disease, I knew that there wasn’t enough being done locally and I knew from my own experience that there was not enough support out there to help people in their time of need,” she said. “When I got the phone call that I wasn’t expecting, it was quite a game changer.”

Celene said the organization now raises money to issue grants and gift cards worth around $250 to local breast cancer patients who need help covering co-payments at their doctor’s appointments, paying for transportation or gas to get to and from their appointments and treatments and paying for groceries.

“A lot of patients that have breast cancer end up losing their hair, so we can provide a voucher to help them with obtaining a wig,” Celene added.

The organization has brought aid to more than 20 people since being officially named a nonprofit in 2018.

“Our objective was if we could make somebody’s day or somebody’s week easier for them during this critical time, our hearts would be filled,” she said. “It’s very fulfilling to us. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to help others who are in need — just to meet some basic needs that we know are difficult when going through breast cancer diagnosis.

“We’ve been helping a lot of people and we’re extremely proud of that.”

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