8.16.23 – New Ulm, MN – When breast cancer survivor, Amber Melby, formed the organization B the Light with the mission of “Offering support, connection, and hope for breast cancer survivors”, she had a long-term vision of impacting hundreds of survivors from the region, in every walk of life, and every stage of their journey. Now for the last six years, the organization has grown to not only serve survivors in New Ulm but expanded to reach Mankato and surrounding communities, offering five programs from simple coffee chats, to a progressive cooking class and a multi-week fitness program.
On October 27th, 2023, B the Light will be hosting its annual Illuminate Hope Gala. “This is our largest fundraiser each year, and it is with the incredible support of our community that we are able to continue serving survivors.”, said Melby, a 7-year breast cancer survivor and founder of the organization, “We look forward to the evening, to offer a chance for survivors and their caregivers to be celebrated and pampered. The event also offers us an opportunity to look back and reflect on how far we have come as an organization and how many lives we have reached; it’s truly a beautiful night.”, finished Melby.

The event will be held at the Royal Oak Event Center in New Ulm and is expected to sell out.

The gala will include a presentation, a video recap of the last year, and a three-course meal followed by dancing, connection, and celebration.

For more information, search www.bthelightinfo.org or email [email protected].

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B the Light is a 501(c)3, started in 2016 by Amber Melby of New Ulm MN. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Amber founded this organization stemming from her journey. The name for B the Light was inspired by Amber’s Aunt B, Brenda Plinke. Aunt B battled metastatic breast cancer for 18 years before she passed away in 2018 at the age of 58. She lived by the motto “Never Give Up Hope” and inspired all who knew her. B the Light honors Aunt B’s legacy with their mission.

The organization has grown in the last six years to reach beyond New Ulm, to Mankato and other neighboring, southern Minnesota communities. Featuring six programs including ReLight Retreats, Cooking Beyond Cancer, Hope Huddles, Survival Fitness, Holiday Hope Handbags and Hope Getaways, B the Light seeks to bring support, connection, and hope for breast cancer survivors, their caregivers, and families.