People in the world are feeling a sense of Hopelessness. It seems to be permeating our existence with only 23 days away,  On November 2, LIGHTFEST wants to infuse the message that #HopeHasNotBeenCancelled while giving #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment.

Hearts Break when Hope is Lost

If you think about the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz and what he said, “Now I know I’ve got a heart because it’s breaking.”   Giving HOPE is one way to #HelpHurtingHeartsHeal.

We are fighting to save the health of our country

Beginning with its core – Our Children – a generation of Hope

you + youTH = Today’sHope

When you Light the World with Hope! 

“It ups their self-esteem; it gives them the opportunity to learn something about 

the artistic part of sports and activities.”  ~~Sharon Cecil WDRB-TV Louisville, KY

Join us for a LIGHTFESTival  –   experiencing sports, crafts and other art experiences.

Official Global Sponsor – NULOU – Healthcare, Data, Logistics and Software Solutions

On Saturday, November 2, from 2-4pm, We Survive and Talented Minds will present the 2024 LIGHTFEST, deLIGHTful event. including Basketball deLIGHT and other activities that generate a Light of Hope as we Light the World With Hope.

The event is being hosted by The Delta Foundation located at 2508 Portland Ave, Louisville, KY

LIGHTFEST kicks off Hunger Homeless Awareness Month; Through creative, interactive, entertaining activities participants will be provided. 

·         Education on the importance of civic/social engagement in our communities.   

·        Resources regarding the susceptibility to poverty, hunger andhomelessness in communities.

·        Information regarding the importance of mental health to overall wellbeing.

In 2024, we will be expanding our efforts and creative activities across the globe.

You can help us organize and mobilize by letting everyone you know about LIGHTFEST 2024

Join in and be part of the LIGHTFEST Movement!!!

In 2024 |  will there be more

Let’s go back to 2014 when it was looking as if it had the potential to be We Survive’s last year with Sharon and Moody Cecil at the helm.  With the 20th Anniversary celebration,  it was time to revitalize the organization or conclude the year with a huge finale.

Sharon and Moody Connection

When Sharon moved to Louisville in 1969, I thought it was a temporary situation but Louisville has been my home ever since.  At that time, I also didn’t know that Girl Scouts would become an important part of my life and an organization that influenced who I have become; where I learned about the gift of working with youth and found opportunities to mentoring future leaders.

Moody’s Amazing Vision offered a Guiding Light for many.  He believed that when you give, you are given an opportunity to change lives.  His interests were geared towards being a naturalist.  Moody became a Master Gardener, was the Arbor Day Poster Contest Coordinator for the State of Kentucky and a Forest Stewart.

As cancer survivors, Moody and I combined our talents along with our years of experience in healthcare and volunteering for various organizations throughout the community that lead to the creation of We Survive.

Moody was a fierce champion for both the young and old. With his extraordinary love of nature, it was decided Moody and I would create an organization that would offer health and wellness programming that provided “nurturance in nature.”

We Survive LIGHTFEST Connection  – Youth-driven programming

In 1994, WE SURVIVE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education to the community, break stereotypes, inspire strong youth leaders, and bring hope a gift of empowerment to those they reach. 

In 1997 – LIGHTFEST – held at Churchill Downs – was born from the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.  Several of the girls who helped create the original LIGHTFEST are still involved with programming to this day. 

The following was written by ~Brittany Zinsious Kinder  when she was 15 years old. Her Girl Scout Troop began working with We Survive when they were 11 years old.  

“I promised myself I would push away their past and accept them for who they made themselves to be.  I promised myself to always try to recognize the sense of innocence from which may only be seen from within.” 

I believe what Brittany wrote is something we all learned working with each other and especially working with Moody Cecil. 

2023 Concluded with A two year 25^th Anniversary Celebration of LIGHTFEST

The focus for this celebration was to Showcase Youth.

VolunteerMatch sent an introduction from Alyssa V, a young woman wanting to join the LIGHTFEST team to Light the World with Hope.  He enthusiasm and skills were just what was needed.   

Alyssa’s main goal was to have a project that would help her apply to college and solidify her interest in the field of psychology.  Her strength was in writing but was open to producing art.  She let me know that she was good at making slideshows and marketing flyers that might be helpful in designing educational materials.

Alyssa designed a creative invitation that conveyed the message with graphics and wording that was perfect for the Kick-off event held in July of 2023. 

Basketball deLIGHT

We Survive concluded the 25th Anniversary activities for LIGHTFEST on November 4, 2023,  with a basketball activity coordinated by Phillip Morrison Pro Basketball Skills Trainer  and  Hoops for Christ.

Graphics Created by Mississippi Student Alyssa V.

KINDNESS KAMPAIGN – Illuminating a Better Tomorrow

This project will be a collaborative effort of Sharon Cecil and Alyssa V. along with an advisory board whose members come from a variety of educational backgrounds with a passion for the health and wellness of the community.  

There are those who hold degrees and certifications in  Nursing, Psychology, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Grief Management, Medicine, Business and Education.  

