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Hi! My name is Laura and I am an author, manuscript editor, and indie author PA. I absolutely love my work and am very grateful I’m able to do it as a full time job while being home with my 2 beautiful kiddos (6 y/o boy and 8 y/o girl) and our 8 month old puppy. My husband is extremely supportive and hasn’t let me do a single thing myself since my diagnosis. He is the absolute best care taker for me and father to our kiddos. In early June I noticed a large lump on my breast that was not there the day before. I immediately made an appointment with my family doctor who ordered STAT testing which confirmed that I had breast cancer and that it was also in 2 of my lymph nodes. I met with my oncologist and surgeon mid July and we decided surgery first was the best option for my hormone positive cancer. I got a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders on August 3rd. The surgeon also had to remove all of the lymph nodes from my left arm pit because they found cancer in 4 of my nodes. Because I am young (35) and pre-menopausal, I have to do both chemo and radiation treatments in a few weeks when I’m mostly healed from my surgery. Once I’m done with those treatments I can get my reconstruction surgery. I am wishing for a custom wig made from my own hair from Tress Transformations that I can wear during my chemo treatments and while my hair grows back. Having a wig made from my own hair will make me feel much more confident and relaxed during my treatments and recovery. It will also help my kids feel better about my cancer treatment because they won’t see me bald all through chemo and while my hair grows back. I am extremely grateful for everything Breast Wishes does, and I would be more than honored to have my wish granted so I can feel a bit more like myself during treatments.

Check out this September 2026 article by Meredith Moss https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/help-grant-wishes-to-those-facing-a-breast-cancer-journey/article_afecf569-b2ce-5d17-b4d0-ce2d0009540e.html

My Cancer Journey My name is Brittany Maye, and I’m a mother of three. I’m a loving, caring and compassionate person who always wants the best for my family. In September 2025, I was diagnosed with stage two triple-negative breast cancer. Since then, the journey has been difficult. I underwent chemotherapy from November 2025 through March 2026, and on May 6, 2026, I had a bilateral mastectomy. I began nine weeks of radiation treatments in July 2026. During treatment, I also lost my job because of my medical situation. Falling behind financially, along with unexpected car problems, added even more stress during an already overwhelming time. My Wish My wish was to get my car repaired and back to a safe, reliable condition for my children and me. Having dependable transportation means I can safely get to work, medical appointments and wherever my family needs to go without constantly worrying that my car might break down. Impact This wish could not have come at a better time. After losing my job and facing so many challenges during treatment, knowing that my car is safe and reliable has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I recently started a new job that requires me to drive on the highway, so having dependable transportation to get to and from work is truly a blessing for me and my family. My wish also helped provide school uniforms for my children, which was another tremendous help. I am so thankful for everyone who helped make my wish come true. This support has given me peace of mind during a very difficult season and reminded me that my family and I are not facing this journey alone.

My Cancer Journey Tamika has faced a long breast cancer journey, and even after surgery, she continues treatment for lymphedema. Through every challenge, she has remained focused on finding joy in the moments that matter most, especially time spent with her family. My Wish A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Tamika wished to travel to Dallas to spend quality time with her daughter. Along with experiencing the excitement of being in her favorite team's city, the two shared a one-of-a-kind perfume-making experience, creating personalized fragrances together. Today, every time Tamika wears her custom perfume, she's reminded of the unforgettable week they shared and the memories they created together. Impact For Tamika and her family, the wish was about so much more than a vacation. It gave them something priceless: joy, hope and beautiful memories during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Instead of focusing on treatments and appointments, they were able to simply enjoy being together, creating moments they will cherish forever. Tamika described her experience with Breast Wishes Foundation as exceptional from beginning to end. She shared that every detail was thoughtfully planned, communication was clear and the team made her family feel supported throughout the entire process. She said there was very little that could have been improved because everyone treated them with such care, compassion and professionalism. "The impact of your generosity extends far beyond the wish itself," Tamika shared. "It creates lasting memories that families carry with them forever." She hopes Breast Wishes Foundation will continue bringing these meaningful experiences to others facing breast cancer, giving more families the opportunity to find joy and connection when they need it most.

