Helping Cancer Patients In LA Fires
Imagine losing your home, and community during the LA fire. It’s unimaginable, yet too many are living this tragedy and devastation. Imagine going through this while also battling Cancer. It’s just too much to bear.
My Cancer Family is proud to introduce two inspiring Los Angeles-based cancer survivor mothers who are on a heartfelt mission to support others. Together, they are rallying to aid a deeply affected community—individuals navigating a cancer journey while also facing the devastating impacts of the Los Angeles wildfires. With many friends who have lost homes and communities, they are determined to bring hope and assistance to those in need.
Introducing Amber Less and Gina Binder
Amber Lesse was diagnosed with stage 2b hormone-positive breast cancer in November 2021, just one day before opening her holistic hair studio in Los Angeles. Her journey included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Today, Amber is thriving as the proud owner of Amber Holistic Hair Studio, loving wife to her husband Danny, and mother to their 8-month-old daughter, Zella. Beyond her studio, Amber is deeply involved in the breast cancer community, collaborating with non-profits like The Fondle Project and Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer to support and empower others.
Gina Binder is a single mom, breast cancer survivor, and founder of The Fondle Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women with breast cancer heal and thrive beyond treatment. Diagnosed at 41 after a misdiagnosis, Gina discovered her cancer through self-detection and became her own advocate. Her journey through treatment and the challenges of life afterward inspired her to create The Fondle Project—a movement focused on empowering women to embrace life after breast cancer by providing wellness resources and fostering a community of healing and thriving.
The Fondle Project is about more than surviving; it’s about truly living. Healing and thriving begin after treatment, and the organization bridges the gap by offering the support, tools, and holistic resources women need to rebuild confidence, embrace their scars, and live with intention. Through events, storytelling, and wellness-focused initiatives, the project helps women find community, strength, beauty, and joy in this next chapter of their lives.
What are Amber and Gina doing now to help those touched by cancer and the LA wildfires?:
Initially Amber teamed up with a local hairstylist, who she saw doing amazing work on instagram for those in need. She offered to serve as the donation hub for their relief efforts. They were able to donate so many items to those in need. Things like diapers, wipes, socks, cots for the firefighters to sleep on, etc.
Once that donation drive closed, Amber decided to join forces with Gina and the team at The Fondle Project to partner with beauty and fashion brands to provide care packages for those in need. These packages include essential beauty and fashion items as well as thoughtful extras, like gift cards, to bring comfort and support to cancer patients affected by the recent fires. Recognizing the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis or treatment, especially during a disaster, Amber and Gina aim to deliver hope and aid to patients in the LA area during this difficult time.
Recognizing the immense challenges of battling cancer during a disaster, this initiative aims to provide comfort and hope to patients in the LA area. The team is also planning fundraisers to expand support, providing additional gift cards for everyday essentials.
LA Wildfire Cancer Care Bags
Gina & Amber have curating Care Bags for Cancer Patients with contributions from generous brands, such as:
- Not Rational: Handbags
- Innersense: Shampoo and Conditioner
- Dazzle Dry: nail files and polish
- Luseta Beauty: skincare
- Juna: Chlorophyll Drops
- Sticky Be Socks: Cozy Socks
- L’Oreal: Beauty Products
- Spiritual Gangster: Athlesiure and socks
- DLashes: Facials and lash services provided by Dionne, a breast cancer survivor and campaign alumna
More brands are expected to join this initiative in the coming weeks, amplifying the impact for those in need.
Want to help?
If you know someone who might benefit from a Care bag, please email amber@amberlosangeles.com and ginabina74@mac.com, or share this page with them.
If you know of a brand who wants to donate, please email amber@amberlosangeles.com and ginabina74@mac.com.