Empowering Survivors: June’s Impact on Breast Cancer Support
Welcome Hyundai and KIA of Mankato as Partners in HOPE
We are delighted to announce Hyundai and KIA of Mankato as B the Light’s newest Partners in HOPE and sponsors of our monthly newsletter. Your generous support is invaluable to us, and it greatly enhances our ability to make a difference. Thank you for joining us on this journey and for believing in our mission.
For all your new vehicle needs, be sure to visit their website. Your support for them is also support for us!
We hope this newsletter finds you safe and recovering from the recent flooding, for those of you in Southern Minnesota. While the severe weather did affect some of our programs, we successfully adapted and are excited to present a full calendar of events for July.
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 FOUR 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.
Thank you for hosting our June Hope Huddle, Crooked Pint!
Walk + Talks
This month, B the Light introduced Walk + Talks, an inspiring new initiative to support survivors. Our Executive Director, along with two survivors, kicked off the event by walking nearly 5 miles from the start of the Red Jacket Trail to Mount Kato and back. Walk + Talks offer a unique opportunity for survivors to connect, share their experiences, and enjoy physical activity, promoting both mental and physical well-being. This is yet another way B the Light is dedicated to fostering a supportive community for survivors.
We served 29 Survivors in our programs in June, with 4 ‘new to B the Light’ participants!
Thank you!
A heartfelt thank you to Erbert & Gerbert's of Mankato, North Mankato, and St. Peter for hosting an incredible fundraiser for B the Light. Erbert & Gerbert’s rallied businesses and the general public, from all three communities, and organized an amazing opportunity to give back. Their generosity was shown as they donated $1 from every sub sold over three days to support the remarkable women on their breast cancer journey. We are deeply grateful for their support!
Mayo Clinic and the Mankato MoonDogs teamed up for their 2nd Annual Cancer Survivor Night at ISG Field. B the Light was honored to participate in the evening's festivities again this year.
Several survivors had the opportunity to throw out the first pitches and were recognized on the field before the game. It was a touching moment for everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to the Mayo Clinic for their continued support and for honoring those who have courageously fought cancer. Your recognition and dedication mean the world to our community.
This past Friday at ISG Field, our very own Founder & President, Amber Melby, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Mankato Habaneros game. The evening was not just about softball; it was also a fundraiser for B the Light, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting our mission.
It was a beautiful evening to enjoy the game and celebrate the remarkable woman who established such a vital nonprofit organization in our communities. Thank you, Amber, for your dedication and leadership!
Other Exciting News
EXCITING UPDATE: Todd’s 8-Hour Endurance Run
Since February, we've been inspired by Todd Petrucciani, cousin of local survivor Kate Hansen, as he trains for an 8-hour dream endurance run in Indiana this month on the 13th. Todd has been tirelessly raising funds and spreading awareness across the U.S. about B the Light's mission and programs.
We're thrilled to announce that Todd has reached his original goal of $5,000! With the big run happening in just a couple of weeks, he's upped the ante and set a new goal of $6,500. Todd believes he can make an even bigger impact on our local breast cancer survivors.
We are incredibly grateful for Todd's dedication and this generous gift to our community. Here is the link to his 8-Hour Endurance Run and you are invited to donate to ‘inspire connection and HOPE for breast cancer survivors.’
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 both Taylor Corp. and Birkholz Law Office for being our first official Gala Sponsors!
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)