My Cancer Journey I was first diagnosed with Stage III invasive ductal carcinoma in 2013. After nearly a year of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and recovery, I completed 10 years of Tamoxifen treatment. Just two months after coming off the medication, I woke up one morning with my right arm swollen from my shoulder to my fingertips. While doctors were working to determine the cause, I experienced another devastating loss when my husband of 20 years, a decorated Marine veteran, passed away. In February 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. I am currently on my second line of treatment and continue to face each day with strength and determination. More than anything, I hope to leave a legacy of love for my family and create lasting memories with those I cherish most. My Wish Teresa's wish is all about creating lasting memories with the people she loves most—her grandchildren. At the end of July, Teresa and her two grandchildren, ages 10 and 16, will head off for a weekend of fun and adventure at Great Wolf Lodge and Kings Island. It's a trip they've never experienced before, making it even more special. To help them focus on making memories, Breast Wishes is also covering their food and drinks for the weekend. Teresa is especially excited to capture plenty of photos along the way so her grandchildren will always have reminders of this special time spent together. More than anything, she wants them to remember the laughter, the adventures, and the love they shared with their grandma. Seeing Teresa's smile as she talked about this wish said it all. We are honored to help make these precious memories possible and grateful to our supporters who continue to bring joy to women facing breast cancer. Impact For Teresa, this wish is about so much more than a weekend away. It's an opportunity to step outside of treatments, appointments, and uncertainty and simply be Grandma. The memories created during this trip will become treasured moments for both Teresa and her grandchildren, stories they'll tell for years to come, photos they'll look back on with smiles, and a reminder that even in the midst of life's hardest challenges, there is still room for joy, laughter, and love.

My name is Amy Long and I was diagnosed with cancer in April 2025. My cancer was found during a routine mammogram. I have been overwhelmed with the wealth of support and love of family, friends, students, parents of students and coworkers (who are all friends!) as I have traveled through two rounds of chemo and two surgeries so far. I still have radiation and at least one more surgery in my future. My precious daughter and son-in-law had my first grandchild this summer, a boy named Judah. My daughter attended many of my chemo visits at eight and nine months pregnant. The staff at the cancer center at Troy Kettering loved traveling this journey with us and enjoyed seeing the pictures of Judah when he was born on July 30. They also celebrated my birthday on July 31! My daughter and I have many memories of going to the beach when she was little. My wish would be to take a beach vacation with my daughter, son in law and grandson when he turns one in the summer. We discussed going to the beach, but financially knew that we wouldn't be able to do it this year due to medical bills. Thank you so much for helping to make this wish come true. It will truly be a dream come true to have pictures on the beach with my grandson!

I am a registered nurse with over a decade of experience, devoted to caring for others and making a difference in my community. I am a mother to eleven children in a blended family—the youngest is eleven years old—and their love, energy, and resilience lift me up every day. My friends, chosen family, and community supporters are an essential thread in my life, offering encouragement, practical help, and a listening ear whenever I need it. Together, they form a circle of care that sustains me through every challenge and celebration. My Cancer Journey Before my diagnosis, I began a personal fitness journey with the unwavering support of my oldest son, who is a fitness trainer. Together we watched transformation unfold: I went from 228 pounds to 178 pounds in seven months, a testament to perseverance, discipline, and hope. The sauna and other wellness tools became a sanctuary for both body and mind, offering relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Now, as I navigate chemotherapy, I’m acutely aware of the need to protect myself from germs and to honor my body’s healing process. The path is different this time—more mindful, more delicate—but the drive to stay active, to nurture my mental health, and to keep shining for my family remains unwavering. My friends play a pivotal role in this journey, showing up with meals, rides, words of encouragement, and a practical readiness to lend a hand whenever needed. My Wish My wish is simple in its beauty: a sauna and a vibration plate for my home. These tools would allow me to continue pursuing fitness and mental well-being in a safe, low-germ environment during treatment. They would be a lifeline that supports my ongoing journey toward health, resilience, and joy, even as cancer challenges my strength. With the support of my family, my son who trains others for a living, my close friends, and my healthcare team, I want to maintain the momentum I’ve built and adapt it to my current needs, proving that progress is possible at every stage of life and health. The thought of having this wish granted fills me with a deep sense of hope, gratitude, and calm. I imagine waking each day with renewed energy, a clear mind, and the reassurance that I am investing in my healing and long-term well-being. It would be a tangible affirmation that even in the face of cancer, life can continue to move forward with strength, dignity, and joy. Impact This wish would reach far beyond personal convenience. It would empower me to maintain a consistent fitness routine at home, a cornerstone of my physical health and mental clarity during chemotherapy. It would offer a low-risk way to stay active, aiding recovery while reducing exposure to germs. For my family, witnessing my ongoing commitment to self-care and fitness through a difficult journey will be a beacon of resilience and hope for our blended family. It would show my children and my friends that life continues with strength, purpose, and joy even in the face of cancer, and it would bring our household a sense of calm, motivation, and unity. Knowing this wish could be granted would bring a profound sense of peace and renewed purpose, a daily reminder that we are in this together and that healing can be a shared, hopeful journey.

