As we gathered for our annual Cheers Jen Cheers celebration, one thing was clear: hope is stronger when it is shared.
This afternoon gave us the opportunity to reflect on the impact we have made together over the past year, celebrate the incredible people who make our mission possible, and officially kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Surrounded by supporters, volunteers, partners, survivors, thrivers, and friends, we were reminded that every act of generosity, every volunteer hour, and every connection made through Go Jen Go helps ensure that no local breast cancer patient must face their journey alone.
Looking Back on a Year of Impact
Over the past year, our community has come together in extraordinary ways to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. Through financial assistance, support programs, camp scholarships, meaningful connections, and countless acts of kindness, we have walked alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Cheers Jen Cheers gave us the opportunity to pause and celebrate the impact we’ve made together. Behind every grant awarded, every support program, every scholarship, and every volunteer effort is a story of courage, hope, and resilience.
“I love witnessing the community participation at Cheers Jen Cheers. The event is a reflection of the local support. It warms my heart to see people that may not have ever been touched by breast cancer still choosing to show up to support Go Jen Go. As a breast cancer navigator, I see how the funding directly impacts patients. It can be life changing in a time of desperation.” – Kiah, Novant Health Nurse Navigator, Go Jen Go Healthcare Partner
2026 Mid-Year Impact
- $196,000 granted to 272 families
- 13 Social/Educational Programs
- 33 Camp Scholarships
- 186 Volunteers
While numbers help tell the story, the true impact is found in the moments when a patient feels supported, a family feels less burdened, and someone navigating breast cancer knows they are not alone. Those moments are only possible because of a compassionate community that continues to show up with generosity, care, and heart.
“I was so excited to attend this year Cheers Jen Cheers event. It felt like a family gathering. The atmosphere was so friendly and enjoyable. I loved it all.” – Delores, Go Jen Go Grantee, Breast Cancer Survivor
Honoring Outstanding Volunteers
Because of the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, our mission reaches more families and changes more lives. Their generosity, passion, and dedication make all the difference.
We are proud to recognize this year’s Volunteer Award recipients. Congratulations to Jana Fowler, our 2026 Volunteer of the Year, and Adia James, our 2026 Grantee Volunteer of the Year. These individuals embody the spirit of Go Jen Go through their compassion, commitment, and willingness to step in wherever needed. Their service strengthens our community and creates meaningful experiences for the patients and families we support.
“Jana is someone who will ask what needs to be done and then quietly make it happen and present you with the results and likely a fun video to share on social. She is always ready with a smile and a ‘let’s do it’ attitude and for that I am so grateful.” – Susan Evren, Executive Director
“I have had the honor to watch Adia shine and find confidence in sharing her story over the past few years. This year she has grown even more in giving her time and energy to support Go Jen Go events, being part of Jen’s Hope Council, connecting with grantees in active treatment and finding strength in her own journey. It’s an honor to recognize the time, heart and support she has given not only to our foundation, but other survivors and thrivers.” – Jessie Nash, Program Manager
Welcoming the Jen’s Ironmen Class of 2026
It was an exciting moment to share with attendees the 2026 Class of Jen’s Ironmen: Lee Kennedy, Matt Johnson, James Coleman, Kevin Yount, Meredith McGough, and Britt Boshamer Yett. We are honored to also introduce two honorary Jen’s Ironmen: Jan Burnette (Jen’s mom) and Judy Pagani (Jen’s mother-in-law).
Throughout the month of October, Jen’s Ironmen will be sharing the mission of The Go Jen Go Foundation with their friends, families, colleagues, and communities, raising awareness and inspiring others to make a difference. This group’s support and passion will help us continue to support local breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
Learn more about this year’s class >
Thank you to our event sponsors: Coastal Bridge Advisors, Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment, Community One Insurance, OpenTap, and our in-kind partners, Charlotte Yard Cards, Mommy Merchandise Balloons and our photographer, HMG Photography!
To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, shared their story, or supported our mission in any way: thank you. Your generosity makes our work possible and continues to create a meaningful impact on the lives of local breast cancer patients and their families.
Cheers Jen Cheers.
