In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting our inspiring beneficiary partner, Little Pink Houses of Hope, a nonprofit committed to supporting breast cancer patients and their families. With a mission rooted in love and resilience, Little Pink offers unique, supportive programs that provide a much-needed escape and source of encouragement for those on a cancer journey. Tap Cancer Out chatted with Jeanine Patten-Coble, Founder and President of Little Pink Houses of Hope, as she shares insights about their mission, programs, and how support from organizations like Tap Cancer Out amplifies their impact.
Embracing Families on the Breast Cancer Journey
Little Pink Houses of Hope exists to support the emotional and physical needs of breast cancer patients and their families. According to Patten-Coble, their mission is “to put a huge loving embrace around families currently on the breast cancer journey.” Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones, often draining them physically, emotionally, and financially. Little Pink’s primary response to this challenge is through their signature week-long retreat model. Each year, they host 25 free retreats across the United States and in the US Virgin Islands, offering families an invaluable break from the demands of treatment and everyday life.
Life-Changing Programs for Survivors and Their Families
Little Pink’s programs provide meaningful support to breast cancer patients and their families, focusing on connection, respite, and hope. Their three flagship offerings are:
1. Week-Long Retreats: Little Pink’s retreats are all-expense-paid vacations to beautiful destinations. These trips give families the rare opportunity to relax, connect, and find comfort alongside other families facing similar challenges. Over 2,000 families have experienced these retreats, leaving with cherished memories and newfound support networks.
2. Boxes of Hope: Delivered directly to patients, these care packages contain items tailored to provide encouragement and practical support, often accompanied by heartfelt messages from loved ones.
3. Children of Hope Scholarship: Recognizing the added financial burden that a cancer diagnosis brings, Little Pink provides college scholarships to children of breast cancer patients. This support has been life-changing for over 60 students, empowering them to pursue their educational dreams despite the challenges they’ve faced at home.
The Power of Partnership with Tap Cancer Out
Funding from Tap Cancer Out has had a direct impact on Little Pink’s ability to make a difference. In 2023, with this support, Little Pink launched a *Travel Assistance Program*, ensuring that no family faced a financial barrier to attending a retreat. This funding has been pivotal in allowing families from all backgrounds to participate, reinforcing Little Pink’s mission to serve everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The partnership has also enabled Little Pink to expand, opening new retreat locations to keep up with increasing demand. “Tap Cancer Out’s funding is crucial to meeting our goals,” Patten-Coble shares, emphasizing that every dollar raised directly supports these vital programs.
A Story of Hope: Ashley’s Retreat Experience
Ashley, a 37-year-old breast cancer patient and mother from California, shared how Little Pink and Tap Cancer Out’s support transformed her outlook during a difficult time. Battling the side effects of chemotherapy, she recalls feeling lost until she received the life-changing news: she’d been selected for a retreat in St. John.
The retreat offered Ashley and her husband a precious opportunity to escape the pressures of treatment. “I was able to forget, get away from the overwhelm of appointments,” Ashley says, “and live in the moment alongside my amazing husband.” Thanks to the travel assistance program, the retreat was stress-free, allowing Ashley and her husband to reconnect and enjoy “completely carefree” time together—memories they will cherish forever.
The Heart of the Work: Supporting Survivors and Their Families
The impact of Little Pink’s work extends beyond retreats. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Patten-Coble expressed the deep fulfillment that comes from walking alongside patients and families. “To be able to listen, hold a hand, and just be in a place of understanding is so important,” she shares. Little Pink’s programs are designed to support the entire family, fostering healing moments that patients and their loved ones carry with them for life.
How You Can Get Involved
For those in the Tap Cancer Out community—jiu-jitsu practitioners, athletes, and supporters—there are many ways to get involved. Little Pink encourages anyone with connections to breast cancer patients to spread the word about their retreats. Additionally, volunteers are always welcome to assist directly with families at retreats across the country. Lastly, every fundraiser’s efforts are deeply appreciated; every dollar raised directly supports families in need of respite and care.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 15 Years of Impact
As Little Pink approaches its 15th anniversary in 2025, they have exciting plans in store. To celebrate, they’re organizing a reunion cruise for volunteers, participants, and supporters—a beautiful way to honor the community they’ve built over the years. They’re also thrilled to announce their expansion to a new retreat location in Telluride, Colorado, their first in the Mountain time zone.
Through heartfelt programs and a commitment to supporting families, Little Pink Houses of Hope is truly changing lives. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to spotlight this incredible partner and the difference they’re making, especially with the support of the Tap Cancer Out community. For families impacted by breast cancer, Little Pink is a reminder that love, hope, and community can help make the journey brighter.