LIGHTFEST 2023 – Basketball deLIGHT

On November 4, 2023, We Survive concluded the 25th Anniversary activities for LIGHTFEST.  A basketball activity coordinated by Phillip Morrison Pro Basketball Skills Trainer  and  Hoops for Christ was held at  Westport Road Baptist Church gym.    

The Purpose of LIGHTFEST 2023 – November 4 Basketball deLIGHT

• Educate on the importance of civic engagement  
• Bring awareness of Poverty to the community
• Inform on the importance of mental health to overall wellbeing

Graphics Created by Mississippi High School Student Alyssa V.

In working with young people, it is obvious there is a sense of Hopelessness  permeating our existence, leading to all sorts of mental and medical consequences. With lives and jobs being lost, mass shootings and suicide statistics increasing in the younger population, bleak outlooks are on the rise. It is important for us to spread a message of hope.

“Sport is, and will always be, connected to art.”

Light the World with Hope! “It ups their self-esteem, it gives them the opportunity to learn something 

about the artistic part of sports and activities.”  ~~Sharon Cecil WDRB-TV Louisville, KY

THANK YOU Volunteers/Volunteer Organizations

LIGHTFEST Ambassadors 

Olivia Bohler – LIGHTFEST Ambassador and LIGHTFEST Spokesperson

Sunshine Joe Mallard – Honorary LIGHTFEST Ambassador 

Hosts

Phillip Morrison

Hoops for Christ

Westport Road Baptist Church

Sponsors

Roosevelt Fenelus – NuLou – website

We Survive has been an ardent believer in providing mentors to our volunteers, giving the opportunity for the mentor and the mentee to change lives while they give back to the community.  Our formula for mentoring has been: “YOU + YOUth = Today’s Hope

“Speaking or writing with Positive Words a Powerful way to promote your idea!”  ~~Linda Surbeck

Words have a powerful place in our world.  When communicating with a mentee, words of encouragement offer #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment.  

Growing Up Female – In 1996, as part of a pilot program developed by Girl Scout USA called “Growing Up Female”, involved meeting with a group of 11-year old Girl Scouts and their leaders, Angela Zinsious and Cheryl Sherrard, presenting a message on health while introducing them on ways of feeling comfortable in their own body and the importance of maintaining good health and a positive attitude.

WOW (Women Offering Wisdom) Begins – Discussion with Angela Zinsious, Girl Scout Troop 1472 

This troop had been together since the girls were Brownie Scouts. Angela called to set a time for the “Growing Up Female” presentation. Their meeting was at Angela’s home because the girls had planned a slumber party after the meeting.  
The topic for this meeting seemed to be a little uncomfortable for the girls.  There was not much eye contact and few words were spoken.
Talking with Angela a few days after the meeting, she said that the girls were up all night talking about their experience and very excited about creating a project for their Girl Scout Silver Award.  

Troop 1472 Accomplishments
Troop 1472 jumped into volunteering with We Survive almost immediately.  Their first  was LIGHTFEST.  Then, the troop became involved with the pilot program for what became to be known as WOW  (Women Offering Wisdom) program that started at Wayside Christian Mission. The girls wanted to use their clowning ministry to help educate about the concepts of what became established as a We Survive Program.  
These girls were instrumental in creating many of WE SURVIVE’s events including the original LIGHTFEST born from the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay held at Churchill Downs in 1997.
They designed educational materials, produced an educational video for WOW.  In 1998, one of their greatest accomplishments was when they planned, promoted and presented  their Women In Touch Luncheon held at Churchill Downs.  

Nina Moseley, COO | Wayside Christian Mission said, “As an observer of the WOW program’s growth from inception, to original implementation with the homeless women and children at Wayside Christian Mission in 1996, I am amazed at the program’s power to positively impact the lives of both young and old in our community.”  
There must have been power in the words during that 1st meeting that encouraged these girls to work so hard for over two years to complete their Silver Award.  

The following young ladies continued to go forward with their efforts. Nikki Sherrard – Arielle Sherrard Corbett         Brittany  Zinsious-Kinder

The next story will focus on what Brittany and Nikki accomplished after they continued with WOW and what they are doing NOW.  You will also be introduced to the mentors and advisors they and other youth in We Survive programming have encountered along the way.
You will learn the importance of these resource books to We Survive Programming

Hope: My Favorite Word

By Sharon Cecil, RN

My  Heart is Full of

 A Gift Of Empowerment

Founded in 1994 by my husband and I, We Survive, Inc. is  a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization providing health and wellness education through innovative programs and events.  

Being cancer experiencers, we wanted to give hope to others.  In 1995, after Byron Crawford wrote an article on We Survive headquarters, it became known as a “Haven of Hope.”  With an emphasis on “Nurturance and Nature,” Day of Hope activities began.

As a Torchbearer for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the youth we had been working with wanted to do something for the community.  In 1997, LIGHTFEST originated at Churchill Downs bringing to life the theme from the 1996 Olympics the Power of the Dream offering inspiration and HOPE.

