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​Bust-a-Move, Make an Impact: The Hottest Dance Party for a Cause Returns!

Get ready because the dance floor is about to come alive for a night that’s equal parts celebration and purpose. Going Beyond the Pink’s Bust-a-Move for Breast Cancer Dance Party (BAM) 2026 is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27th from 6:00–9:00 PM at The Elia located in Historic Wilmington, and prepare to dance the night away while supporting breast cancer patients and survivors right here in our community.

From the moment the doors open at 6:00 PM, guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with music, connection, and inspiration. DJ Miss Story will be spinning crowd-favorite hits, keeping the energy high from the first beat to the last. Guests will also enjoy a delicious catered dinner, heartfelt survivor spotlights, a silent auction packed with must-have items, and a 50/50 raffle that gives everyone a chance to give back—and win big.

Whether you’re coming with friends, a partner, or flying solo, BAM is all about community. It’s a space where celebration meets compassion, where every dance step helps support critical services like patient navigation, education, and meaningful connection for those facing breast cancer.

​Tickets are available now!

• $60 per person
• $100 per couple (save $20!)
• $25 for survivors

​So grab your tickets, invite your friends, and get ready for a night you won’t forget.

Want to make an even bigger impact?

• ​Sponsorship opportunities are available!​
  Align your business with a powerful cause while gaining visibility at this high-energy community event. To learn more, contact info@GoingBeyondthePink.org.
• ​Help us Grow our Silent Auction!
  ​Our silent auction is always a highlight of the evening, featuring unique items, experiences, and local favorites. Interested in donating an item or helping us solicit contributions from area businesses? We would love your support in making this portion of the event even more impactful!

Rooted in Resilience: REACH 2026 Brings

Survivors Together for a Transformative Weekend

Going Beyond the Pink proudly hosted the REACH 2026 Breast Cancer Survivors’ Symposium on March 27 & 28 at the beautiful Halyburton Nature Center, welcoming over 50 registered attendees for a powerful weekend centered on healing, connection, and growth. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Thriving Through Every Season of Survivorship,” came to life through meaningful conversations, restorative experiences, and a strong sense of community.

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a warm and welcoming networking reception, followed by a special screening of the “Calm the Chaos” episode. The discussion that followed, featuring Tiffany Cripps and Kara Kenan, set the tone for the weekend—offering honest insights and practical tools for navigating the emotional complexities of survivorship.

Saturday’s programming began with a grounding morning and continued with an inspiring keynote session by Andrea Siegel, whose presentation, “A Time to Speak: Spirituality for Self-Advocacy in Cancerland,” encouraged participants to find their voice and embrace their personal power throughout their cancer journey.

The day was filled with impactful sessions designed to support survivors in multiple aspects of life after diagnosis. Attendees explored topics such as financial resilience, participated in a Resilience Roundtable panel discussion, and engaged in restorative experiences including a Community Resiliency Model (CRM) session with sound bath, Reiki, and Qigong for healing and strength. Each session offered practical tools and space for reflection, helping attendees reconnect with themselves and each other.

Of course, no REACH event would be complete without the thoughtful touches that make it feel like home. From SWAG bags filled with luxurious surprises, delicious meals to the peaceful natural setting, every detail was designed to nourish both body and spirit. Most importantly, the symposium created meaningful opportunities for connection, whether through shared stories, laughter, or quiet moments of understanding among fellow survivors.

This event was a reminder that no one walks this journey alone. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this incredible weekend and especially to our sponsors - The New Hanover County Endowment and TD Bank for your generosity. Together, we continue to build a community rooted in resilience and hope.

People Changes - A New Chapter at Going Beyond the Pink

As Going Beyond the Pink continues to grow and evolve, we’re entering an exciting new chapter - one rooted in strong leadership, deep gratitude, and a continued commitment to our mission.

As many of you may know, Kara Kenan has stepped down from her role as Executive Director. As the founder of Going Beyond the Pink, Kara’s vision, passion, and unwavering dedication have shaped this organization from the very beginning. While she is transitioning out of the Executive Director role, Kara is not going far, she will remain an active member of our Board of Directors, continuing to guide and support the organization she built with such care.

During this transition, we are grateful to welcome back a familiar and trusted leader. Cindy Anzalotti, former Executive Director of GBTP, will serve as Interim Executive Director while we conduct a thoughtful search for our next permanent leader. Cindy’s deep understanding of our mission and community ensures continuity and stability during this time.

We are also thrilled to share the promotion of Maggie Fisher to Director of Programs. Maggie has been an integral part of our team, bringing compassion, dedication, and innovation to the survivors we serve. In her new role, she will continue to expand and strengthen the impactful programs that are at the heart of Going Beyond the Pink.

Together, these leadership updates reflect both continuity and growth. We remain grounded in our mission to support breast cancer patients and survivors—and energized for what lies ahead.

Pink Squad is Growing - Have You Joined Yet?

Pink Squad, Going Beyond the Pink’s exclusive online wellness and survivorship platform, is live and there’s still time to join!

Members have access to FREE live expert-led programming, group coaching sessions, and interactive classes designed to support your mind, body, and spirit. Each month join live sessions with cancer care professionals including nutritionists, exercise specialists, and wellness coaches - all focused on topics that matter most to survivors and care partners.

