Dear Friends,
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
When we read those words, we think of two women sitting together at a retreat in 2006, both young, both navigating breast cancer, and both quietly realizing they were not as alone as they had felt.
You too? That moment of recognition is where Here for the Girls (H4TG) was born. Mary Beth and René saw something that needed to change. Young women facing breast cancer had unique fears, unique needs, and very few places to turn for peers who truly understood. So they did what community-builders do: they opened a door.
What started in a living room is now a community of survivors, advocates, ambassadors, donors, and friends all connected by that same simple, powerful moment: What! You too? That recognition. That relief. That belonging.
This July, as we enjoy the warmth of summer and look ahead to August, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for everyone who has walked through our doors and said yes to this community. Every woman who has found her people here. Every supporter who has helped us by providing resources, time, and commitment to sustain our mission and expand its impact.
And now, we are asking our community again to come together on August 29 at our annual Pink Carpet Gala to celebrate our community, honor our ambassadors, and unveil the newest A Calendar to Live By 2027!
From a living room in Virginia to a community that spans far and wide, this is what happens when two people say you too? and decide to do something about it. Thank you for being part of the story.
Healthy Hugs,
Chris Schwab + The H4TG Team