A note from our President, Amy:
"For it is in giving that we receive."
I met Pete Brehm at my first practice with the Howard County Cancer to 5K team. I had just finished months of chemo, surgeries and radiation with my last treatment the day prior. I was scared, apprehensive and anxious about what to expect. I did not know that by joining this team I would develop so many meaningful and lasting relationships.
From the first practice, Pete became my 'running rock'. He gently pushed me to run more when I thought I couldn't, to run faster when I slowed down and to simply start when all I wanted to do was not start. For two seasons he acted as my sherpa and guided me over the finish line.
Then in 2017, shortly after our second race, Pete called to tell me that they found an aggressive form of cancer in his abdomen. The doctors were not sure exactly how to treat it but they were going to do everything that they could. Pete, who was born a fighter, began his battle and amazed doctors with his results and his strength. For the past 3 years Pete has endured constant chemotherapy, procedures and T-cell therapy to battle this disease. Through all of these treatments he has continued to run and even biked down the east coast from Baltimore to Key West. Cancer could not stop him.
Pete has fought and fought and inspired so many others. Unfortunately, Pete is running out of time. The Amystrong Foundation has created the Papa Pete's Pledge (P3), to not only honor Pete but to honor the spirit and strength that he shares with others. The funds raised will help future survivors and fighters to participate in the Howard County Cancer to 5K team and ideally raise funds toward research for this horrible disease.
Cancer is dark but we can still be the light. Help us to spread the sunshine Pete's journey and strength has blessed us with. Cancer may win in the end, but this sunshine will continue to shine for all of us.
Thank you Pete for inspiring me.
Thank you Pete for pushing me,
Thank you Pete for being my friend.
Are you or anyone you know looking to give back and spread a little sunshine? We have lots of volunteer opportunities with varying levels of commitment for individuals, teams and groups. We'd love to talk to anyone interested in helping to spread sunshine in any of the following ways:
- Filling Boxes of Sunshine at Amystrong headquarters
- Collecting items to be sent in our Boxes of Sunshine
- Distributing Boxes of Sunshines to local hospitals and chemo units
- Fundraise and proceeds will be used to purchase items for boxes
In addition, we will have a Junior Sunshine Ambassador Program for school age and high school students. The students will volunteer to help spread sunshine to the cancer patients in the local community.
Please contact us for more information!
Papa Pete's Pledge
Amazon Wish List
Don't have anyone to send a box to right now but still want to help spread sunshine? Help us fill our boxes with any of the items on our Amazon Wish List found here!
After Amy's diagnosis and throughout her many treatments, Amy received countless gifts of inspiration and love. As part of our mission to pay it forward and 'spread sunshine', the Box of Sunshine initiative was created. Boxes of Sunshine include yellow items that would help anyone being treated for cancer find a little more light in their days.
We are currently not accepting requests for Boxes of Sunshine. Stay tuned for new ways to spread sunshine in 2023!
Volunteer Opportunities - Ambassador Programs
Spreading Sunshine