Empowering Survivors in 2025
Hello B the Light community! We hope 2025 has been treating you well so far.
You’ll now be receiving our B the Light newsletter every other month, packed with highlights from our favorite programs, upcoming fundraisers, and inspiring survivor stories.
Most importantly, you’ll hear from the women at the heart of our mission—those who participate in B the Light programs. They are the reason we do what we do, and we can’t wait to share their incredible journeys with you!
Survivor Spotlight: Jean
Jean's breast cancer journey began unexpectedly. "I found a lump while I was nursing my one-week-old baby, and since it went from left to right, I didn’t think it was a plugged duct." At her six-week postpartum check, the lump was still there, prompting her OB doctor to order a mammogram and ultrasound. After the scans, the radiologist told her, "There is something in your lymph nodes, and we need to do a biopsy." When she returned for the results, she was officially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on April 28, 2022. "I wasn’t surprised since there was something in my lymph nodes, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear."
Determined to fight, Jean asked her OB what she had to do to beat it. "He told me, ‘I don’t know, but I’m going to get you to the right people.’" Meeting with her surgeon and oncologist, she was assured that her cancer was curable. "That was the only option in my book." She underwent six rounds of chemo, 30 radiation treatments, and a year of immunotherapy infusions. "I rang the final bell! What an emotional, but great feeling that was."
Reflecting on the hardest part of her journey, Jean shares, "This feels vain, but losing my hair was the most challenging part. At that point, I felt like I looked like a ‘cancer patient’ and had lost my identity." She worried about how her son would react, but when she returned from her hair appointment and went to pick him up, "He looked at me and gave me the biggest smile. At that point, I realized it didn’t matter. He didn’t care, and neither should I."
Jean first heard about B the Light from another survivor who encouraged her to attend a Hope Huddle. "She told me she had gone to an event and said I should really come to the next one. This survivor doesn’t necessarily like to be in groups, so if she said I should go, it was definitely worth checking out—and she was right. I went to a Hope Huddle and knew I found my people. The ladies welcomed me with open arms and were so open and honest. I felt like I had known them forever."
Through B the Light, Jean has participated in Hope Huddles, ReLight Retreats, Survival Fitness, and Cooking Beyond Cancer. "It is so amazing being in a group of women who have all experienced the rollercoaster that is cancer, coming together and sharing their stories." She found Survival Fitness both challenging and rewarding. "It was so motivating when I got to go up in weight or get one extra rep in." The ReLight Retreats have also been a source of healing. "I always leave feeling full of hope and gratitude!"
Being part of B the Light has shaped Jean’s view of survivorship. "The support that B the Light provides is life-changing! This group is the most supportive group of women I have ever met. Everyone wants to help and cares so much. The programs offer a wide variety of mental, physical, and emotional support. I am proud to be a survivor, and if I can help one person with my experience, it was all worth it."
Her advice for those newly diagnosed? "Take it one day at a time, and if that is too much, take it an hour at a time. It’s okay to ask for help! People want to help but don’t know how, so let them. Ask questions and take notes—there’s so much information thrown at you, it’s hard to keep it all straight. Most importantly, remember you are not alone."
One of the most meaningful moments of Jean’s journey was ringing the bell after her last round of radiation. "I was able to do so while holding my son and with my husband nearby. The staff in the oncology department, anyone nearby—even the security staff—were clapping and cheering. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, knowing I was done with one of the hardest parts of my treatment. There were plenty of tears of joy that day."
Jean credits her support system—family, friends, and fellow survivors—for getting her through. "‘Team Jean’ showed up bigger than I could have ever imagined. My sisters were so helpful with our son when I wasn’t able to properly take care of him. My mom hung out with him during all my pre-appointments, scans, and surgeries. I was very fortunate to always have someone attend my chemo appointments with me." She also recalls a unique challenge during treatment. "When I was going through chemo, there was also a formula shortage. We had family and friends in six different states hunting for formula. They called it ‘Operation Feed Baby Brooks.’ We never had to worry—someone always came through."
Survivorship, to Jean, is about living with gratitude. "The dictionary defines ‘survivor’ as ‘to remain alive.’ I am choosing to live for those who are no longer here. As a survivor, I have become more thankful and grateful for each day I get to be on this earth and for the people I am surrounded by."
When asked how the community can best support breast cancer survivors, Jean says, "Send the text or make the phone call. If you’re thinking of someone, let them know—it means more than you know. If they need to talk, listen. Support groups like B the Light provide crucial support and resources."
Love Lights the Way Fundraiser Success
We kicked off February with our first-ever Love Lights the Way $14 fundraiser, partnering with United Prairie Banks in Mankato and New Ulm. Our goal was to raise $3,000 in one day—but thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, we surpassed that goal early in the day! We raised the target to $5,000, and by the end of the day, we did it! United Prairie Bank matched $3,000, making an even greater impact for our survivors. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this heartwarming day of love and support!
Upcoming Ways to Support B the Light
Mark your calendars! We have some amazing events coming up, and we’d love to see you there:
✨ Pasta Dinner Fundraiser – Join us at Wow!Zone in Mankato on April 28th for a delicious pasta dinner benefiting B the Light. Grab your tickets HERE or email laura@bthelightinfo.org.
✨ Light the Night Luminary Walk – This special evening at Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, presented by Boelter Window, Siding & Roofing is a chance to honor those in the fight, celebrate survivorship, and remember those we've lost. Keep an eye out for Luminary Pop-Up events where you can decorate your Luminary bag for $10, as well as sponsorship opportunities to help light the way.
Due to this being a fundraiser, all luminary bags for this event must be purchased through B the Light.
✨ Birdies for Breast Cancer – We’re hosting our first-ever Birdies for Breast Cancer golf tournament at New Ulm Country Club on Monday, June 30th! Start gathering your team now—there will be plenty of sponsorship opportunities, and more details are coming soon.
Program Highlights
A New Take on Cooking Beyond Cancer
This year, we introduced a hybrid model for Cooking Beyond Cancer, and to say it was a hit would be an understatement! Survivors took part in a hands-on cooking class, prepping a flavorful Greek Quinoa Salad while connecting over a shared meal. Thanks to Kelsey from Care Doula, LLC, they also went home with three nourishing, home-cooked meals to support their wellness journey. It was an incredible night of community, connection, and delicious food!
Survival Fitness: Strength, Resilience & Community
Our first session of 2025 Survival Fitness in Mankato wrapped up in February, and we couldn’t be more proud of the survivors who showed up with determination and heart. Thanks to a generous grant from the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation, we were able to continue offering this program.
‘Life Transitions with Awareness, Grace, and Compassion’
Survivors worked with Jennifer Reece to navigate the mental and emotional aspects of survivorship. Healing isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind and soul, too.
Hope Huddles: The Power of Gathering
There’s something special about coming together over a meal, and our Hope Huddles continue to be a space of comfort, connection, and understanding. A huge thank you to Cottonwood Grill and Crooked Pint for providing warm, welcoming spaces for our survivors to share, laugh, and support one another. These simple yet meaningful gatherings remind us that no one walks this journey alone.
Hope Huddles at Cottonwood Grill at New Ulm Country Club in January and Crooked Pint in February.
Winter Survival Fitness graduating class! Way to go, ladies!
Fundraising: $8,000
Donations: $3,428.39
Grants: $6,000
Program Expenses: $2,826.22
We can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event, and as always, thank you for being part of the B the Light family!
Amber Melby (Survivor, Founder & President) & Laura Doyen (Executive Director)
