Happy & Healthy May!

May has arrived, and with it, an opportunity to come together and raise awareness for some incredibly important causes. Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither do we. This month, as we focus on awareness and early detection, we also celebrate the strength of those who are battling cancer, remember the ones we've lost, and, most importantly, support one another.

There’s a lot happening in May, and we want to take a moment to highlight the causes we’re raising awareness for, as well as the work we’re doing together to make dreams come true for cancer warriors.

Nurses Week (May 6–12, 2025)

Nurses are the unsung heroes of the healthcare world. They work tirelessly to care for patients, offering not just medical expertise but also compassion and emotional support. Nurses Week is the perfect time to pause and show our appreciation for these incredible individuals who often go above and beyond in caring for cancer patients. Whether they’re administering treatments, providing comfort, or offering a kind word during tough times, nurses are there every step of the way. To all the nurses out there: thank you. Your dedication and care make a world of difference.

Women’s Health Week (May 11–17, 2025)

This week is all about encouraging women to take charge of their health. Women’s Health Week highlights the importance of routine check-ups, cancer screenings, and taking proactive steps toward maintaining overall health. Cancer screenings, like mammograms and Pap smears, are vital in catching potential health issues early. During this week, we remind every woman to schedule those important check-ups and to encourage other women in their lives to do the same. Health is wealth, and by making our health a priority, we can live longer, healthier lives.

Women’s Check-up Day (May 12, 2025)

Women’s Check-up Day is a reminder to prioritize self-care and schedule regular health exams. From breast cancer screenings to heart health assessments, this day is dedicated to encouraging women to be proactive about their health. It’s easy to put off these important appointments, but regular check-ups are essential for catching health issues early. So, ladies, let’s make sure we’re not only taking care of everyone else, but also taking care of ourselves.

Clinical Trials Day (May 20, 2025)

Clinical trials are at the forefront of cancer treatment and research. Every breakthrough we see in cancer care has, in one way or another, been made possible by clinical trials. Clinical trials offer patients the chance to access new treatments and give researchers valuable data to develop better therapies. They represent the hope of tomorrow’s medicine today.

World No Tobacco Day (May 31, 2025)

Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day is an annual global campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies that reduce consumption.

2025 Theme:

“Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”

This year, WHO is calling attention to the manipulative strategies used by tobacco and nicotine industries to attract and hook new users—especially youth. These tactics include:

• Flavored e-cigarettes and vapes that mimic candy or fruit

• Sleek, tech-like product designs

• Youth-focused advertising through influencers and social media

• Misleading health claims about "safer" or "cleaner" tobacco alternatives

Why It Matters:

• Tobacco kills over 8 million people every year, including 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

• It’s directly linked to lung, oral, throat, bladder, pancreatic, cervical, and many other cancers.

• Youth vaping rates are rising globally, creating a new generation of nicotine addiction.

What Can We Do as a Community?

• Share survivor voices and stories about quitting tobacco after a cancer diagnosis.

• Host or promote anti-tobacco education in schools and communities.

• Support policy efforts to restrict youth-targeted marketing and flavored products.

• Encourage smoke-free homes, schools, and public areas.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Brain tumors are often one of the most overlooked and difficult to diagnose cancers. Symptoms can sometimes be subtle—headaches, dizziness, or changes in mood—and it's not always easy to connect the dots. But brain tumors don’t wait for us to realize something’s wrong, which is why this month is so crucial for raising awareness. Early detection saves lives, and the more we educate ourselves about the warning signs, the more lives we can impact. Let’s continue to spread the word and support the research that can make a difference.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Bladder cancer affects many, often without the symptoms being immediately obvious. One of the most common signs is blood in the urine, but it’s something that many people ignore, thinking it’s a result of something harmless. Bladder Cancer Awareness Month encourages us to pay attention to our bodies and listen to the signs. By raising awareness, we hope to inspire more people to take action early—because early detection can make all the difference. The message for 2025 is “Feeling Unsure? Get Checked,” and it’s one we fully support. Let’s make sure no one feels uncertain about seeking help when something doesn’t feel right.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Skin Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that simple steps—like wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and getting regular skin checks—can go a long way in preventing skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can be caught early if we are vigilant about watching for changes in our skin. If you notice something unusual, don’t wait—get it checked. Early detection is key, and you can save lives by spreading awareness.

National Melanoma Awareness Month

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread quickly if not detected early. National Melanoma Awareness Month encourages us to protect our skin from harmful UV rays and to get regular skin checks. This month is all about spreading the message that prevention is key—wear sunscreen, seek shade, and get any unusual moles checked out by a dermatologist. By raising awareness about melanoma, we can help reduce the number of lives it claims each year.

Susan’s Dream: A Step Closer to Reality

We also want to take a moment to share something that’s very close to our hearts—Susan’s Dream. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve raised $176 so far to help Susan, a breast cancer survivor, fulfill her dream.

Help Us Fund Susan’s Dream

We're now raising funds to bring Susan’s dream to life — and you can help.

➡️ Donate (crypto or fiat):

Every donation helps us turn pain into purpose and support warriors in ways that truly matter.

Every donation brings her one step closer, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your support. Susan’s strength, resilience, and positive outlook inspire us every day. Your contributions are making a real difference in her life, and we can’t wait to see her dream come true.

We’d love to hear from you. If you’re in treatment, in remission, or living post-cancer and have a dream that could support your healing, growth, or joy — submit your dream through our website and let’s make it possible, together.

Join our Peer Support Program — where survivors support warriors through shared strength and understanding.
We’ll connect you with someone newly diagnosed with the same type of cancer, so you can offer insight, hope, and real-life support from someone who’s walked the path.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Whether you’ve donated, shared our posts, or simply offered a kind word, your support means the world to us. Together, we are not just raising awareness—we’re changing lives.

Thank you for standing with us and for making this world a brighter place for cancer warriors everywhere. Together, we can continue to make dreams come true.

With love and gratitude,
TCW