About Us

Our Mission:

To accompany cancer patients and their families on their journey from fear and confusion to coping and confidence, and through emotional, spiritual and other support interventions, improve the quality of their lives and enhance the possibility of recovery.

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 that 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 found this organization in 1983.

Beginning as a local cancer support group, Victory in the Valley has expanded its services with the goal of providing practical assistance, spiritual support, and encouragement. 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, patients from over 350 cities in Kansas stayed in our fully furnished apartments.  Beginning in 2007, lodging assistance is now offered by Victory in the Valley through a medical rate established with Cambridge Suites, Kansas Inn, and Wesley Inn, with a referral from the cancer patient's oncologist.

Victory in the Valley has grown into a comprehensive cancer support organization that served patients and families last year, providing 120,000 support contacts.

Through the generosity of others, all support services are provided at no charge.  (A nominal registration fee is required for Camp Victory Retreats; however, scholarships are available to persons in need of financial assistance.) 

 Victory in the Valley Appointed as the 471st Point of Light by President Bush ~ June 1, 1992

Victory in the Valley Appointed as the Kansas Governor's 1st Point of Light in the Volunteer Category ~ October 31, 2005

          Diana Thomi, Executive Director

          Linda Mae Richardson, Assistant Director

          Judy Lee Carter, Public Relations & Events Coordinator

          Patti Harms, Volunteer Coordinator