Many of you know the last few months were the hardest of my life. From the shock and grief of a cancer diagnosis at a young age, to the challenges of treatments and recovery: surgeries, chemo, hair loss, radiation, time off from the world. I'm grateful for the support of many friends and family -- but a huge reason that saved me from isolation, fear and loneliness was my support group, Bay Area Young Survivors. BAYS is having our first ever 5k on April 5 in Campbell, CA -- and I invite you to come join or lend your support with a donation!!
BAYS has been a lifeline for me and many other local Bay Area survivors of breast cancer who were diagnosed at age 45 or under. Through the Slack community, I always had a chance to ask questions, get advice, or just vent and get support. It gave me confidence through treatment and big decisions, and I've made new friends and gone to gatherings and zoom support calls. BAYS has been a strong ray of light for me through this ordeal, and it would mean so much for me to use my birthday and the 5k as a chance to give back and help BAYS extend support to hundreds or thousands more young cancer patients and survivors for years to come. Thank you for being part of my life and your support in any way you can offer!
Your support will help with our fundraising for BAYS resources for immediate and long term health needs of this local community.
Donations are tax-deductible and net proceeds will enable continued successful BAYS services.
Here are some stats from BAYS to highlight its impact:
From Jan - Dec 2024 we welcomed ~ 175 new BAYS and MITC (metastatic) members with the following free or subsidized programs
We supported our community through:
43 peer-led support groups and 16 therapist-led support groups
~13 in-person get-togethers (Hikes, coffees, luncheons)
Offered ~$17,500 in financial assistance
Strengthened our community through:
6 writing workshops
2 educational seminars
1 clothing swap
1 virtual cooking class
Released a new Anthology with 30 BAYS authors sharing their stories and beautiful art
And hosted or joined some truly memorable events:
Memorial Garden Groundbreaking, the country’s first public memorial dedicated to all those who have died of metastatic breast cancer (More information about the opening ceremony soon - save the date May 3!)
Sweat Fest
Beats for Boobs
Pride Parade
Warriors Game
Nihonmachi Street Fair
Barracuda Hockey Game
