WILLIAMSBURG — Supporting cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers and those grieving is the mission of the Kelly Weinberg Foundation (KWF).
Started 16 years ago, the local nonprofit foundation was created to honor the life of Kelly Weinberg, a dedicated former active-duty military police officer who battled brain cancer not once, but twice.
As Kelly’s widow, Bridget, struggled to come to terms with the loss, she found a calling in assisting others in their time of grief.
“I tried a bunch of different groups and just couldn’t find one that was a good fit that I could connect to,” explained Bridget, who initially thought about opening a local Gilda’s Club — a support organization named after comedian Gilda Radner, who passed from ovarian cancer.
“I wanted something that would serve the whole cancer community. And, after some thought, I decided to start our organization and honor Kelly. Really, it was part of my grief, I think,” said Bridget.
The Kelly Weinberg Foundation, a nonprofit organization, offers support, encouragement and love to those battling cancer, as well as their loved ones, through support groups and activities that offer camaraderie and connection.
Grief and support groups are facilitated by trained volunteers and anyone experiencing loss — survivors, family members, friends or caregivers — are encouraged to join, at no cost.
Virtual and in-person support groups, as well as a monthly yoga class, are available. Those wishing to participate are asked to connect with the foundation directly for dates and times.
One-on-one support is also available.
Looking to expand and find new ways to reach the community, the foundation is hosting an “Evening with a Medium… A Bridge to the Beyond” with David Allen Brown and Trudy Jo Brown at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 6-8 p.m. A limited number of tickets are on sale for $45 and benefit the foundation.
