In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg announced a pivot in Facebook's purpose: to "give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together."
Since that announcement, the social media industry has largely shifted its focus to the development of tightly knit communities--with one group of North Carolina women in particular making an enormous impact through their collaboration.
Today, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund announced their newest National Brand Ambassador: 'Young Moms Against Cancer,' a quintet of thirty-somethings who are teaming up in the fight against breast cancer.
The group includes Allison Eckstein, Claren Englebreth, Jen Hoverstad, Brittany Moye and Britni Prybol – all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer within a year of each other. The group is the second National Brand Ambassador for the fund, joining 7-time Olympic medalist and ovarian cancer survivor, Shannon Miller, who became the Fund’s first National Brand Ambassador in November 2018.
Their appointment comes months after the 2019 Kay Yow Cancer Fund Celebration Run/Walk, which was held in February in Raleigh, N.C. The event's website lists an overall fundraising goal of $25,000; the Young Moms team ended up nearly doubling the goal on their own, with more than $47,000 raised, from over 100 donors.
“As a non-profit organization raising money for ALL cancers affecting women, it is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to elevate the stories of these remarkable women and to work alongside them to raise money in support of the fight against cancer,” Kay Yow Cancer Fund CEO, Stephanie Glance, said in a press release. “Each of these women found themselves in an unimaginable situation – facing so many unknowns with a cancer diagnosis while raising young children, balancing careers, and answering the demands of family life – they have found a way to take the most difficult moments of their lives and help others. We are proud to work together to make a significant impact in this fight.”
A blog on Hoverstad's website offers more detail about the women, who each describe the harrowing tale of how they discovered their own cancer symptoms--heartbreaking stories juxtaposed with photos with their respective partners and children.
"Last May, I felt a bump on my left outer chest while lathering up soap in the shower," Moye wrote. "I was hesitant to go to the doctor. I didn’t want to be that nurse that freaks out about something that was so unlikely at my age. After encouragement from two friends I went in to see my ob/gyn who referred me to the radiologist."
According to the Moms' fundraising page, breast cancer will end up striking 1 in 8 women in their lifetimes--making the stories behind this group of Moms frighteningly relatable.
"We came together for coffee in the late summer of 2018. We talked, asked questions about each other’s diagnoses and treatments, and then continued the conversation through a group text. We’re still group texting to this day!" Hoverstad wrote. "We’re moms supporting moms. We’re on a mission to END ALL WOMEN’S CANCERS!"
Tyler Anderson, CEO of San Diego-based social media and content marketing agency Casual Fridays, said it was "one thousand percent" smart of the Fund to partner with the Young Moms.
"Utilizing people who are truly fans and advocates is definitely the best place to start for influencers -- especially if there's a cause with a nonprofit," Anderson said. "It brings a lot more authenticity and it's way more impactful; anyone who's been through that is going to bring an even stronger voice."
"People who are impacted personally by something are going to be way more passionate about the cause," Anderson said. "When you get them together, the collaboration amplifies it even more."
Former NC State University women's basketball coach Kay Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009; the fund in her name was founded in December 2007. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $7.53 million in support of the fight against ALL cancers affecting women. For more information on the fund or to make a donation, visit KayYow.com.
