The holidays are often filled with traditions, laughter and exchanging gifts. But for families facing breast cancer, the season can also bring added stress, financial strain, and a heavy emotional load.
That’s where Operation Spread the Joy comes in—and this year, it truly lived up to its name.
At the heart of this program is a simple but powerful idea: listen first. Go Jen Go grantees are nominated by their nurse navigators/social workers and we ask the patients and families to share their holiday wish lists, knowing that each request represents more than a gift—it represents a need, a hope, or a moment of normalcy during an incredibly difficult season. This year we supported 29 grantees and their family members with over 300 wish list gifts, 29 care package and 65 stockings for children.
Because of our generous community of donors and supporters, every list became a story of kindness in action. Community members purchased gifts and made monetary donations to help purchase wish list items. Volunteers came together at our wrapping party to help wrap and organize the gifts for these families. We are grateful for Wells Fargo volunteers and Ballantyne Ridge High School’s American Cancer Society Club for being part of our wrapping party this year. Our hearts were overjoyed having past grantees and nurse navigators be part of wrapping presents for these amazing families. Our staff and board members delivered gifts with care, ensuring families feel supported, remembered, and celebrated. From practical essentials that ease financial stress to gifts that bring smiles and laughter, each delivery carried the same message: you are not alone.
By lifting the burden of holiday costs, parents breathed a little easier and focused on what matters most—being together. And for children, it meant the magic of the season wasn’t lost, even in the midst of their parent’s breast cancer journey.
But the true magic of Operation Spread the Joy isn’t just in what’s delivered—it’s in how it makes people feel.
Families tell us how deeply touched they are that someone took the time to see them, hear them, and show up for them. Volunteers share how purchasing and wrapping gifts becomes one of the most meaningful moments of their year. Joy moves both ways, and it multiplies.
This program is a celebration of what happens when compassion meets action. It’s proof that small acts of generosity can create a big, lasting impact.
To every donor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this season brighter: thank you. You turned wish lists into joy, stress into relief, and a challenging season into one filled with hope, warmth, and celebration. We are grateful for Sunbelt Rentals and C.L. Burks Commercial Roofing for donating and stuffing stockings for the children of these families. This was an added gift that families did not expect. Seeing the children’s eyes light up when they saw their name on a stocking and some even opening them ahead of the holidays because they couldn’t contain themselves was a special moment.
Together, we are spreading joy—one family, one gift, and one beautiful moment at a time.
Thank you to our program sponsors: Novant Health, Coastal Bridge Advisors, Coldwell Banker Realty Ballantyne and Smileys 4 C’s Charitable Endowment.
