January is always a fresh start for so many people, but I also know that not everyone enters the new year the same way. Some of us love resolutions, others prefer intentions or themes, and some of us don’t acknowledge the new year at all in that traditional sense. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, I hope this season meets you gently and brings you exactly what you need.
For me, I do like to take a moment at the start of the year to revisit my goals, both personally and professionally. Not because I think I need to “reinvent” myself every January, but because reflecting helps me make intentional choices about how I spend my time. It reminds me what matters most, where I’m being pulled, and where I may need to create more space.
And if I’m being honest… space is something I’m really thinking about as we head into 2026. Like many of you, my schedule is full, my mind is busy, and the needs around us are real. But one of my biggest hopes for this year is to find more joy—not by doing more, but by being more intentional about making room for the things that restore me, connect me, and make me feel fully alive. I'm taking notes from a book I read recently: What Matters Most by Diane Button. One of the themes she addresses is how Joy is not a luxury. It’s part of how we keep going. I'm taking that one to heart in 2026.
Here at Going Beyond the Pink, we’re starting 2026 with a lot of momentum and purpose. Our team is working hard to launch our Mammogram Access Program, an initiative that will help remove barriers to lifesaving screening for people in our community. We know that early detection saves lives, and we are determined to ensure that cost, access, or lack of support never stands in the way of someone getting the care they deserve.
We’re also deep in planning mode for the 2026 REACH Survivor’s Symposium, and I can already tell you: this year is going to be our best yet. We’ve got an incredible lineup in the works: meaningful sessions, inspiring speakers, and experiences that will support survivors not just in learning, but in truly feeling connected and cared for. Registration is now open.
As we step into this new year together, I want to offer this reminder: however you approach January is okay. If you’re setting goals, amazing. If you’re just surviving, that counts too. And if the start of the year feels heavy or complicated, you’re not alone. We’re here, walking with you, cheering for you, and building community with you.
Thank you for being part of Going Beyond the Pink. I’m so grateful for you, and I’m excited for all we’ll create together in 2026.
With gratitude and hope,
Kara
Registration is OPEN! REACH Survivor's Symposium is March 27 & 28, 2026
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.
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!
January Workshop - Reflection & Renewal: Creating a Vision for the New Year
It's a new year and time to focus on building new habits to help you live your healthiest life! Join us Wednesday January 21 2026 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the GBTP office located in Independence Mall and take a gentle pause to reflect on the past year and look ahead with intention. Join us in exploring self-care planning, fatigue management, and ways to strengthen community support, all while crafting a personal vision for the year ahead. Registration is required - click here to register.
Meet Our New Interns!
Maya Haswell (l.) and Julianna Graci (r.) join the GBTP team this semester
Welcome to the two newest members of the GBTP team - UNCW School of Public Health interns, Maya Haswell and Julianna Graci.
Julianna Graci is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is studying Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. She is very excited to begin this internship position and continue to expand her knowledge of public health while developing practical skills in the field. Outside of school and work, Julianna loves to travel and spend time with friends!
Maya Haswell is from Durham, North Carolina and is a senior at UNCW studying public health with a concentration in community health education, and a minor in nonprofit management and leadership. She is also so excited to be interning with GBTP and loves being able to be a part of the community and the work being done here. Outside of school and work, she loves to be with family and friends and go paddle boarding.
Be sure to stop by and say Hello!
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 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.
Sign-up Now - 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
In the News - ACS Report Shows People Are Now Living Longer After a Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer Survivors Are Living Longer — And Why That Matters for Life After Treatment
The big picture: People diagnosed with cancer today are living longer than ever before, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. This progress reflects decades of advances in early detection and treatment — and it also highlights why survivor-focused support - like what we provide at Going Beyond the Pink is more important than ever, especially for breast cancer survivors.
What the data shows: The ACS reports that the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers combined has reached 70%, up from about 50% in the 1970s. In practical terms, that means seven out of ten people diagnosed with cancer today will live at least five years after diagnosis. Survival has improved not only for early-stage cancers, but also for some advanced and metastatic cancers, where outcomes have roughly doubled since the 1990s.
Why this is especially meaningful for breast cancer survivors: Breast cancer has long been one of the most survivable cancers, and survival continues to improve. Earlier detection through screening, along with more personalized and targeted treatments, has contributed to high long-term survival rates for many breast cancer patients. As a result, millions of women are now living years (and often decades) beyond their diagnosis.
The hidden side of success: The ACS report makes clear that improved survival creates a new reality: more people are living with the long-term physical, emotional, and practical effects of cancer and its treatment. Survivorship often comes with challenges such as managing side effects, coping with fear of recurrence, navigating relationships and work, and redefining life after treatment ends.
Why survivorship support matters more than ever: As cancer increasingly becomes a chronic, survivable condition, the need for care does not end when treatment does. The growing population of breast cancer survivors underscores the importance of services that focus on life after diagnosis — including emotional support, education, wellness resources, and community connection.
Where Going Beyond the Pink fits in: The ACS findings reinforce what survivors already know: surviving cancer is not the finish line. Going Beyond the Pink exists to support survivors in this longer, more complex chapter of life, helping ensure that living longer also means living well.
Bottom line: Longer survival is a major victory — but survivorship requires support. The American Cancer Society’s report makes a compelling case for survivor-centered programs that address the realities of life beyond breast cancer, exactly where Going Beyond the Pink’s mission begins.
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.
1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) fresh or canned pumpkin puree
1/3 cup (80g) unsweetened applesauce*
1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (45g) coconut sugar(or packed light or dark brown sugar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out (makes cutting easier!). Set aside.
Pulse the oats in a food processor or blender until they’re slightly broken up. (For whole oats, about 10 pulses. For quick oats, about 5-6 pulses.) Pour into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. With a rubber spatula or large spoon, stir together until combined. Mixture/dough will be very heavy and thick.
Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Using the back of a flat spatula or a spoon, spread and press it tightly down into the pan. Make sure it’s flat and very compact, which helps guarantee the bars hold their shape. Dot a few chocolate chips into the top—this is optional and only for looks!
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned and the center appears set. Avoid over-baking, which dries the bars out.
Remove from the oven and cool in the pan at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. After that, place the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until chilled.
Remove bars from the pan using the overhang on the sides then cut into squares.
Cover leftover bars tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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!
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...
Director’s Corner — March 2026 As I write this month’s Director’s Corner, I realize it will be my last in this role. After many meaningful years serving as Executive Director of Going Beyond the Pink, I’ll be stepping out of this position at the end of March.When I first began this journey, I could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around this work. Together, we’ve supported thousands of individuals navigating breast cancer through care bags, education, financial...
March Workshop - Fueling Recovery & Resilience: Nutrition for Survivorship Join us Wednesday, March 11 from 11 a.m. - 12:30p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink office as Susan Sullivan, RD, LDN, CNSC from Novant Health's CORE program helps us discover how food can support your body’s recovery and strength. We will explore anti-inflammatory eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and practical nutrition tips to help you feel your best in survivorship. Onsite space limited to 12. Click to Register....
