was a concept created by Brandi Toomer, co-owner of the New Ulm Minnesota CrossFit and surgical technologist, and Dr. Cori Jordan, a member of the gym, and board-certified surgeon who specializes in general surgery and breast surgery, and also a board member for B the Light. They then brought the idea to Amber Melby, founder of B the Light as an opportunity to collaborate together to help local survivors in their mental and physical recovery. The three of them identified that this program could be a way to not only support survivors with peer interaction but also strengthen the physical toll that chemotherapy and other cancer treatments have on the body. This program includes everything from strength to self-care to nutrition.
"Cancer steals and destroys. This class gave me a positive social outlet while coming to grips with the cancer diagnosis. We laughed, learned, cried, and cheered for each other." Audra Shaneman - Survival Fitness Participant - Survivor
B the Light offers mini-retreats to connect survivors with each other and with resources for mindfulness and healing. This experience has offered so much in the way of support and has created a safe place for this beautiful group of survivors to feel honored and lifted up.
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"Getting together with women who have been in my shoes and talking about like experiences is such a huge part of the healing process and something I so needed."
"I’m so glad I came today help me realize I don’t need to suffer in silence and I can do this. Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
"I am so thankful that I could be here. A huge thank you to all of you for all you gave today. This was such a fabulous experience! Truly, thank you!"
“Cancer patients and survivors are prescribed a ‘healthy diet’ as part of their care plan and many struggle with implementation. Cooking classes empower cancer patients and survivors by teaching basic culinary skills, dispelling nutrition myths, and breaking down barriers to working with novel ingredients. The shared experience of creating a healthy meal with other survivors serves as a support group that can nourish both the body and the soul.”-Dr. Cori Jordan
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are bags of goodies given to local survivors around the Holiday season. This concept was started during the pandemic as a way to still connect with and serve survivors while we couldn't be together.
Hope Handbags typically included: A $250 Grocery Store gift card $100 in New Ulm Area Chamber Bucks, $150 toward services at the New Ulm Wellness Collective, Beauty Counter Clean Cosmetic Gift Set, support tools and information from local area community organizations, a B the Light branded bag, magnet, t-shirt and a "Never Give Up Hope" bracelet from Create Hope Cuffs.
All of the items not only offer the chance for a survivor to practice self-care, and reduce the feeling of financial strain, it also stays within our community to benefit area businesses. All funds to facilitate this project are directly from donations made to B the Light.
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B the Light is a sponsor of "Hope getaways". This program was created as a way to help survivors, by sending them on a healing journey either during or following their treatment for breast cancer. Hope getaways provide survivors and their families, an opportunity to reset, rejuvenate and take a break from the word cancer. The application period for this program is offered once per year.
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Want to help? Donations received by B the Light stay local, and impact locally. B the Light is an organization led by a survivor, for survivors. When you make a donation to B The Light, you join in our cause and your generosity directly inspires HOPE for those effected by breast cancer.
Our support and connection offerings listed here, are offered to women at at all stages of their breast cancer journey and provide ways for survivors to find HOPE and bring back strength into their lives.
No matter how large or small, your donation will make a difference in the lives of families in need.
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While navigating a cancer journey, B the Light offers financial assistance. A nominated survivor recipient can receive a donation of $500 to help with financial hardship during their breast cancer journey.
Hope Huddles provide a simple yet meaningful way for survivors to connect over a meal or a cup of coffee. This will be a monthly offering for survivors at any stage in their journey. All Hope Huddles are informal and are a fun, welcoming way to offer connections and support!