Founder’s Note

Happy New Year!

How long can we keep saying that, you ask? Someone once told me you can say it anytime in January if you haven’t seen or spoken to the person yet, so I *think* this newsletter qualifies.

The new year brings fresh hope, new challengesm, and, for me, maybe a little bit of panic, our annual gala is right around the corner! This year’s theme, ” An Enchanted Evening Under the Sea” holds a special place in my heart. Little Mermaid was Cassie’s favorite Disney movie. In fact, it was the first Disney VHS we ever bought! Years later, Cassie even purchased the DVD when it was “released from the vault” (remember when Disney did that?). Of course, you can probably imagine her theatrical rendition of “Part of Your World”, singing loudly and dancing dramatically on the family dance floor (aka: kitchen hardwood).

It’s especially fitting that this ear’s Gala will be held on March 1, 2025, the 13th anniversary of Cassie marching through heaven’s gate. The evening is always emotional for Chris and I, but it’s also a celebration of everything Cassie loved: music, dancing, and community. I will imagine her front and center on the dance floor that night.

We hope you’ll join us for this magical night, as we celebrate a new year, supporting young adults with cancer, and of course, dancing on “what do you call ’em? Oh… feet!”

Cheers to the New Year!

Karen Hines

October Base2Summit

Our third and final Base2Summit program of 2024 was all about embracing adventure, connection, and the beauty of fall in northern Michigan. Particpants explored breathtaking dunes, relaxed with yoga and sound baths, and even tried their hand at curling. Time at the lake brought water sports, cold plunges, and moments of reflection. And, of course, everyone enjoyed plenty of food and hot cider made with love by our incredible kitchen volunteers, Karen and Tom. Base2Summit continues to create a space where young adults can recharge, connect, and savor meaningful experiences.

Impact in Action – Bonds Beyond B2S

Base2Summit is more than just a weekend retreat, it’s a foundation for lifelong connection and support. For many participants, the impact extends far beyond the program itself. Our October group is a perfect example of this: since their time together, they’ve held mulitple zoom calls to catch up, share updates and continue building on the friendships formed during the program. They even organized a Secret Santa, bringing holiday cheer and a sense of community to their group from all over the country. 

Base2Summit offers young adults not only the chance to recharge and find joy during the prigram, but also the opportunity to stay connected and supported long after it ends. It’s these enduring bonds that truly highlight the power of what we’re building together.