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V for Victory is a program that provides free services to people in treatment for any type of cancer. Michele, a breast cancer survivor, wants to get the word out.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Meet Michele Reum, a Jacksonville woman who credits First Coast News’ Buddy Check 12 program with saving her life.
She found her own lump — she says it felt like a lima bean — and followed up with her doctor. But at first, she was stubborn.
“I found a lump,” Michele said. “My daughter said if I didn’t go get it checked, she’d make the appointment for me.”
Well, hooray for her daughter, Brittni — because now, Michele is doing great. That early detection changed everything.
Now she’s paying it forward by lifting up other cancer patients through a powerful program you might not even know exists: V for Victory.
‘I’m single. It’s hard to do anything on your own when you’re fighting cancer’
Michele is a warrior. But like so many facing cancer, she also needed help. And she got it through simple, real-life support: free lawn care, free plumbing, free dinners and more.
“V for Victory helped me get my yard done for almost six months,” Michele said. “Weeds? Everything.”
Helping hands and full hearts
The V for Victory program is designed for anyone undergoing cancer treatment, whether it’s an adult or a child. Families simply need to submit a letter proving someone in the household is currently in treatment.
Then each month, participants receive an email offering free services tailored to real-life needs, such as:
- Car repairs
- House cleaning
- Laundry service
- Legal help
- Meals — including free pizza from V Pizza
Melissa, another mother and cancer patient, said her husband and son had their cars fixed for free.
“It would’ve cost possibly thousands,” she said, choking back emotion. “I’ve been out of work for a year and a half…this helps.”
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With more than 500 local business partners, V for Victory works like a quiet army of support behind the scenes. From free sub sandwiches to plumbing jobs and even legal assistance, the Jacksonville-area nonprofit focuses on everyday burdens so families can focus on healing.
The program was started in 2017 by V Pizza and has since helped more than 1,000 families. Amy Walter with V Pizza understands the emotional hurdles, too.
“It is difficult to ask for help,” she said. “But we are here just for them.”
And yes, families admit, they often feel guilty accepting help. But when we asked Michele and a group of women if they felt that way, nearly all raised their hands. Still, they agree: it’s OK to reach out. You deserve it.
‘Didn’t cost a penny’
From a free steak dinner to a mowed lawn, the message is clear: you are not alone. And since Buddy Check 12 helped save Michele’s life, now she’s on a mission to help save someone else’s spirit.
So today, don’t just check yourself — share the reminder with a friend. Do your Buddy Check. Do the self-exam. And if you or someone you love is facing cancer, check out V for Victory to get the support you need.
Michele’s story reminds us: Buddy Check can save a life — and that life might just change someone else’s.
