Nellie B. Connally Breast Center at M.D. Anderson

Elaine believes philanthropy is a year-round endeavor, not an occasional event. Her belief in giving back extends from health and children’s issues to the performing arts and personal growth.

Breast Cancer Awareness is especially meaningful for Elaine because it’s a cause that hits close to home. Her mother Marlaine, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 48 and was successfully treated at the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center at M.D. Anderson. Elaine raises and donates money regularly to the center at M.D. Anderson, a destination for hope and healing.

Elaine’s pink patent wrap bracelets, lovingly named after her mother, are sold every October online and in her boutiques to raise funds for BCA. One hundred percent of the bracelet sales are donated to charity and, all of her boutiques throw parties in support of breast cancer awareness.

An advocate for early detection and treatment, Elaine practices what she preaches, undergoing mammograms every six months, focusing on the positive advances in medical technology.

“You have to be diligent about your own health,” Elaine says. “You are your best advocate.”

       

Christus Stehlin Foundation

The Christus Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research has been creating hope and cancer cures since 1969. Named for Dr. John Stehlin, the pioneering cancer doctor who created hyperthermic perfusion, which combines heat and chemotherapy, the foundation continues to pioneer drug research.

In 2008, the Foundation was approved by the FDA to begin human trials on a promising cancer drug, CZ48, which is derived from the camptothecin compound.

The Stehlin Foundation is funded through private sources and all donations are funneled directly to the Foundation’s belief in treating the whole patient, just not the cancer within.

Heroes for Children

Elaine Turner Designs is one of the most significant contributors to Heroes for Children, donating 32 handbags each year for the annual Houston and Dallas Heroes and Handbags Luncheons with all profits directly benefiting the organization. Elaine specially designed bags in honor of Allie Scott and Taylor Brewton; HFC daughters who lost their battles with cancer at eight months and four years, and inspired the creation of the organization by their mothers. The bags were added to the Elaine Turner 2008 collection and 50% of proceeds were donated to Heroes for Children. In 2010, Elaine Turner's contributions over the last five years to Heroes and Handbags has helped the event raise more than $750,000 and counting.

"Jenny and Larissa are a true inspiration to me: they chose to turn their loss into something positive to help others. That's what motivated my company and me to get involved. We feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to partner with Heroes for Children over the years and contribute towards their mission to assist families in need. Our experience with Heroes for Children has added more joy, meaning, and fulfillment to our business and our lives.

Heroes for Children provides financial and social assistance to families within the state of Texas with children battling cancer. Cancer treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and numerous clinic visits which can last between six months and three years. The average gift of $750 brings much-needed relief to families with burdensome expenses, including mortgage/rent payments, utilities, car payments, or funeral costs for children who have lost the battle with cancer. Heroes for Children provides more than $30,000 in direct financial assistance each month. This assistance allows many families to stay afloat while they focus on their child's health. Additional information about Heroes for Children can be found at www.heroesforchildren.org.

Snap

Since 2008, Elaine Turner has been an avid supporter of Houston-based SNAP. From accessorizing fashion shows and appearing in the 2009 SNAPshots Fashion Calendar, to designing a one-of-a-kind collar and leash for auction in benefit of SNAP, this cause is very near to Elaine's Heart and she always welcomes opportunities to lend her support to the organization.

"In my life, dogs have always represented the purest form of love. They have brought me immense joy, but more importantly they have taught me something about myself. By supporting SNAP, I hope that we are creating opportunities for countless others to experience the joy and happiness that comes with being an animal caretaker. Giving them the best life possible ensures that our companions can continue to provide their unique and unconditional love for years to come."

Houston-based SNAP has been working for more than 17 years to stop this cycle by providing free and low-cost sterilization services to the community, preventing the birth of unwanted animals and giving shelter and rescue animals a better chance at adoption. Through their stationary Spay-Neuter and Wellness Clinic and their one-of-a-kind mobile clinic, SJNAP provides free and low-cost options for anyone that wants to do the right thing for their companion animal, but may lack the funds. Additional information can be found at: www.snapus.org.

Center for Success and Independence

Elaine and Jim Turner are Honorary Chairs of the 2011 'Celebrating Triumph' inaugural luncheon benefitting the Center for Success and Independence. "The Fonz", Henry Winkler, will be on hand as a featured speaker. It is the mission of The Center for Success and Independence to provide comprehensive, compassionate and quality treatment to youth, ages 12-17, with behavioral emotional and addictive disorders that are interfering with effective functioning in life. Utilizing sound clinical methods of treatment, clients will be prepared to successfully reintegrate into the community and to become fully functioning adults. Additional information about The Center for Success and Independence can be found at: www.tcsi.org.