On Saturday, September 13, we gathered together with over 40 of our grantees we have supported over the past 1-2 years for our annual Day of Hope. The event focuses on connection, support, and care for the survivors and thrivers we have recently supported through our Patient Assistance Program.
We kicked off the day with the amazing keynote speaker, Nesha Pai, who shared her personal breast cancer story and reminded attendees about mindset, to be their own advocate and don’t settle. She gave encouragement, connected with hard aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis, and also found moments of laughter. It was an inspiring way to start the day together.
“For me Day of Hope meant exactly that Hope is so alive and can be refreshing in knowing you’re not alone in this journey. I loved meeting other grantees and participating in the breakout sessions.” – Hattie, Breast Cancer Survivor, Go Jen Go Grantee, Day of Hope Attendee
Our grantees participated in our four breakout sessions that focused on the mind, body, soul, and our mission. We are grateful to nutritionist Cheryl Hoover of Pharmacy in Your Kitchen and The After Cancer for guiding and educating our grantees on healthy nutritional choices for fueling your body during and while recovering from breast cancer. Cheryl shared, “I loved being a part of this beautiful Day of Hope with Go Jen Go. The grantees were very interested in learning how to take small steps to nourish their bodies better. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a meaningful day.”
“I loved meeting and make new friends that are on the same journey and knowing that I’m not alone in this process. I am so pleased and blessed to have been part of Day of Hope to keep striving, staying strong and knowing support is available at any time.” – Anastacia, Breast Cancer Survivor, Go Jen Go Grantee, Day of Hope Attendee
Ann Wilson, ACSM, EP-C led a short exercise demo for our grantees to learn low impact strength training exercises they can do while sitting and even with limited mobility as they recover from surgery and treatment or have limited range of motion and other side effects from treatment. One of our favorite reminders she gave that day was to focus on where your range of motion is today, not what someone beside you can do. As you start small, you will continue to grow and expand your range of motion over time. It’s your own exercise journey, you don’t need to compare it to others.
Ann shared, “This past Saturday being part of Go Jen Go’s Day of Hope event allowed me to connect with those who need my service who were truly unaware of the possibilities within them to regain movement and strength. When given the opportunity to share what I am passionate about I will always give a “yes” when possible.”
“I liked seeing other women who are going through the same thing and, on a personal level, that there was a Spanish speaker who helped me so much. Without her, it wouldn’t have been the same.” – Fulvia, Breast Cancer Survivor, Go Jen Go Grantee, Day of Hope Attendee
Our longtime supporter and sponsor of Day of Hope, Mike Smiley of Coastal Bridge Advisors and Smiley’s 4 C’s, led a session on financial literacy. He helped our grantees understand their options when needing funds to pay medical bills and everyday expenses during their breast cancer journey. Plus, he helped answer any questions they had about their individual situations and estate planning.
“It was my first experience fellowshipping with other breast cancer survivors, and my first social outing since starting my treatments. It was a great event with meaningful conversations. The activities and speakers were relevant and informative. The staff and volunteers were welcoming and helpful.” – Christa, Breast Cancer Survivor, Go Jen Go Grantee, Day of Hope Attendee
Lastly, our Board of Directors Vice Chair, Shawna Dye Culik, led our mindfulness session with amazing breathing exercises, gratitude reflections, and creating a space for grantees to share their stories, feelings, and help build connection with one another. It was a special time of holding space for one another, opening up the conversation to truth and vulnerability, all while finding hope and gratitude.
We wrapped up the day by building floral bud vases and reflecting on the day together. Plus, enjoying some special bracelets made by our staff and amazing volunteers that day.
We are grateful for our volunteers that helped make the day run smoothly, supported our grantees, and shined their light onto a group of strong survivors and thrivers. And we are also grateful to our sponsors who helped make this event possible: Coastal Bridge Advisors, Smiley’s 4 C’s, Steele Architecture and Spark by Design
“It was a meaningful day and a wonderful way to give back and show Go Jen Go grantees some extra love and support for all that they have gone through in their breast cancer journey. A special moment for me was eating lunch with two grantees whom I hadn’t got to meet before. We talked and I asked them about their respective breast cancer journeys. It was very special and a nice time to connect.”- Day of Hope Volunteer
We love being together with our grantees, able to give them hugs, support and a listening ear as they come together for a day focused on supporting them. The best moments are the small ones- seeing them swap phone numbers, sharing that they don’t feel alone anymore, the hugs being shared and the smiles and laughter- even when the truth of the hard moments are part of the day too.
Check out our photo gallery from the day together.
If you are interested in learning more about our yearly event for grantees, sponsoring the event, in-kind donations, or offering your services/expertise for programming, please contact Jessie Nash, program manager, jessie@gojengo.org