My name is Mary Dunn, and I am 76 years young. My husband, Mark, and I celebrated 24 years of marriage this past January. Between us, we are blessed with three adult children and six wonderful grandchildren. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After chemotherapy and radiation, I believed I was cancer free. Last fall, however, I learned that the breast cancer had returned and metasticized to my lungs. My wish is simple but deeply meaningful. I would love the chance to travel and visit my family members who live out of state, many of whom I have not seen in decades! Both of my parents have passed away in recent years, and we also lost one of my brothers this year, which makes time with family even more precious. Breast cancer has touched my family across generations. My mother was diagnosed in 1967 when she was just 47 years old and lived to be 93. My aunt also battled breast cancer later in life and passed away at 93 as well. Being able to see my family again and revisit these special places would truly be a dream come true. Thank you so much for helping make that dream possible. With gratitude, Mary Dunn Mary's Wish Breast Wishes was able to send Mary and Mark on a trip to Virginia to spend time with family for a few days and also a trip to Washington, DC to take a tour of the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. Mark has no problem driving the long distances and they're both excited to hit the road!

My name is Mariluz Rondon Rios. I am a 78-year-old widow, born and raised in Puerto Rico. In October 2026, after cancer knocked on my door once again, I moved to Dayton, Ohio with my daughter, my only child.  In 2005, at the age of 58, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy, 37 radiation treatments, and five years of medication. By God’s grace, I remained in remission until October 2025. This time, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. I have since had a mastectomy and will soon begin six months of chemotherapy. This journey feels much scarier because of my age and the aggressive nature of this cancer. Still, I am not alone. I am surrounded by love and support: first from God, and then from my family, including my daughter and two adult grandchildren, as well as dear friends. I thank God every day for them, because no one should fight cancer alone. As a wise man named Armando Christian Pérez says, “Every day above ground is a great day. Remember that,”  and I hold onto that truth as I face this next chapter. You might know that wise man as Pitbull. Seeing Pitbull in concert has always been on my bucket list. My wish to attend a Pitbull concert with my family and a few close friends is about so much more than music. It represents healing, joy, and togetherness. It would be a chance to share a beautiful moment with the people who have stood by me throughout this journey. Pitbull’s music connects deeply to my culture, my roots, and the vibrant spirit that has carried me through life’s challenges. This experience would lift my spirits, nourish my emotional well-being, and give me something joyful to hold onto during chemotherapy. Most of all, it would remind me that I am loved, supported, and still very much alive during one of the hardest chapters of my life. Gracias/ Thanks The Impact of a Wish I want to express my deepest gratitude to your foundation for granting my mom’s wish. During one of the most difficult seasons of our lives, you gave us something priceless; hope, light, and a beautiful memory that will stay with us forever. Breast cancer brings so many challenges, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. There were days filled with fear and uncertainty. But through your kindness and generosity, you reminded us that we are not alone. You reminded my mom that she is seen, loved, and supported by a community that truly cares. The joy on her face, the peace in her heart, and the strength she felt from having her wish honored meant more than words can ever fully express. In a time when so much felt out of our control, you gave her something uplifting and deeply meaningful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the work you do, for the compassion you show, and for being a source of light for families like ours. Your impact goes far beyond the moment—you create hope that carries us forward. With sincere gratitude and love,  Mariluz Rondon Rios Family

This moment is more than a number. It is a story, a family, and a wish that touched all of our hearts. Reaching 500 wishes is a milestone we have dreamed of, and sharing this particular wish with you feels truly special. Every wish we grant carries hope, comfort, and connection for those facing breast cancer in our community. This one reminds us why we do what we do and why joy matters. Thank you to everyone who has supported Breast Wishes Foundation along this journey: donors, volunteers, partners, wish families, and friends. You made this moment possible. You made every wish moment possible. Check out this video of when we surprised Sarah.

Breast Wishes was recently given the Nonprofit of the Year Award by the Vandalia Butler Chamber of Commerce. This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact we’ve made together—granting wishes, spreading joy, and uplifting those battling breast cancer in our community. Thank you to our supporters, volunteers, wish recipients and community for believing in our mission. This award is for ALL of us! Founders Mandi Moore and Elesha Snyder with Chamber President, Nick Kavalauskas

