OUR HISTORY

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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 and co-founder, Diana.

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Beginning in Lois' 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. VV has grown into a comprehensive cancer support organization serving cancer patients and families throughout Kansas.  All support services are provided at no charge through the generosity of our donors.

 

​Lois retired in 2003 and her daughter, Diana, served as Executive Director until her retirement in 2024.

 

On May 13, 2013, our beloved VV Founder, Lois 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.