Director’s Corner — February 2026

To me, February always feels like an invitation to slow down just enough to notice what—and who—is sustaining us. For me, that’s been a deep sense of gratitude for this community and for the work we’ve built together, even in seasons that require a little more care and intention.

I’m especially excited to share that Pink Squad is off to a strong start. We recently held our first program assessment session and the engagement has been incredibly encouraging. Participants are showing up, connecting, and using the resources—and nearly 20% of our members are from rural communities, which reinforces why this work matters so much. Access, connection, and survivorship support should never depend on geography, and Pink Squad is proving what’s possible. I'm so grateful for our partners at The After Cancer for our work together, and to Daichii Sankyo for funding this program through their Community Advocacy Innovation Award program.

There’s also wonderful momentum around our REACH Survivor’s Symposium. We’re already more than one-third to capacity, and all signs point to this being our best REACH yet—rich conversations, meaningful connections, and space for survivors to feel seen and supported. Don't miss your chance to join us! Register soon!

As we move through this month of love, I want to share a very personal note of appreciation. Working alongside Maggie, and our incredible interns Julianna and Maya, brings me so much joy. Their care, creativity, and commitment to our community are a daily reminder that this organization is built on people who truly show up for one another.

Thank you for being part of Going Beyond the Pink—for your trust, your presence, and your belief in what survivorship support can look like when it’s rooted in connection and compassion.

With gratitude,

Kara

Register NOW! REACH Survivor's Symposium is March 27 & 28, 2026

Registration is NOW OPEN! - the REACH Survivors Symposium is happening March 27–28, 2026 at the beautiful Halyburton Nature Center in Wilmington, NC. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience: Thriving Through Every Season of Survivorship, invites participants to explore what it means to grow, heal, and thrive at every stage of life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

The event kicks off Friday evening with a cocktail reception and a special video screening to set the tone for connection and inspiration. On Saturday, March 28, we’ll dive into a full day of educational sessions and hands-on experiential workshops—blending expert insights with real-world tools to support your whole-person wellness.

Also, new this year, we are offering Pay-What-You-Can registration.

An event like this requires significant investment — from food and venue costs to speaker honoraria, materials, planning, and staff time. At the same time, we believe cost should not be a barrier to survivorship education and community. We're asking for a minimum contribution of $20 - but we recommend $100 to help cover our costs.

With this model:

You choose what you can contribute
A minimum $20 contribution is required ($100 is recommended) to confirm your seat and support event costs
We ask that you select an amount that reflects both your circumstances and your commitment to showing up fully

This approach helps ensure participants are invested in the experience, while keeping REACH accessible. Click here to REGISTER NOW!

February Workshop - Heart-Smart Survivorship

Join us on Saturday, February 21st from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the GBTP office located in Independence Mall near Dillard's. This month we'll be joined by Taylor Schneider and two of her colleagues from Novant Health's Zimmer Cancer Center's CORE Program - a cardiac rehab program for cancer patients. You will learn how to care for your heart after cancer treatment as we focus on physical activity, stress management, and understanding the cardiovascular effects of certain cancer treatments—helping you build lifelong habits for heart health and healing.

February 21, 2026- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink Office Registration is required - click here to register.

January Workshop - Reflection & Renewal: Creating a Vision for the New Year

Our survivors welcomed 2026 by coming together Wednesday January 21 2026 at the GBTP office to take a gentle pause and reflect on the past year and look ahead with intention as they each crafted a personal vision statement for the year ahead.

Have You Joined Pink Squad Yet?

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

Members gain access to FREE live expert-led programming, group coaching sessions, and interactive classes designed to support your mind, body, and spirit. Each month features sessions with cancer care professionals— including nutritionists, exercise specialists, and wellness coaches—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.

💗 Spots are limited, so click here to sign up and join our vibrant community!

There's Still Time - Sign-up Now for Art Enhances Life at the Cameron Art Center - Free Program for Cancer Survivors

The CAM is excited to share the dates and information for our upcoming sessions of Art Enhances Health. Art Enhances Health is in partnership with Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute and provides FREE six-week classes to cancer patients and survivors. Based on research showing that art can positively impact brain function and well-being, these sessions aim to provide relaxation, emotional expression, and relief from pain and anxiety. Teaching artist Donna Moore and expressive arts therapist Lorraine Perry lead classes in art making and expressive writing. These classes include gallery visits and mindful meditation, as well as a free membership to CAM, thanks to partnerships with Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute and the Ministry Circle.

