1. What inspired you to support Be Resilient? 

Madi Matthews is the founder of Be Resilient and our daughter-in-law. After seeing first hand what she and our son went through when they received her cancer diagnosis at such a young age, we were inspired by her determination, fortitude and kindness in wanting to help others in similar situations. This motivated us to see her vision and provide support in any way we can (financially, fun-raising, donations, etc.).

2. What does “resilience” mean to you? 

Resilience means being able to withstand the storm, still survive and come out the other side. Resilience is being strong, positive and hopeful when you are faced with challenges. Resilience is never giving up!

3. If you could say one thing to someone going through cancer, what would it be? 

We would tell anyone going through cancer to fight, be strong, be positive and hopeful. It's also okay to lean on friends and family during this time. Let them know what you need and don't be afraid to ask for help or assistance. You will get through this!

1. What inspired you to support Be Resilient? 

Madi inspired me!! After learning my niece was diagnosed with breast cancer, watching her go through treatment, the mental anguish, surgery yet living her life to the fullest to me was a huge definition of “Being resilient”! Thereafter she started “Be Resilient!” 

2. What does “resilience” mean to you? 

Resilience, to me, means the ability to face difficulty, stress, or hardship ….and still keep going. It's not about never falling down, but about getting back up, learning from the experience, and adapting. It’s the mental, emotional, and sometimes physical strength that allows a person to endure challenges and emerge stronger or wiser because of them.

Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending things are fine when they’re not—it’s about acknowledging hardship while refusing to be defined or defeated by it. It can look like quiet perseverance, tough choices, or simply showing up again after a setback.

3. If you could say one thing to someone going through cancer, what would it be? 

Everyone’s journey is different, but knowing that you don’t have to carry it all by yourself can make a difference. Whether it’s leaning on others, allowing yourself to rest, or just making it through the next moment…that’s courage too.

1. What inspired you to support Be Resilient? 

I’m supporting Be Resilient because as an Ob-Gyn physician for over 20 years, I’ve cared for young women with cancer. The needs and concerns of my young cancer patients are different than most others. Be Resilient fills that gap and provides much-needed support and services, and camaraderie for them.

2. What does “resilience” mean to you? 

Resilience means powering on. It’s seeing obstacles as opportunities, mistakes as experience, and that failure does not exist if you’ve put your heart into it. 

3. If you could say one thing to someone going through cancer, what would it be? 

You’ll have your good days, you’ll have your bad days, but you will always have people rooting for you!

1. What inspired you to support Be Resilient? 

We were blessed to meet Madi because she became friends with our daughter Jordan who is also a teacher.  We were inspired by Madi herself as she told us one day on the deck about her vision to create Be Resilient!  I was a little blown away by her determination to find a way to help young cancer patients, because she was planning her non profit at the same time she was facing treatment and making life changing decisions for herself.  We knew that day, we would do whatever we could to support her mission for Be Resilient!

2. What does “resilience” mean to you? 

Resilience means waking up every day knowing today is going to be a wonderful day!  And when you are faced with the hard stuff you push through knowing there will be something better on the other side!

3. If you could say one thing to someone going through cancer, what would it be? 

Rich’s advice as a cancer survivor is to stay away from the “Doomsday” messages on google!
Sandy’s message - you are not alone!  Look for and lean on those people who make you feel better❤️

1. What inspired you to support Be Resilient? 

Be Resilient was founded by a good college friend of ours. While we’d do anything to support those we love, it’s a cause that’s easy to get behind. Cancer is unfortunately a disease that is all too relevant in our world and an evil that impacts everyone, in one way or another. Backing an organization with a strong leadership and meaningful mission is a no brainer!

2. What does “resilience” mean to you? 

Resilience means getting knocked down 99 times and getting up 100. Resilience means facing some of this world’s toughest hardships and not accepting failure as an option. Resilience means being dealt an unfair hand and refusing to quit. Resilience means taking your lumps, and coming back stronger.

3. If you could say one thing to someone going through cancer, what would it be? 

You’re not alone. You can do hard things. Put your faith in God and fight like hell!