You’ll find classes in yoga, meditation, gentle stretching, cooking and nutrition, managing side effects of treatment, and more—all accessible from the comfort of home. Whether you’re seeking new tools for self-care, practical guidance for survivorship, or a welcoming community that “gets it,” Pink Squad is here for you.

​Sign up now!​

Join us for Breast Cancer Awareness Night with the Cape Fear Ghost Crabs!

Get ready for a fun and meaningful night at the ballpark! The Cape Fear Ghost Crabs, Wilmington’s newest team in the Old North State Collegiate Summer League are hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 PM at Brooks Baseball Stadium (UNCW). Come cheer on the Ghost Crabs as they take on the Mid-State Melon Mashers while celebrating strength, survivorship, and the power of community.

We’re especially excited to share that GBTP breast cancer survivors attend FREE! Bring your friends, your family, and your team spirit as we fill the stands with pink and show our support together.

​Reserve your spot now!​

Let’s make it a night to remember - see you at the ballpark!

April Workshop - Journaling to Wellness

Writing can be a powerful path to healing. This month, you’ll use guided journaling exercises to process anxiety, explore your survivorship identity, and develop coping strategies that support emotional well-being and self-discovery. NOTE - Journals will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

April 22, 2026 - 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink Office

Onsite space limited to 12. Click to Register.​

March Workshop - Fueling Recovery & Resilience: Nutrition for Survivorship
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In March we were joined by Susan Sullivan, RD, LDN, CNSC of the Novant Health CORE program who shared some great recipes and recommendations for eating a healthy diet after breast cancer. We even got to taste a delicious Resiliency Farro and Bean Salad!

In the News - Post-mastectomy pain syndrome is a Real Thing

The big picture:

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common but often under-discussed side effect of breast cancer surgery, causing lingering nerve pain that can last months—or even years—after treatment. KFF Health News took a look at this syndrome and shared some insights and revelations about this painful side effect of breast surgery.

For many survivors, this isn’t just “normal healing.” PMPS can affect the chest, underarm, shoulder, and arm—and may interfere with sleep, movement, and overall quality of life.

What to know:

• PMPS is caused by nerve damage during surgery and can show up as burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain.
• It’s more common than many realize—impacting an estimated 25% to 60% of survivors.
• Symptoms typically last longer than 3 months after surgery, but can persist much longer without support or treatment.

Pain after treatment is often minimized or overlooked, leaving survivors unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal.” Increased awareness means more survivors can seek help sooner—and find relief.

What this means for our community:
​If you’re experiencing ongoing pain after surgery, you are not alone—and you don’t have to just live with it. Supportive care, physical therapy, and integrative approaches can make a meaningful difference. Many of our survivors have sought help from Stacey Welch, LMBT who is the owner of Welch Scar Therapy and offers a variety of therapies designed to ease pain and promote healing after breast surgery.

INA®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant

Going Beyond the Pink and Savor Health have partnered to share an amazing resource with you (psst... it's free!). Ina®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant provides personalized, evidence-based nutrition support 24/7 “on demand” to help cancer patients.

Learn more & sign up to get free access to INA here: https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/ina​

Get Involved: Volunteer with Going Beyond the Pink

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Going Beyond the Pink is currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support our team with a few hours of administrative assistance each week. From helping with day-to-day tasks to supporting behind-the-scenes operations, volunteers play a vital role in helping us serve breast cancer patients and survivors in our community.

If you have experience with Canva, social media, or general administrative support, we would especially love to hear from you but a passion for our mission is what matters most. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real impact, build skills, and be part of a compassionate, purpose-driven organization.

Interested in joining us? Reach out today, we’d love to connect and find the right fit for you!

Shop GBTP Custom Merchandise

Looking for a way to show your support for GBTP? How about rocking some GBTP-branded t-shirts or sweatshirts? They make great gifts for friends and loved ones and help support the work we do. Shop our GBTP t-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs here.

Help Us Continue Helping You!

Since 2017, Going Beyond the Pink has been helping the breast cancer community in Southeastern North Carolina with support resources, care bags, educational materials, survivorship workshops and financial assistance to help cover rising out-of-pocket medical costs for breast cancer patients.

Your continued support of our mission has a direct impact on our local community. To date, we’ve awarded over $110,000 in financial assistance and provided thousands of support resources to our breast cancer community. Supportive resources are shown to improve breast cancer survival rates by up to 64%!

Your support helps our breast cancer community beat the odds!

Follow us on Social Media!

Words to Live By

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Coming Events!

• April 22, 2026 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monthly Workshop - Journaling to Wellness in the GBTP office. Registration required.
• May 20, 2026 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monthly Workshop - Thriving Beyond Treatment: Building a Mental Wellness Plan in the GBTP office.
• May 27, 2026 6:00 p.m. at Brooks Stadium at UNCW - Breast Cancer Awareness Night with the Cape Fear Ghost Crabs. Sign up now!​
• June 20, 2026 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monthly Workshop - Get Moving: Chair Yoga for Healing and Strength in the GBTP office.
• June 27, 2026 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Bust-a-Move for Breast Cancer dance party, dinner, and silent auction.