2024: It’s going to be a year to remember!
We are excited to unveil our new website in just a few short weeks. You will see donation opportunities, caregiver support, easier access to programs and events, and a few minor changes to our logo! Stay tuned!
Programs and Events
Shining Light
While navigating a cancer journey, B the Light offers financial assistance to survivors residing in Minnesota. An eligible survivor recipient can receive a one-time donation of $500 to help with financial hardship during their breast cancer journey.
B the Light was able to gift three Shining Light donations this month!
Hope Huddles
Hope Huddles are offered monthly and provide a simple yet meaningful way for survivors to connect over a meal. We welcomed a few new survivors to the table this month. We are so grateful to be able to provide these connections in our region.
B the Light welcomed two new Survivors to our Hope Huddles this month!
Mankato Hope Huddle: Number 4 Steakhouse
New Ulm Hope Huddle: New Ulm Country Club
ReLight Retreats
B the Light offers mini-retreats to connect survivors with resources for healing of the mind, body, and soul. These experiences offer support and create a safe place for these beautiful survivors to feel honored and lifted up.
For our retreats in January, we offered a Fire Cider Tonic workshop, which is said to stimulate the body's immune system, support overall digestive health, crush colds, and have powerful healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Led by Rachel Vorwerk, Holistic Practitioner, each survivor learned about the health benefits of Fire Cider and made a jar to take home and enjoy!
Mankato ReLight Retreat hosted at Ember Wellness Collective. Dinner at Pub 500.
New Ulm ReLight Retreat hosted at The WELLness Collective. Lunch at Lola's American Bistro.
We are thrilled to have had 29 Survivors participate in our programs in January. Our total programming costs for January 2024: $3,829. Thank you for helping to make this possible for each of these vibrant women!
Thank you!
A cancer diagnosis can be financially devastating for families, B the Light covers 100% of the cost for each of our survivors to participate in our programs. Community support is critical to the livelihood of our organization. Every dollar counts...thank you! Thank you for shining your light!
Bethany Lutheran College - Play for a Cause
This past October Bethany Lutheran College Women's Volleyball - Play for a Cause chose B the Light as the recipient of their breast cancer awareness fundraising game. We can not thank them enough for their support of our organization and the work we do for survivors in our region. This amazing group raised $1,017 for our organization.
New Ulm Girl's Volleyball - Volley for a Cure
New Ulm Girls Volleyball - Pink Night graciously raised funds for B the Light in October. It is heartwarming to have our community and youth come together to raise money for non-profits. These phenomenal young women raised $1,255 for our organization.
New Ulm Girl's Soccer - Kicking Out Cancer
Thank you, New Ulm Girl's Soccer, for your donation to B the Light in October. Their Kicking Out Cancer donation of $500 is a welcomed addition to our program funding.
Nicollet Raiders - Girls Volleyball + Boys Football
Both of these sports teams came together in October and raised money for B the Light. The volleyball team sold bracelets and raffled off a team-signed ball, while the football team sold luminary bags that lit the walkway up to the football field. They were able to donate $1,183 to our programs and events.
Sleepy Eye Medical Center
Employees a Sleepy Eye Medical Center donated proceeds from their breast cancer awareness t-shirt sale to B the Light. It is wonderful to have these proceeds donated to us as they work with survivors who participate in our programs firsthand. They were able to donate $500 to help expand our programming in the region.
Shoe Sensation - October Breast Cancer Awareness Raffle
We are incredibly grateful for the October Breast Cancer Raffle that Shoe Sensation coordinated to benefit B the Light. These amazing businesses participated in this month-long event: Chuck Spaeth Ford, Wheelborg Chevrolet, Backerei & Coffee Shop, George’s Fine Steaks & Spirits, Sweet Haven Tonics, Auto Value, Inspired, Jensen Motors, and Gypsy Girl Boutique. These businesses’ raffle baskets raised $656 for B the Light.
Powerhouse Nutrition
It is beyond moving to see four nutrition clubs, in four different communities, come together to raise money for B the Light. We are so thankful for the collaboration between Powerhouse Nutrition, CRUSH 80/20, Loft Nutrition, and Resilient - St. James. They presented our Founder with a check in the amount of $1,237.
Mankato East Boys Hockey - Hockey Fights Cancer
The Mankato East Boys Hockey raised roughly $1,000 for B the Light Survivors. These funds help to provide programs and events for our survivors. Thank you, Mankato East Boys Hockey, you are a blessing!
Schult Homes
We are so grateful for the support of Schult Homes for another year in a row. This group of wonderful people helped to raise $1,437 for our B the Light Survivors.
Brushed Designs
Brushed Designs made this beautiful dresser and dedicated it to those who are currently battling, who won the battle, and who we've sadly lost to this awful thing called cancer. This piece was auctioned off and brought in $1,000 that was donated to B the Light.
Other Exciting News
Partnership with Mayo Clinic Health Systems Breast Clinic
B the Light is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Mayo Health Breast Clinic in Mankato. Together we hope to reach newly diagnosed breast cancer patients earlier in their journey. The support and hope our organization can provide these women is life-changing and we are so happy that the Breast Clinic recognizes this as well. Time and time again B the Light has heard from Survivors, "I wish I had found you sooner." or "I am so excited to have found this group. I assumed there was nothing anymore in the area and just gave up."
Mankato Clinic
It is fun when Survivors send Survivors snap photos and send them. It is especially fun when their check-up is good and this is on the screen in the Mankato Clinic Oncology rooms. We are so thankful for all the partnerships that are being created in Central and Southern Minnesota. Knowledge is power!
Save the Date
February 1st and 2nd:
New Ulm Boys + Girls Hockey - Hockey Fights Cancer
June 28th: Mankato Habaneros Softball
We are thrilled that the Mankato Habaneros Softball organization has selected B the Light as the inaugural recipient at their cancer awareness night. Save the Date for June 28th to support B the Light breast cancer survivors!
This quote was posted in our B the Light Survivors group with the words 'This group allows us to do that." THIS is why our organization is so important for those on their breast cancer journey.
If you are moved to help support our mission and our survivors, please consider DONATING today.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Amber Melby (Survivor, Founder and President) & Laura Doyen (Executive Director)