Beyond October Initiative

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Beyond October Initiative

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Genetic Testing •Holistic Wellness Counseling •Preventative Health Engagement •Home of the Pink Lotus Network🪷

📍SE Colorado Springs, CO

10/06/2026

We are so thankful to host this walk for the second year in a row🎀

We’d love your support this year in making our 2nd Annual Pink Bow Walk a success, it is open to everyone to participate🎀

The purpose of the Pink Bow Walk is to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of breast cancer on women of color and to acknowledge local survivors and our loved ones who have passed from breast cancer. Together we walk in solidarity for every woman we know who has walked the journey of a survivor. 🎀🙏🏾

Come pretty in pink, topped off with an amazing Pink Bow to honor our theme🎀👸🏽💕

Please share and if you or someone you know is a survivor we’d love to get in touch to share some exclusive offerings to support their survivorship journey. Please email us at [email protected] for more information or to RSVP your group’s participation.🎀✨

07/26/2026

We are excited to partner with Image Reborn Foundation to provide our Pink Lotus Network with the chance to participate in cost free annual wellness retreats here in Colorado. ⛰️🧘🏽‍♀️🎀

Healing happens in community and intentional connection over a wellness oriented weekend focused on restorative healing, peace and joy is just what cancer survivors need to thrive in their recovery process.

Thank you to Laura and the Image Reborn Colorado affiliates for this phenomenal opportunity! We look forward to working with you in the years to come! 🎀⛰️🧘🏽‍♀️🙏🏾✨💕

Do you know a woman of color in Colorado Springs who is a breast cancer survivor? We would LOVE to connect her with our Pink Lotus Network! Contact us at [email protected] for information on our resources and upcoming events🎀

05/17/2026

Last week was the initiation of our Mustard Seed of Hope Project! Our first installation was donated to Food to Power in southeast Colorado Springs a beacon of food justice in action in the historic Hillside neighborhood.

These mustard seeds of hope are meant to inspire and encourage our neighbors who visit our local food pantries. While not a grand gesture, the purpose is to show that a small act of kindness can speak volumes. There is always something to show gratitude for and we affirm that there will be better days ahead, regardless of the challenges we all face in life.

If you’re able, all of our food pantries are in need of dedicated volunteers. Check out Food to Power’s website to register and sign up as a volunteer! They will soon be preparing for their Annual Harvest Festival which could really use your heart and compassion in helping to make it a great success! Link in our bio for more information. 🥕🥬🧄🧅🥦🫑🥔🥒🍇🥑❤️

04/02/2026

Last night our Pink Lotus Network was able to participate in a intentional cooking course focused around cancer prevention and nutrition hosted by Cortney Smith who is owner of Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop in Colorado Springs, Colorado✨

Our network of survivors and their caregivers were able to learn about how anti cancer herbs, fruits, vegetables and mindful recipes can contribute to overall wellbeing and help fight and prevent cancer.💪🏾🌿

We would like to thank the survivors and caregivers who attended, our amazing host Cortney Smith and the entire Gather Food Studio Family! We are so fortunate to partner with you to help bring preventative lifestyle awareness to our local community. Thank you for hosting and educating us while giving us tools we can use beyond the event to elevate meals with our families and friends.🙏🏾🥹

Last but certainly not least, we would also like to extend our gratitude to the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Xi Kappa Zeta Chapter whose donation to our Pink Lotus Network made this event possible for our survivors. 🪷🕊️💙 Thank you ladies for your solidarity and encouragement in creating safe and culturally aware wellness spaces for women of color to heal and thrive beyond a cancer diagnosis. 🙏🏾

Want to know more about our Pink Lotus Network? Feel free to contact us for more information at [email protected] 🪷

03/19/2026

What an awesome time we had at Sue's Gift - Gynecologic Cancer Support Toast to Teal fundraiser on last Friday! Thank you for the invite and for your continued service to women impacted by gynecological cancers in the greater Colorado Springs community.🩵

03/05/2026

Meet Doris Ekanem-Carmichael, MHA!🪷

Doris is the liaison for all things Pink Lotus Network and also serves on the board of the Beyond October Foundation as the Director of Technology and Innovation. Doris holds a BS in Healthcare Administration and Management from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of La Verne.

Her passion for preventative wellness and health equity along with over 10 years of experience in patient care coordination will help us to connect local survivors with preventative wellness events, goods and services in alignment in our mission to thrive!🪷

Please help us Welcome Doris to our team!💕🎉🙌🏾🎀

To learn more about our Pink Lotus Network, to join the Pink Lotus Network or to donate goods, services, or activities for our survivors in the Pink Lotus Network, please contact Doris by emailing [email protected] 🪷 Your donations to Girl’s Breast Friend go directly back into our community through this network and help to keep our quarterly events free for survivors and their caregivers.💕🙏🏾

03/05/2026

This quarter our Pink Lotus Network will be participating in a cooking class courtesy of Gather Food Studio & Spice Shop!

Eat the Rainbow: Cooking for Cancer Health

Food can be powerful and joyful, during and after treatment! In this hands on class, we’ll explore how colorful, plant-forward meals can support overall wellness while still being deeply satisfying and full of flavor. Our survivors will learn how different pigments in fruits and vegetables offer unique benefits and how to build balanced plates that feel comforting, vibrant and doable at home. This class focuses on anti-inflammatory ingredients, cooking techniques and bold flavors that celebrate eating well without feeling restricted. Led by Gather Food Studio owner Cortney Smith.

On the Menu:

Chicken, Fresh Berry & Kale Salad with Turmeric Ginger Vinaigrette – bright, antioxidant-rich, and refreshing

Coconut Curry Salmon with Thai Peanut Broccoli Slaw – omega-3s & sulforaphane meet crave-worthy spice

Three Sisters Tacos with Purple Sweet Potato Tortillas – highlighting the antioxidant power of purple vegetables, known for supporting cellular health

Rosemary & Polenta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – compounds support immune health and overall resilience, while delivering deep, savory comfort.

Gather Food Studio is a welcoming, hands on cooking school and culinary gathering space dedicated to building confidence in the kitchen. Through approachable classes, seasonal menus, and thoughtful instruction, they help home cooks of all skill levels learn techniques that feel empowering and doable. From wellness-focused cooking and high-altitude baking to global flavors and family-friendly classes, Gather believes good food brings people together. At its heart, the studio is about connection, learning, cooking, and gathering around the table.❤️

Address

2011 W. Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO
80904

Website

https://girlsbreastfriend.creator-spring.com/

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