Winter/Spring 2026 sessions will run Mondays, February 2 - March 9 and March 23 - May 4 (with a break on April 6), from 1-3pm.

Our next session will feature visiting instructor Bonne Anderson to lead our meditation and mindfulness activities. Lorraine Perry will return for the second session, which begins March 23.

If you have any questions regarding classes, workshops, or registration, please reach out to our Education Programs Manager, Taylor Klauk, from 9 AM — 5 PM or email September Krueger at lifelonglearning@cameronartmuseum.org
Phone: (910) 395-5999 ext. 1007
Email: tklauk@cameronartmuseum.org

Looking for Participants - New Clinical Trial Option for Metastatic HER2+ Breast Cancer

At Going Beyond the Pink, we believe knowledge is power—especially when it comes to understanding your options. That’s why we want to share an important clinical trial opportunity from our friends at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The ARCHER Trial is the first study of its kind designed specifically for people living with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer. This research is exploring a new approach to care: adding surgery to the breast and radiation to all metastatic sites, alongside standard treatment, to see whether this combination can lead to longer-term disease control—and in some cases, potentially more.

Importantly, this trial was shaped with input from patient advocates, ensuring the questions being asked reflect what matters most to those living with metastatic disease. The study is opening at multiple sites across the United States, making it accessible to patients in many regions.

If you or a loved one may be interested in learning more, we encourage you to reach out directly:
Lior Z. Braunstein, MD

📧 BRAUNSTL@mskcc.org
📞 201-775-7446

In the News - A.I. Is Changing Breast Cancer Screening — Here’s What Survivors Should Know

Why it matters: For breast cancer survivors, early detection isn’t abstract — it’s personal. New research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) may soon play a powerful role in helping doctors find breast cancer earlier, potentially reducing aggressive diagnoses and improving outcomes.

What’s new: A landmark clinical trial published in The Lancet found that adding AI to routine mammography screening helped detect more breast cancers — and detect them earlier — compared with standard screening alone. The findings were echoed in reporting by Live Science, which described AI as a “second set of eyes” for radiologists.

What the study found: In a large Swedish trial involving more than 100,000 women, mammograms reviewed with AI support identified more cancers during screening than mammograms read using traditional methods. Importantly, the AI-supported approach also led to fewer “interval cancers” — cancers diagnosed between regular screenings, which are often faster-growing and harder to treat.

Researchers also found that the use of AI did not increase false positives. That means more cancers were caught early without significantly increasing unnecessary callbacks, biopsies, or added anxiety — a critical consideration for anyone who has lived through breast cancer.

Why survivors should care: Early detection often means more treatment options, less invasive care, and better long-term outcomes. For survivors who return to routine screening after treatment — or who worry about recurrence — more accurate screening tools can offer greater confidence and peace of mind.

It’s also important to note that AI does not replace radiologists. Instead, it supports them by flagging areas of concern and helping prioritize which images need closer review. Human expertise remains central to diagnosis and decision-making.

Looking ahead: Researchers believe AI-supported screening could be especially impactful in areas with limited access to breast imaging specialists, helping improve screening quality and equity. While more follow-up is needed before AI becomes standard everywhere, this trial represents a significant step forward.

Bottom line: For breast cancer survivors, this research offers cautious optimism. AI-assisted screening may help catch cancers earlier — when they are more treatable — without adding unnecessary stress. It’s another reminder that progress in breast cancer care isn’t just about surviving diagnosis, but about supporting long-term health and confidence in the years that follow.

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

Healthy Cooking: Chocolate Avocado Pudding

This surprisingly health and delicious dessert recipe tastes just like chocolate mousse!

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado (diced)
¼ cup honey
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup water
¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions

Place avocado into food processor and puree until only small bits of avocado remain.
Add honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt and process until well combined. scrape sides to ensure cocoa powder is incorporated.
Gradually add 1 T of water at a time to achieve a creamy consistency.(The last batch I made didn’t require any water).
Adjust seasoning with lemon juice to taste.
Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Garnish with raspberries.

Enjoy!

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!

Donate Now!