Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Melby.
Hi Amber, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2015, I was a healthy, active, busy mom, married to the love of my life, Jason. We were also new business owners. We had just purchased a small assisted-living facility nearby and balanced our already busy life with that new addition. Then, on June 22, the rug was pulled out from under us when I heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” The following year and a half was challenging. One month, I was thriving, and the next month, I was having my breasts removed and was bald from chemotherapy. It is truly a traumatic experience for survivors. What pulled me through was the love and light given by our community and friends. I wanted to find a way to pay that light in the darkness forward to others, and B the Light was started. The “B” in B the Light is named after my aunt, Brenda Plinke, who was a fierce 18-year breast cancer thriver and warrior. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 58. Aunt B was a light to all who knew her and one of my biggest role models. The words “NEVER give up Hope!” in our logo are her handwritten words that continue to inspire people worldwide!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our biggest challenge is spreading the word and getting survivors connected to us when they need it! Even if you have a tribe of people around you, nobody can understand the unique challenges breast cancer survivors face. Many women are going through treatment alone and could benefit so much from these programs. We hear, “I wish I had known about this sooner,” all the time. We are working to partner with local clinics and hospitals to let survivors know that we are here and ready to help! Currently, the Mankato Clinic has our information in exam rooms, and the new Mayo Breast Health Center in Mankato has added a flyer with a QR code for people to scan and go directly to our website to learn more! The social workers at the New Ulm Medical Center share our brochures with newly diagnosed women and nominate them for financial assistance from B the Light when needed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since 2016, B the Light has developed various programs to help survivors in southern Minnesota. We offer ReLight Retreats, Hope Huddles, Survival Fitness, Group Coaching, Holiday Hope Handbags and Hope Getaways! All programs are provided to survivors at no cost and have been a significant way to connect women on the same journey. We do fundraising throughout the year to fund these programs so survivors can participate at no cost! Our largest event is our “Illuminate Hope” gala. In 2023, we had a sponsor gift survivors and their guests complimentary tickets. We hosted a crowd of 400 people and raised $135,000 for local survivors and their families. At the gala, we gave away 3 Hope Getaways. Two survivors are headed to St. George’s Caye Resort in Belize. The third trip is a Mother and her three daughters, all survivors, going to Ireland this summer. Our next gala is scheduled for Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Royal Oak Event Center in New Ulm. Please save the date and join us for an inspirational night! As B the Light has grown, we hired a full-time Executive Director, Laura Doyen of Mankato, last fall. One of Laura’s best friends is a survivor and participated in many of B the Light’s programs during her treatment. Laura witnessed the difference it made to her friend, Crystal, and wanted to be involved with the mission! Laura is passionate and works hard to build community partnerships and expand our reach to support more women on their breast cancer journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: bthelightinfo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bthelightinfo?igsh=eXl0Z2xlNHYzZng2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BtheLight4Someone
