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Support.
Compassion.
Community.
Hope.

Join us in making a difference for cancer patients in South Lake Tahoe through compassion, support, and hope. 

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Years Of Service

About

South Lake Tahoe Cancer League

South Lake Tahoe Cancer League (SLTCL) has been a beacon of hope and compassion for our community since 1980.

Founded by a group of dedicated locals, we are a non-profit organization committed to supporting those confronting the challenges of cancer. Our mission is simple yet profound: “Caring, Sharing, and Helping.”

At SLTCL, we understand that while we cannot offer a cure, we can provide vital support and a compassionate presence to those in need. Our organization is powered entirely by volunteers who generously give their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in our community.

Our Mission & Values

Caring for Our Community

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer practical support and heartfelt compassion to local cancer patients. We serve permanent residents of the South Lake Tahoe area, extending from the gate at Emerald Bay, to Meyers, and to Glenbrook, NV.

Our Values

Compassion: We approach every individual with empathy and understanding.

Support: We provide practical assistance to alleviate some of the burdens faced by cancer patients.

Community: We are dedicated to fostering a strong, supportive network within South Lake Tahoe.

Board of Directors

How We Can Help

Get Support

Transportation Services

We offer transportation to and from treatment centers, ensuring that no one has to face their journey alone.

Financial Assistance

We provide financial aid to help ease the burden of cancer-related expenses.

Our financial assistance comes in the form of a monthly stipend that you’re able to use however you choose to make life easier.

Get the Help You Need

Apply For Assistance 

Apply For Assistance

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Volunteer

As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely on the generosity of our community. Whether through volunteering your time, or spreading the word about our mission, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. 

Join us in our mission to bring comfort, support, and hope to those facing cancer. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our friends and neighbors.

Apply As Volunteer

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Get In Touch

Contact Us

Address:

PO Box 17962
South Lake Tahoe, CA
96151

Phone:

+1 (530) 307-8234

Email:

ladonnasltcl@gmail.com

LD Childress
President

I moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2018, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living at Lake Tahoe.

I attended high school and college in Reno, Nevada (Go WolfPack!) and law school in Los Angeles, California at Southwestern University School of Law. Having lost many loved ones to cancer, I gladly volunteered to work the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League’s annual Christmas See’s Candy sale.

Shortly thereafter, I was tapped to be the inspector of elections, before joining the board in the Fall of 2022.

I was subsequently appointed President of the Board of Directors, where it has been my honor to serve the community of South Lake Tahoe alongside some of the most dedicated and hard-working folks I have ever known. This organization is truly a labor of love and I want nothing more than to see this vital community-based non-profit continue to grow and provide services to those battling cancer in our little mountain community.

Brian Gault
Vice President

In 1986, I moved with friends from Chula Vista, California to attend the Heavenly Valley Job Fair.

I was hired and worked at Heavenly Valley for 12 years.  I was fortunate to meet my wife Janis there.

I became acquainted with the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League after attending a luncheon with a friend.  In 2017, I became a driver and was then appointed Host before joining the Board of Directors as a Member At Large.  Eventually, I was elected 1st Vice President–a position I still hold.

As a driver, it is the one-on-one care for cancer patients in our small community that continues to drive my passion for volunteering with the South Lake Tahoe Cancer League.

Erika Gonzales
Treasurer

Born and raised on a San Diego beach, I moved to South Lake Tahoe 25 years ago in search of a more intimate community vibe and I’m happy to say that is exactly what South Lake Tahoe offers.

During a health crisis, the cancer league found me and helped me navigate through that difficult time.

I’m proud to be able to now contribute to their very special cause and calling, to be of service to an organization whose sole purpose is to serve patients in their time of need.

Patty Smith
Board Member

I became a member of the league in 2023 and recently I was appointed to the board as a Member At Large.

In 1977, I visited friends here in SLT and never left. I was born in San Francisco, grew up in Burbank, CA. where I graduated from John Burroughs High School and moved to San Diego with friends for a few years and then moved to SLT in 1977. I’m a mother of three and grandmother of five who were all born and raised and being raised in SLT.

I became a Gold Star Mom April 7th 2008 when my eldest son was KIA in Iraq—the saddest and worst day of my life. At this stage in my life my family is my biggest accomplishment and my pride and joy.  I also enjoy community service and giving my time to my little community.

Robert Rathman
Member at Large

In 1976, I came to SLT from Santa Barbara to house sit for friends.

Immediately after their return I returned to Santa Barbara packed and moved back because, like so many others, I had fallen in love with this beautiful mountain town.  In 2001, I was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery I underwent seven weeks of treatment, finishing in 2002.

My first experience volunteering for the League was at Valhalla and in 2010 I became a volunteer driver for SLTCL. Sharing my experience with the patients going through the same process I experienced myself is a fulfilling way to pass on hope to others. In 2018, I was appointed to the position of Member At Large and I hold this position to date.

I enjoy my retirement by volunteering, in addition to the SLTCL, with the Historical Society, Christmas Cheer as well as working as a groundskeeper at Fallen Leaf Lake. Staying active and doing what I enjoy makes retirement very fulfilling.

Sharon Poletti
Executive Director

I was raised in Hollister, California and moved here with my son and daughter to join my family who moved here in the 1960’s.

I began my service with the SLTCL as a volunteer driver and Recording Secretary in 2017 and I was voted in as the first Executive Director on January 2, 2022.

During COVID-19 we continued to meet the needs of our community by continuing to drive them to their treatments. In addition, we continued to carry on our annual See’s Candies Sale.

This has been the most rewarding volunteer service I have had the fortune to be a part of and I hope to continue being of service to the patients we serve for many years.