100 Acts of Care: A Community Comes Together for Mothers Navigating Cancer

At Caring for Mama, community care is at the heart of everything we do - especially when it comes to creating cancer care packages that support mothers during some of life’s most challenging moments.

A beautiful example of this came to life during a care box packing event in San Diego, where volunteers gathered at StillSpace Wellness Center to assemble 100 thoughtfully curated cancer care packages for moms navigating cancer while raising young children. Each Brighter Days box was designed to offer comfort, emotional support, and a gentle reminder that these mothers are not alone.

The afternoon was filled with intention, connection, and a shared belief that no mother should have to move through the hardest seasons of her life without feeling seen and supported.

This event was made possible through the generosity of Target and LUÜN Sweden, with funding distributed through the Caring Fund, fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, and through a meaningful partnership with Bright Spot Network.

Care Boxes Filled With Meaningful Support

Each of the cancer care packages assembled during the event was thoughtfully curated with intention and care, recognizing the unique emotional and physical challenges moms face while navigating cancer treatment.

These care boxes were designed to provide moments of comfort, encouragement, and relief - whether through soothing self-care items, practical essentials, or small reminders that someone is thinking of them. For mothers balancing treatment appointments, parenting responsibilities, and everyday life, these thoughtful touches can make a meaningful difference.

More than just a collection of items, each care package represented compassion, community, and the understanding that support goes beyond words. It was a way to show moms navigating cancer that they are seen, valued, and never alone.

Here is what went inside each box:

• ESTAS Beauty Daily Dose Scar Cream Serum - Founders Cristina Beltran and Alejandra Thompson built ESTAS (Every Scars Tells A Story) Beauty to make scar care more compassionate and visible. The serum-cream blend helps brighten, hydrate, and support the healing of new and old scars.
• GoodOnya Organic Hydration - Created by former Olympic athlete Kris Buchanan, GOODONYA Organic Hydration was born from her search for a cleaner, more natural way to stay hydrated. It is a mineral-rich electrolyte mix made with simple, organic ingredients and no dyes or chemicals.
• Lavish Aromatherapy Lip Balm - Created by Carly Hansen, the lip balm is packed with pure vitamin E, olive oil, virgin Shea butter and meadowfoam flower seed to nurture and heal even the most chapped lips.
• Big Heart Tea Co. "Cup of Sunshine" Tea - A warm, grounding turmeric and ginger blend designed to support both body and spirit. Big Heart Tea Co. was founded by Lisa Govro, and her tea was chosen for its ability to comfort, soothe, and make space for a quiet moment of rest.
• Ear Seeds + Mini Course - A set of ear seeds paired with a short, accessible course by Dr. Morgan Zapalac of EAST & WEST Functional Family Medicine & Acupuncture to support stress relief, balance, and relaxation. Included as a gentle tool for emotional grounding and holistic well-being.
• LuxCare Clothing $25 Gift Card - A contribution from a company founded by Paloma Soledad, a stage 4 cancer survivor who creates soft, adaptive clothing for post-treatment comfort. This gift card allows each mom to choose what feels best for her treatment and healing journey.
• Bright Spot Network Educational Materials - Printed and digital support materials created specifically for moms navigating cancer with young children by co-founders, moms and cancer survivors, Haley Pollack and Aimee Barnes. These resources were included to help mothers feel informed, supported, and less alone.
• Brave Like Mom Book by Monica Acker - A heartfelt children’s book written from the perspective of a child whose mother is facing illness. Added to help families open conversations, reduce fear, and bring a sense of connection and understanding into the home.
• Nourish Me Kitchen Book Set by Dr. Erika Siegel - A free digital download of a collection of nutrition-focused recipes and healing guidance from a naturopathic doctor and mama. Included to offer simple, supportive recipes during a challenging season when nourishment can feel overwhelming.
• LUUN Sweden 30% Discount - A Scandinavian design house creating handcrafted wellness accessories inspired by Nordic tradition. 

A Moment of Connection

Among the volunteers was Prairie Park, a breast cancer survivor and Bright Spot Network community member. Prairie shared parts of her story as a mom navigating cancer, offering an honest and deeply personal look at the fear, exhaustion, strength, and hope that shape her experience.

She also spoke about the support she received during her own journey, and how meaningful it felt to give back by helping other mothers now walking a similar path.

Her presence grounded everyone in the room and served as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. In moments like these, care becomes more than support - it becomes a lifeline for someone carrying more than most people will ever understand.

The Caring Fund in Action

This gathering marked the first collaborative project supported through The Caring Fund, Caring for Mama’s charitable arm. The Caring Fund, fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, allows organizations, brands, and community members to make tax-deductible contributions that help support care-box projects for mothers in need. 

Through this initiative, the event set a meaningful foundation for what’s possible when care is approached collectively. It highlighted how powerful collaborative care can be, and how much impact is created when aligned partners come together with love, intention, and a shared commitment to supporting mothers navigating difficult seasons.

How You Can Help Spread More Care

There are a few simple and meaningful ways to help keep this work moving forward and continue supporting moms navigating cancer and other life-changing challenges.

1. Share this story

Send this post to someone who could use hope, encouragement, or a gentle reminder of the power of community care. Sharing this story helps extend awareness and support to moms who are quietly carrying so much.

2. Shop with heart

Every Caring for Mama purchase now gives back. Whether you’re gifting a mama friend, supporting a caregiver, or offering comfort through a thoughtful care package, your purchase helps deliver real care to moms navigating hardship. Shop With Heart

3. Support the Caring Fund directly

If you feel called to help grow this impact, contributions of any size are warmly welcomed year-round. Donations to the Caring Fund help support future care-box projects for mothers in need. Give to the Caring Fund

Why This Matters

Watching volunteers fold tissue paper, carefully place each item, and write notes of encouragement was a powerful reminder of how simple and impactful community care can be.

These 100 Brighter Days cancer care packages represent 100 moments of comfort, connection, and acknowledgment for mothers who often feel unseen during their hardest moments.

And that is the heart of Caring for Mama.