Beloved: Bridal Shop Turned into A Nonprofit
Photograph by : Kristina Yorks
Southern California based photographer.
In the blink of an eye, our lives can change forever. For the founders of Beloved Foundation, the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their loved ones transformed their lives and ignited a mission to help families facing the daunting financial, emotional, and educational challenges of cancer. This is the story of how a non-profit bridal shop, Beloved Couture Bridal, was born out of love and compassion, offering a lifeline to cancer patients and their caregivers.
The inception of the Beloved Foundation found its roots in a deeply personal journey. One of its founders, Jennifer Talbert Miller, received a devastating diagnosis in 2001 when her mother was diagnosed with triple-negative stage 3 breast cancer. It was a heart-wrenching moment, but it also marked a profound turning point. The fragility of life became unmistakably clear, and the decision was made to cherish every moment with her mother. Through the blessing of a skilled oncologist, aggressive treatment, her mother's unwavering positivity, and faith, she managed to survive. Tragically, her mother passed away in 2018, but her legacy lives on through this extraordinary initiative.
Kerri, the co-founder of the Beloved Foundation, experienced a similar heart-wrenching moment when her own mother, Kathy, was diagnosed with cancer. This resonated deeply with her friend Jennifer. However, their optimism faded when, a year later, the cancer returned, taking a dire turn, eventually reaching a terminal stage. The prospect of Kathy not being there for Kerri's wedding or to hold her children was a heavy burden. At this point, Kerri had been juggling both work and attending every appointment and surgery, but they knew her mom would require more intensive care, which Kerri wanted to provide. Unfortunately, the accumulating costs of cancer care and everyday bills made it impossible.
As Jennifer listened to Kerri's updates on her mother's condition, she couldn't help but recall her own experiences with cancer and her desire to stay by her mother’s side. She could only imagine how that feeling must have been multiplied for Kerri, knowing there was not much time left. When Kerri expressed her uncertainty about how to care for her mom full-time and pay her bills, Jennifer realized that they had the means to provide Kerri with the financial freedom she needed to focus on her mom. In an incredible act of compassion, Kerri was offered her old position at the bridal salon, with a unique twist. Instead of working, she was paid to stay at home with her mother during those precious last weeks.
On October 3, 2006, Kerri was by her mother's side as she took her last breaths, with the peace of mind that she had done everything possible to care for her. It was in this poignant moment that the Beloved Foundation and Beloved Couture Bridal were born. It only made sense to have a store that could support the families of the foundation, just as the store had supported Kerri during those challenging months.
Photograph by : Kristina Yorks
Southern California based photographer.
Beloved Foundation's Mission
The Beloved Foundation is on a mission to create a positive and lasting impact on cancer patients and their devoted caregivers in the community. The organization's focus centers on three critical areas:
Financial Support: The Beloved Foundation provides crucial financial grants to families facing a crisis due to cancer. These grants cover essential needs like rent, utilities, medical co-pays, respite care services, and cancer care kits for low-income patients.
Emotional Support: Dealing with cancer takes a profound emotional toll. The Beloved Foundation offers paid counseling sessions with licensed marriage and family therapists. They also provide an art-based support group called CLIMB for children whose parents or guardians have been diagnosed with cancer.
Educational Support: The Beloved Foundation distributes financial assistance resource booklets to hospitals and oncology centers and hosts an annual symposium for oncology social workers to connect them with available resources in the community, alleviating stress on patients and their families.
Why Financial Grants Matter
Cancer not only takes a toll on health but also on finances. Shockingly, research shows that people diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer are 80% more likely to file for bankruptcy than the average American. The financial grants provided by the Beloved Foundation are a lifeline for families facing eviction or utility shutoff, providing valuable time with loved ones and enhancing the patient's quality of life.
Join the Beloved Foundation
The Beloved Foundation stands as a shining example of love and compassion in action. By supporting their mission, you have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of cancer patients and their dedicated caregivers in your community. Together, we can help alleviate the burden on these families, offering hope, support, and a chance to focus on life beyond cancer.
To learn more or get involved, visit the Beloved Foundation's website and become a part of this extraordinary journey toward a brighter future for those affected by cancer.