2017 Reflections and 2018 Goals
For those who don't know me, my name is Katherine Brown and I am the founder of The Boon Project. This mission of love was born out of my family's own (continuing) experiences with young adult cancer. My identical twin sister was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer when we had just turned 31. She continues to defy statistics two years later and we are very grateful for all of the many variables that continue to help her in her fight. Riding the "roller coaster through hell" (as my sister named this young adult cancer "journey") reaffirmed the value of a strong support network. Young adults fighting cancer have unique obstacles and need unique guidance and support as they juggle cancer, college, new careers, dating, marriages, parenting, and more.
The Boon Project is my answer to 2 questions. The first being "What do people do without a system of support?" and the second being a question my sister asked me, "Where is my tribe?" Young adult cancer fighters, understandably, face isolation as they battle a disease in a time in their lives when they are "supposed to be" healthy and carefree. Connecting with others who are unexpectedly fighting for their lives in the prime of their lives is valuable medicine.
In 2017 we have hosted nine Courage Club events. We've partnered with The Lonon Foundation to host an event for cancer fighters and their children. We've delivered 25 Boon Bags (carepackages) to newly diagnosed patients. We've decorated and distributed approximately 60 Cups of Courage to cancer fighters around the LowCountry. We've worked to establish relationships with several cancer treatment facilities around the Charleston area, and are looking to grow those relationships in 2018. We've visited patients before, during, and after treatment, have provided guidance as they select their careteam and weigh their options, and have (perhaps most importantly) fostered a culture of support among young adult cancer fighters and survivors so that no one fights alone.
We have BIG plans for 2018. We will be partnering with The Ulman Cancer Fund to bring "Cancer to 5K" to the Charleston area in 2018. We will continue to grow our Courage Club and our role in patient outreach and education. To address a need we've heard voiced repeatedly, we will be establishing a grant program for financial assistance for young adults fighting cancer. Plans are already in motion to set up a small "Boon Boutique" where patients can have access to free and reduced price wigs and other supplemental cancer-fighting resources and materials.
The support and enthusiasm we've already experienced for this mission is humbling. Our first major fundraiser is scheduled for April 12, 2018 which coincides with our first anniversary as well as Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. This gala and silent auction will be a key part in funding much of our vision for 2018 and beyond. Please consider how you can help in this endeavor either through sponsorship, donations to the auction, spreading the word, or attending the event.
As I close, I'd like to say a very heartfelt, but inadequate, "thank you." Thank you for helping bring this vision to life in 2017. Thank you for helping it to grow bigger and faster than I imagined. Thank you, above all, for reminding those facing cancer as a young adult that they are not alone. I am grateful.
