Courageous Hearts: July Edition
Program Highlight: Hope Huddles
In 2023, B the Light introduced Hope Huddles, creating a welcoming space for those on their breast cancer journey to connect and support each other without an agenda. Once a month, survivors gather for dinner, sharing laughter and tears as they discuss their experiences. They talk about upcoming surgeries, share tips on comfortable clothing for recovery, and exchange advice on managing chemotherapy side effects, such as whether to use a cold cap or what lotions help with hair loss. They also discuss the emotional aspects, like supporting young children through the journey. While Hope Huddles may appear to be just a dinner outing, the support and connections made during these gatherings are invaluable.
From Survivors after attending Hope Huddles:
The Hope Huddle was exactly what I needed, and I didn't even know how much I did. While the women answered questions for me, supported one another, laughed, and cried together, I felt a sense of comfort that I couldn't get from any other source. There is a sense of healing that happens at the B the Light events.
We all share the same pain, having the group helped me to keep on working through it.
There is no cost to survivors to attend a Hope Huddle. This is fully funded by B the Light. If you are interested in supporting this program please visit our DONATE page on our website or email Laura, at laura@bthelightinfo.org, for more ways to support B the Light.
Let’s make a difference together.
Programs and Events
Shining Light
B the Light was able to gift ONE Shining Light donations in April.
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.
ReLight Retreats
In July, the ladies gathered at Ember Wellness Studio for the ReLight Retreat, a day dedicated to wellness and connection. They rotated through two rejuvenating wellness sessions and later enjoyed a beautifully arranged charcuterie dinner, providing ample opportunity to talk and connect. During the wellness sessions, they experienced the benefits of an infrared sauna, which differs from a traditional steam sauna by using electromagnetic waves to penetrate the skin for an ultimate detox. Afterward, they cooled down with dry salt therapy, which stimulates the body and cleanses the respiratory system while relaxing under red light face masks. These masks are gentle and known for boosting one's mood, adding a perfect touch to a day of self-care and bonding.
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.
Survival Fitness
Survival Fitness has long been a cornerstone program at B the Light, understanding the toll chemotherapy, radiation, and medications can take on a breast cancer survivor's body. As the demand for our services continues to rise, we are thrilled and grateful to have extended Survival Fitness to another community. This month, we launched our first Survival Fitness program in Mankato, in partnership with JP Fitness. The program was met with excitement and dedication from the participants, highlighting the strong need and enthusiasm for these essential wellness initiatives.
Survival Fitness is a wellness initiative to offer support for breast cancer survivors, while also helping them to rebuild the strength lost during their journey. The program incorporates strength training and health coaching.
Cooking Beyond Cancer: A Flavorful Lifestyle
This month survivors were invited out to the Inspire Health & Wellness farm property to walk the grounds and enjoy some “Country Cooking.” We welcomed 5 survivors this steamy July evening.
Cooking Beyond Cancer classes empower breast cancer patients and survivors by focusing on the importance of nourishing the body with whole foods. CBC makes the culinary experience easy and enjoyable.
Walk + Talk
Survivors enjoyed another Walk + Talk this month. Our group fought the humidity and mosquitoes early in the morning on the Sakatah Trail. They put in 3.67 miles!
We are thrilled to have had 32 Survivors participate in our programs in July. Creating these connections is exactly what we are here for!
Our total programming costs for July 2024 are $5,295.
Other Exciting News
Parades with a Purpose
B the Light took a creative approach this month to connect with survivors by participating in two parades: Fun Days in North Mankato and Tator Days in Eagle Lake. Survivors and their families distributed candy and informational postcards, which proved beneficial as several breast cancer survivors in Southern Minnesota reached out to our organization following each parade.
However, the highlight of these parades wasn't the candy or handouts; it was the powerful interactions with the crowd. Survivors walked into the street to hug members of our group, exchanged high fives and fist pumps, and chanted "B the Light!" One particularly touching moment was when a woman hugged our Executive Director and shared that a Shining Light donation was the only way she could attend her cancer treatments. These heartfelt connections made the experience truly unforgettable.
Fore a Cause: Greater Mankato on the Green
Our Executive Director took part in Greater Mankato on the Green, organized by the Mankato Chamber - Greater Mankato Growth. Throughout the day, she networked with 144 golfers, distributing information about B the Light. Many golfers shared personal stories of how breast cancer has affected their lives and families. This event was an incredible opportunity to connect with numerous businesses in our region and raise awareness about B the Light's mission.
Thank you!
