PRESIDENT

Hi! I’m Laura, one of the founders of Brightly Living. On paper, I am a mom of 5 with a degree in early childhood education and a yoga teacher certification. I am a stage 3 breast cancer survivor, a foster/adoptive mom, and a special needs (autism) mom. I love hiking, reading, yoga, and dancing.

And then if you know me in real life, you will know I feel big, live passionately, and can’t ever seem to get the dishes done or the laundry folded. I struggle with anxiety each day, but my love of learning and growth is bigger than my anxiety so I have learned to do things nervous and scared (with lots of time in between to recharge and recenter myself). I drive with my music too loud and dance in the car at stop lights. I’m super competitive when I play board games. I have a deep love of nature, family, life and God. I run out of energy quickly and so I rely on a daily power nap. I believe one of my gifts is to bring people together. I try each day to do something to move my body, move my mind, and move my soul. I live by the motto “I can do hard things.”

My greatest wish is for everyone to know their worth and their value. And to know they are not alone.

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Hi. I’m Buffy. I have been married to my husband since 1997. We have 3 amazing children, whom we adopted from birth. Our family is a rainbow of colors and identities. I am a pediatric Physician Assistant, a stage 1 breast cancer survivor, BRIP1 mutant, skin cancer survivor, medically fascinating, yogi addict, amateur ballroom dancer, Impact One ambassador. I am a strong advocate of living our best lives now, trying new experiences and living outside our comfort zones. My favorite quote is “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s learning to dance in the rain.”

SECRETARY

Hey there! I’m Jaime. I love Jesus, my family—including my sweet Boxer Torii, and Baseball! If I am not at home, I’m at a baseball field somewhere. Some people think I’m funny, my family thinks I’m corny, either way I love to make people laugh. Spending time outdoors is relaxing and helps me recharge. Burying my toes in the sand and hearing the waves crash on the shore is my all time favorite and helps bring me peace.

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in March of 2020. It has been hard to navigate my new normal through treatment and now survivorship. I was scared in the beginning, but having a strong community of family and friends meant I didn’t have to do “scared” alone. Going through treatment and surgery also brought new ailments and frustrations. Depression and anxiety reared its ugly head. Trauma and triggers from the diagnosis and treatment held me back from moving on. Through prayer and therapy, I have found a way to move “through” the trauma that cancer caused. I have also learned being a breast cancer patient does not define me. It is not my life story; it is only a part of my journey. I am learning there is more beauty to see, more love to give, and more laughter to bring. Going through cancer has taught me to use my voice more and advocate for what’s important to me. I’m learning that my purpose in my pain is to help others use their voice and navigate survivorship.