February’s Pink Ribbon Chronicles
We are excited to unveil our new website where every click brings you closer to the heart of our mission.
You will see a new calendar of events. It’s not just dates but a hub where Survivors will register for programs and events, Families and Friends discover tailored events for them, and our community rallies together for fundraising initiatives on behalf of B the Light.
Calling all Family and Friends! Your exclusive space awaits you with a direct link to a private Facebook group. We are here to build a community that supports loved ones and caregivers of breast cancer survivors. Your story matters.
Donors and community fundraising champions! We’ve simplified the process to collaborate and make supporting our Survivors a breeze. We know a cancer diagnosis can take a financial toll on a Survivor and their family.
Tour the new site: B the Light and join us in this exciting chapter as we continue to illuminate hope in the lives of breast cancer survivors. Let’s make a difference together.
Programs and Events
Shining Light
B the Light was able to gift three Shining Light donations this month!
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
For our retreat in February, Survivors dined at Olives before embarking on an unforgettable evening at ‘Dancing with the Mankato Stars: The Last Dance,’ in support of the remarkable Dr. Tara Krosch. A skilled surgeon, Dr. Krosch has been a beacon of hope for a number of local breast cancer survivors and helped many local breast cancer survivors, and was instrumental in opening the Mayo Clinic’s Breast Health Center in Mankato last fall!
As the Survivors found their seats, they were greeted by Dr. Krosch’s vibrant nursing team, who gave each of them a beautiful give. The MCs on stage took a moment to acknowledge and applaud these resilient survivors, adding and extra layer of warmth to the already spirited night.
It was a celebration filled with energy and magic, making it a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.
We are thrilled to have had 6 Survivors participate in our programs in February as we turned our focus to administrative growth, behind the scenes. Our total programming costs for February 2024: $754. Thank you for helping to make this possible for each of these vibrant women!
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.
Other Exciting News
Mankato Office Space
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at Consolidated Communications for supporting B the Light. They have made it possible to open a Mankato office by generously donating space to our organization. B the Light’s Mankato location will be at the Hickory Street location. Consolidated's support of our mission to uplift and empower breast cancer survivors in our region is truly inspiring. We are beyond grateful for your kindness and dedication!
1 Million Cups
Amber, Founder + Survivor, had the opportunity to present to a room full of business leaders and entrepreneurs at 1 Million Cups, sharing the mission of B the Light. Grateful for the chance to introduce the organization to new years, she pointed out the that nearly everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer as the audience shared their stories.
A question was posed regarding the 10-year vision of B the Light. Reflecting on the journey of B the Light, Amber acknowledged the initial ambition of becoming a nationwide foundation , however, the realities of running a small, local non-profit brought a shift in perspective - a realization that bigger isn’t always better. B the Light is focusing on reaching more women locally, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to spreading awareness and making a substantial impact in the region. The goal is to amplify the impact and support system for women facing breast cancer, along with their caregivers, on a local scale.
“We want more of that. THAT is our goal.” - Amber Melby
Creating Connections
Laura, Executive Director, spoke to a group of 30 diverse businesses at BNI Creating Connections lunch meeting. She started with, “Raise your hand if an immediate family member has been impacted by breast cancer. Keeping your hands up, who in the room has friends that have battled breast cancer?” Almost every hand in the room was raised. She went on to shared the mission of B the Light, emphasizing its profound impact to local breast cancer survivor and the different programs offered.
Thank you!
We would like to thank the following B the Light supporters for their individual donations this month:
Keith & Danette Rollings - $1,000
We would like to thank the following B the Light supporters for their ongoing fundraising efforts:
Todd’s 8-Hour Endurance Run
Todd is a cousin to a B the Light Surivior, Kate, and running in her honor. He will be running an 8-Hour Endurance Run on July 13th, in Indianapolis right outside of the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on Buttler University’s Campus. Todd’s goal is to raise $5,000 for B the Light! He has already raised $1,000+ You are invited to donate to Todd’s run to ‘inspire connection and HOPE for breast cancer survivors.’
Luminescents
The new company, Luminescents, is a part of the Integrated Business Experience (IBE) through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Luminescents is student led and all of their proceeds will go to B the Light. They will be selling different candles and car diffusers. Follow Luminescents to stay up to date on when and where their product drops will be sold! Online ordering coming soon!
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
June 28th: Mankato Habaneros Softball
The Habaneros organization has selected B the Light as the inaugural recipient at their cancer awareness night.
SURVIVORS
Please click here: SURVIVOR PROGRAMS & EVENTS to register for the events you’d like to attend.
FAMILY and FRIENDS
Please click here: CAREGIVERS, FAMILY, and FRIENDS to join the Facebook group we have created for you!