Todd’s 8-Hour Endurance Run: He did it and raised $7,519 for B the Light!
A note from the Executive Director: I asked Todd if he would share his story with me, why he chose this endurance run, and how he became so passionate about fundraising. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and giving back. I hope his story inspires others to push their limits and make a difference. Here is Todd’s story:
My Wife recently asked me when I found a passion for fundraising. My Brother’s Daughter at the age of 11 was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2004. Sami spent 176 nights in the hospital. I pulled a team together like a business. Our team met once a week. My Brother ran the CaringBridge site for Sami’s updates. Our team members were responsible for food deliveries, managing incoming medical bills, helping with Sami’s three younger siblings, etc. My Brother and I created the Leukout 10 Mile Swim-A-Thon Event at our country club. The local radio station participated in awareness and fundraising with a sit-down dinner for 350 people and 3 Comedians on Stage. We had a live and silent auction. We raised over $75K. We had another event celebrating Sami’s 10th anniversary of Bone Marrow Transplant. I added a 10-mile run (that is about when I started running) to this event from my house to the pool where I joined the swimming group. I wanted to make a big impact. I get emotional when I see a CaringBridge site.
Kate is my first cousin once removed. I had virtually no contact with Kate throughout our lives. I knew Kate as a little girl only from a couple of family reunions in the Chicago land area. I met Kate all grown up at my Little Sister’s Wedding in Indianapolis 20-plus years ago. When I heard something about Cancer with Kate, I felt like I needed to do something. I read the CaringBridge Journals that Kate wrote and kept all of us up to date. As comfortable as she tried to make it sound, I wanted to absorb her pain. I wanted to help.
I rarely travel these days. But, I had a business meeting last August in Minneapolis. I modified my trip to add a couple of days to visit Mankato. I rented a car and drove down from the twin cities. Kate came to pick me up from my little hotel in Mankato. So Awesome to see her and her great smile. We had a chance to sit alone for a bit at dinner. Kate asked me why I had business in Mankato. I told her that I just came to see her. I wanted to hear Kate’s story. I wanted to meet Kate’s family. I had a great weekend there. Kate and I went on a hike. We chatted about everything.
Sometimes I cannot fix my own problems. I certainly can’t fix other people's problems. But, “I can do hard things” to get awareness. I love attaching a fundraiser to awareness and doing these hard things.
I set out to run for 8 hours. It was one of the hottest days in Indy. The program director said they chose this time of year for that reason. They want to push the athletes. Well, I was Pushed! There were two loops that I could run. One loop was 3.1 miles and the other was 1.89 miles. I chose to do the longer run a couple of times. I felt pretty good after 6 miles. I went to the shorter loop. I kept fueling, eating, drinking, and keeping up with salt intake. I was sluggish after 16 miles and nearing the 4-hour mark. I was ready to tap out. My wife wanted me to visit the medical booth. I sat for a few with a cold towel to cool off. I kept hearing Kate say “You can do hard things”. With that, some friends showed up to run a loop with me. Renewed Energy!
I was excited to sign up for this. I was thrilled to have so many friends and family following. I have new friends because of this event. I officially completed 27.23 miles and raised $7519.
I keep asking myself: What should I do next?
My Best to B The Light and the Gang in Mankato! You all Inspire Me!
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!
Save the Date
October 25th - Illuminate HOPE Gala:
Our annual Illuminate Hope Gala, which will be held on October 25th at the Royal Oak Event Center in New Ulm, is our flagship fundraiser, drawing hundreds of attendees and garnering support from businesses and individuals alike. With each successful event, we are reminded of our work’s impact and the importance of our mission. As the prevalence of breast cancer continues to rise, so too does the demand for our services. We served 183 survivors in 2023 and as of today, we have passed that number of survivors served for 2024.
We are more committed than ever to continue expanding our reach to neighboring communities, ensuring that no survivor faces their journey alone. Let’s make a difference together.
Find Early Bird tickets through the end of this month, become a sponsor, or donate a silent auction item on our website under Gala.
Thank you to our Brilliant Bronze Sponsors!
If you are moved to help support our mission and our survivors, please consider DONATING today.
SURVIVORS
Please click here: SURVIVOR PROGRAMS & EVENTS to register for the events you’d like to attend.
Please click here: B THE LIGHT SURVIVORS to join the private Facebook group.
FAMILY and FRIENDS
Please click here: CAREGIVERS, FAMILY, and FRIENDS to join the Facebook group we have created for you!
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Amber Melby (Survivor, Founder and President) & Laura Doyen (Executive Director)