The Karen Wellington Foundation is on a Mission for Mental Health

A cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is difficult enough to endure, let alone the hidden mental health battles that come with it.

To help, the locally-founded Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) is here support the mental health of cancer patients and their families by putting a smile on the faces of those affected by this awful disease. And in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we're learning a little more about their mission.

As the self-proclaimed "anti-cancer, cancer foundation" KWF's mission is quite unique. "Unlike other breast cancer organizations, we do not focus on finding a cure. It's not that we don't want one. In fact, nothing would make us happier than if we went out of business due to a shortage of women LIVING with cancer," says Angeline Wellington of the Karen Wellington Foundation. "To put it simply we believe our talents lie elsewhere. And when it comes to a label, KWF is more of a mental health organization than a cancer nonprofit."

Wellington says they believe that there is immense power in the art of just taking a break. “The Karen Wellington Foundation puts FUN on the calendars of women and families living with breast cancer by sending them on special vacations, relaxing spa days, to concerts, and other fun-only activities,” she explains.

Oftentimes, when someone is diagnosed with cancer, the last thing on their mind is self-care when they have treatments and schedules to take care of. Also, cancer treatments leave you feeling less than your best, so it’s not always easy to get out and do something fun and good for you.

“That’s where we come in,” says Wellington. “We take the reins, book the fun, and make sure the women and their families are set for rest and relaxation. The only thing our recipients need to worry about is leaving cancer in the rearview and focusing on creating lasting memories.”

Wellington says that the vision of the organization is to celebrate all women, no matter what the situation. “Every woman living with cancer deserves a break,” she says. “We welcome you with open arms and the promise of getting some much-deserved fun on your calendar.”

While the focus at the KWF is to support women living with cancer, it gives a significant focus to mental health. “We care deeply about the mental health of the women we serve,” says Wellington. “In fact, it’s why we started this mission in the first place.”

To learn more about the Karen Wellington Foundation, visit here. You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. Click here to nominate someone you know living with breast cancer for a gift of fun.