When  you express Hope innovatively,

you are giving courage for today 

and strength for tomorrow!

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

LIGHTFEST is a time to come together and bring awareness to the issues accompanied by a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.

In the world today, young and old alike can carry a seed of doubt that can make us vulnerable to a sense of Hopelessness and Despair which is permeating our existence, leading to all sorts of mental and medical consequences. With lives and jobs being lost, bleak outlooks are on the rise. It is important for us all to spread this message of hope.

We will continue to Celebrate the 25th LIGHTFEST Anniversary during 2023. During the remainder of 2022 and in 2023, I am asking that everyone around the world help We Survive by being part of the LIGHTFEST Hope Glow movement giving empowerment. #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment

Lighting the World with Hope

Our Mental Health is important to our overall health and wellbeing.  By having conversations and creating activities that stress the importance of our Mental Health we can eradicate the stigma and shame associated with mental Illness.

In the world today, a sense of Hopelessness is permeating our existence, leading to all sorts of mental and medical consequences. With lives and jobs being lost, bleak outlooks are on the rise. It is important for us to all to spread the message of hope.

Volunteers are encouraged to host an event that:

• brings worldwide awareness to the importance of hope.
• opens doors to educate on mental health and the importance of our overall health and wellness.
• engages your community

Ideas for events:

Sports Activities “Purposeful Physical Play“‘

• Basketball games
• Ping Pong tournaments
• Other sports games
• etc.

Creative Arts “Clever Cathartic Creativity”

• Painting Murals
• Creative Writing workshops
• Growing Plants
• Sewing Quilts
• Music Concerts
• etc.

“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow”.  ~~Kurt Vonnegut 

Social Media Support

1. Share the message of Hope on your own Social Media Account
2. LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, REPOST, Re-TWEET, COMMENT on pictures and stories shared
3. When posting to social media please use hashtag #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment and tag us 

Together, giving #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment, we can change people’s lives by showing them there is HOPE in these trying times.

When I moved to Louisville in 1969, I thought it was a temporary situation but Louisville has been my home ever since.  At that time, I also didn’t know that Girl Scouts would become an important part of my life. An organization that influenced who I have become; where I learned about the gift of working with youth and found opportunities to mentor future leaders.

In 1972, having just moved into a new house, not knowing anyone and pregnant, I passed a note in church to a teen sitting behind me asking, “Do you babysit?”   This led to meeting the Osborne family, a family of eight (parents, 5 girls and 1 boy).  The five girls were pretty much the only babysitters my daughter ever knew. Nola Osborne was not only a mother, she was an active member of the community and lived right around the corner.  I looked to her as my mentor.  

Nola introduced me to Girl Scouting.  In 1974, I became her co-leader for Girl Scout Troop 77.  From the beginning, working with these young girls became an important part of who I am.  A turning point for me was during the April 3, 1974 meeting when we had taken the girls to the park. My daughter was at Nola’s house with two of her daughters.  All of a sudden, the sky became dark, there was a strange stillness, the sirens were blaring and the wind began to pick up more and more. I was scared. Nola knew what to do and made it feel like an adventure.  At this moment in time,  “the Louisville Metro Area experienced part of the worst tornado outbreak in United States history.” ~~ Courier Journal  

Nola was calm, confident and reassuring that we would ALL be Safe! WE were!!!

When my daughter became a Brownie in Girl Scouts, I took over the Troop and worked with the girls until 1985.  Then, I transitioned to advocacy with involvement in committees and being a part of new initiates for girls while returning to college.  I received an art degree and successfully became an RN while battling breast cancer over the next 5 years.  

In 1990, I began doing community wellness programming for the American Cancer Society and Kentucky Cancer Program in the high schools while continuing my advocacy with Girl Scouting with their pilot program “Growing Up Female,” a part of the Kentuckiana Girl Scout Program Box.  I mentored young women who were working to achieve their Silver, Bronze and Gold Awards.

1994 was a big milestone for my husband Moody and I, when we co-founded We Survive (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) creating a Haven of Hope for young people and families providing activities that centered around Creative Expression.  https://wesurvive.org/creative-expression/

WOW (Women Offering Wisdom)  Program

Sharon (Wells) McKean WOW Team Member says, “We Survive’s programming provided tools that helped us (Women Offering Wisdom) create transformational and inspirational societal changes with our health and wellness educational programs.  Writing, art, publishing and creating media pieces (magazines, books, pamphlets, press releases, etc.) was a wonderful learning opportunity. These experiential activities helped me become a more effective communicator and leader.”   Sharon is now a business leader in her community.

Laura Adams wrote, “What the Gold Means to Me” stating, “After all, Girl Scouts are about more than just selling cookies!.”  https://wesurvive.org/WOW/whatthegoldmeanstome.htm

The Golden Years
Having reached what people call your Golden Years, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue with We Survive or LIGHTFEST (an annual event promoting HOPE).  Then, a young woman reminded me how important it is to continue to give voice to our youth and empower them to be whatever it is they want to be in life.