To our B4BC Community,
As an organization whose foundational mission is to promote daily wellbeing, we, like most individuals, families, institutions, and businesses, are touched at the core, by the state that our world finds itself in. It has caused us to re-shift our thinking, our daily habits, and with the impacts of COVID-19 on our communities continuously evolving, I want to share with you what we are doing at B4BC to support your health and the collective health of our community.
Event Cancellations: As a proactive measure to keep you and our team safe, we have canceled in-person events for the next month. We are instead shifting our work to the digital space and will keep you updated as we reposition ourselves in efforts of continuing to engage with you, only now, through our screens. Our motto of “Be Healthy, Get Active” doesn’t stop despite the ever-growing confinement to our homes. And so, we hope to inspire you with information and content over the next weeks, months – as long as needed.
Staying Healthy: We support an increasingly growing Thriver, and Survivor community, who depending on where they are on their breast cancer journey, may have decreased levels of immunity. A robust immune system comes from strong vitality and energy and so to them and all of us, it’s now more than ever necessary to counter the imbalances induced by illness, lack of sleep, stressful days, emotional upset, etc. by promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
1. Staying active: Being active 30 minutes a day three times a week is scientifically linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. There are numerous ways to do this from the comfort of your home, and we will be sharing our favorite apps, yoga/meditation ideas and workouts to help you along the way. Or even better, get some fresh air and exercise. Respect the social distancing recommendations but know that regardless of your location, fresh air and nature is there for you, with all of its healing energy.
2. Mindfulness: Slow yourself down and take this time to honor your needs. Taking hot baths, walking outside to watch the sunrise or sunset (from start to finish!), listening to calming music, preparing your favorite foods, reading a great book you haven’t yet had the time to pick up. It’s a great bonding experience with yourself, as well as someone close in the home, to not be in the rush of the day, running to work, school, and busy-ness of general life. Being mindful of and present for even the little things that make up your time can go far these days.
3. Nutrition: We realize how difficult and even heartbreaking it is to see grocery shelves empty. It’s time to get creative with soups, stews, and all easily digestible and immune-building foods and meals. We will be sharing our favorite recipes, chefs, and websites for some overall nutritional feasting and creative ways to boost your moods and health.
4. Self-Breast Exam (SBE): Early detection is the single most important tool for surviving breast cancer. We recommend marking your calendar ten days after the first day of your period for the ideal time to perform a self-breast exam. Don’t let the environment impact your good habits, keep up the practice, and continue to know yourself.
Our traveling education booth teaches “hands-on” breast self-exams to 100,000 people a year. Many of these during the winter season when we also fundraise, the season, now cut in half due to resort closures. Our Chasing Sunshine Survivor Wellness Retreats enable us to support women on their path to wellness and fill a need in the health system where health care coverage is limited to medical appointments and treatments and often does not support the mind, body, and soul. We’ve had to cancel our last retreat for the winter season due to the coronavirus but hope to serve the women through other means and continuing to plan our annual fall Wellness Retreats. This is what we do and how we thrive as an organization with 24 years of experience in supporting, educating and uplifting women. How we do it, is through your support. Our work depends on your contributions and we thank you for your continued interest and support. More information on how to donate can be found here.
Wishing you, health and peace of mind!
Lisa Hudson | Co-founder & President
*We’re keeping a close eye on the latest news about the Coronavirus from the CDC at cdc.gov. If there are any further impacts on our business that would affect our education efforts or survivor community, we will keep you informed.