Every year, as fairy wings flutter and laughter fills the air at the 5K for Kelli , we are reminded of the incredible woman who inspired this event — our sister, Kelli James . The 5K for Kelli isn’t just a fun run or a community gathering; it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and joy . It honors the memory of a woman who brought sunshine into every room she entered and who lived each day with curiosity, kindness, and courage. This is Kelli's story. A Life Filled with Adventure and Creativity Kelli was born in Akron, Ohio  to Karen Snyder  and Woody Clough . From the very beginning, she radiated a sense of adventure and creativity. She married her high school sweetheart, Barry James , just before her 21st birthday, and together they traveled the country during his fighter pilot training with the Air National Guard. Eventually, they settled in Dayton, Ohio , where Kelli pursued her education at the University of Dayton , graduating magna cum laude  with a Visual Arts degree . As a graphic designer, Kelli had an eye for bright colors and bold, contemporary designs. She loved creating beauty in everything she touched. But her creativity didn’t stop with art — she was also an incredible cook  who delighted in experimenting with new recipes and sharing them with family and friends. Kelli's kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Nature was Kelli’s happy place. She found pure joy in hiking through the woods, camping under the stars, rock climbing, waterskiing, and basking in the sunshine. She believed in living life to the fullest — a belief that guided her through even the toughest times. A Diagnosis That Changed Everything In 2001 , at just 35 years old , Kelli received a diagnosis that would change her life: an aggressive form of breast cancer . The timing was especially heart-wrenching — she had just given birth to her son, Michael . With her characteristic optimism, she underwent a lumpectomy, and for a while, we all believed that everything would be okay. In 2002 , she gave birth to her daughter, Aliisa , and decided to stay home to embrace motherhood. Kelli poured her heart into raising her children and cherished every moment she had with them. Determined to stay healthy, she became passionate about organic food, juicing, and holistic wellness . Her kitchen soon became the headquarters for daily wheatgrass shots — even her kids learned to drink and enjoy the earthy, vibrant green juice. But breast cancer is relentless. Despite her optimism, a routine scan revealed that the cancer had returned. This time, the doctors recommended a mastectomy . Once again, Kelli faced the challenge head-on with courage and grace, and we all believed she would be okay. Finding Strength in Community Cancer is often a lonely road, but Kelli found a source of strength in the Noble Circle Project , a Dayton-based support group for women with breast cancer. Founded by her Qi Gong teacher, Jan Lively , the group became Kelli's safe haven — a place where she could share, connect, and find comfort in the company of other women who understood her journey. The sisterhood she found in Noble Circle  was invaluable, especially when, in April 2006 , a devastating scan revealed that the cancer had spread beyond treatment. We were heartbroken, but Kelli remained steadfast. She refused to give in to despair, choosing instead to embrace her warrior spirit . For the next six months , she fought with everything she had. Her days were filled with love, hope, and the unwavering belief that joy can exist even in the darkest moments. On October 15, 2006 , at Hospice of Dayton , Kelli passed away at the age of 40 , leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. Why We Created the 5K for Kelli Losing Kelli left a void in our lives that words cannot describe. But in our grief, we found a purpose: to honor her memory and spread the joy she so passionately lived by . The 5K for Kelli  was born out of this mission. It’s more than a run; it’s a tribute to Kelli’s zest for life, her love of nature, and her deep belief in the power of community . 💗 Why Fairies? If you’ve been to the 5K for Kelli, you’ve probably noticed a lot of fairy wings, tutus, and flower crowns . Kelli adored fairies. She loved the idea of magic, wonder, and the unseen beauty of the world. So, we invite everyone — runners, walkers, kids, and adults — to embrace their inner fairy  and join us in a day of fun, laughter, and giving. 🌸 Why Fitness? Kelli believed in living a healthy, active life. Through the 5K for Kelli , we hope to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and self-care  — all of which can contribute to breast cancer prevention and improved well-being . 🎗️ Why Giving Back? All proceeds from the 5K for Kelli  go to the Breast Wishes Foundation , an organization we founded to bring joy to individuals living with breast cancer . Wishes granted have included: Spa days Family vacations Shopping sprees Dinner dates Yoga retreats These moments of joy don’t cure cancer, but they do lighten the emotional load  and create beautiful, lasting memories  for patients and their families. Join Us and Be Part of Kelli’s Legacy The 5K for Kelli  is more than just a run — it’s a celebration of life, love, and resilience. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, honor the memory of those we've lost, and support individuals currently facing the challenges of breast cancer. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps us continue Kelli’s legacy of spreading joy . With every step we take, we get closer to granting even more wishes for those in need of a bright moment during a difficult time. Here's how you can get involved: Register to Run/Walk : Lace up your shoes and hit the trail with us! Sponsor the Event : We’re always grateful for businesses and individuals who want to support our mission. Volunteer to Help : From setting up fairy gear to handing out water, volunteers make this event possible. By joining us at the 5K for Kelli , you’re helping to provide unforgettable moments of joy for breast cancer patients — one step, one smile, one wish at a time. To learn more, register, or get involved, visit:   https://www.breastwishes.org/5k-for-kelli