Things I Love

Bridge to Excellence: My Post-Cancer Project

I have something rather personal to share with you. It’s taken me a while to think about how — or even if — to share this.

It’s been a while since I last sent an e- newsletter. Or posted to do good‘s Facebook page.

And I want to tell you why, but also share what I’m doing about it.

Being transferred to Northwestern Hospital for emergency colon surgery

In June of 2022, I was diagnosed with the most aggressive and hardest to fight breast cancer one can get: Triple Negative (TNBC). When someone gets such a diagnosis, most enter a state of shock. That happened to me. I also have severe Medical PTSD from my childhood days. As a result, I have a terror of medical institutions, personnel, equipment — the whole shebang. I literally fall to pieces even thinking about medical encounters. This condition made my diagnosis and treatment nearly unimaginable and incredibly difficult.

Over the course of 20 months — nearly 2 years — I had more complications than I can count or care to rememeber. I looked death in the eye 4 times and told it to to, well, you know. I faced it all: chemo, surgery, and radiation. Due to infections, I also got an ostomy, then thank heavens had it reversed last December. I had 9 drains to clear dangerous infections. I lost my hair. I have 25″ of scarring on my breast and abdomen. My husband lost his job (they actually fired him after learning about my cancer — I mean, really?). I nearly lost my mind.

But here I am. I fought it. I kicked cancer’s butt. It’s behind me now. And I’m still standing (about an inch shorter from the rigors, but as feisty as ever)!

Being bedridden for as long as I was gave me a lot of time to ponder life. My place in it. And how — if I lived through the thing — I would continue to give back.

The good news? I’m back, and back to my do good work full-time! And to celebrate my recovery, I’m doing something special — FOR YOU!

Interested? Apply by March 25!

Enter the BRIDGE TO EXCELLENCE program: 3 exclusive 10-hours of FREE training and coaching opportunities!

Each awarded Bridge to Excellence consultancy consists of 10 hours of free consulting-coaching-training and work time for 3 selected nonprofits or start-ups. This could include Zooms, phone calls, on-site visits (based on location), behind the scenes work (editing copy, designing flyers, etc.), or phoned/emailed questions.

If your organization needs advice, a sounding board, or a helping hand with an issue or idea, Bridge to Excellence is for you. We can talk through frustrations, brainstorm ideas, or collaborate on how best to address needs. You name it. We can talk fundraising. Crisis management. Communications. Budget woes. You name it.

I’m only offering 3 10-hour Bridge to Excellency consultantcy slots. Here’s how to apply: Write me a letter of application outlining your organization, its needs, why you need my help, and what you hope to accomplish in our time together — and accomplish after we’re done. Tell me who from your group will participate in the Bridge to Excellence program. Remember I LOVELOVELOVE story-based communications, so use that to your advantage. Send me any length of letter — just make every word (or image) count. You should also share where you are in your nonprofit journey: a formal 501c3, a start-up, or a dream on the brink of blooming.

Post-cancer victory celebration with my husband and wonderful caregiver, Tom

Email your letter to me, but do it before the submission deadline of March 25.

I’ll review submissions and make my decision on the 3 winning organizations on March 29. The Bridge to Excellence program will take place across the months of April and May, so be sure your timeline works out for this allotment of time (and acknowledge this in your application letter).

Embracing a new day and new lease on life,
–Laura Huth-Rhoades

PS. I’ll appreciate all submissions for Bridge to Excellence, but will only be selecting the best 3 applications. Applying does not convey award, but does mean I love you! 🙂

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My Latest Fav:

10 Easy To-Do’s.
Trust me, I know. When you work for a nonprofit, most weeks you’re hard-pressed to find a spare minute. But it’s never been more critical to find ways to build authentic relationships with those who give time, talent, and treasure to your cause.

Here are 10 easy – and high-impact – things you can do in just 10 minutes a week. Do them and in under 9 hours a year you’ll create more committed donors, more engaged volunteers, stronger staff members, and more joyful board and committee members!

Enjoy and do good – better!
– Laura Huth-Rhoades 

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PAST FAVS:

10 Simple Things.
What do you think would happen if you asked your organization’s donors and supporters to do 10 more things for you? You’d think they’d run for the hills, right?

I think you might be wrong.

I compiled 10 Simple Things: 10 easy and no-cost ideas that those who support your nonprofit can do in less than 5 minutes – and without spending one dime – to help you grow your nonprofit. What if everyone could help just a little bit more? Now they can with these easy and inspiring ideas!

Enjoy and do good – better!
– Laura Huth-Rhoades