Remembering Jimmie Thompson

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Jimmie Thompson, Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank’s very first volunteer.

Jimmie was the very first person who showed up to help me start this food bank. With a humble heart, he faithfully served for over 15 years, personally delivering food to our clients’ doors and embodying the very mission of Making A Difference Foundation. His dedication and kindness touched countless lives and laid the foundation for the work we continue today.

 

Jimmie was truly one of God’s greatest blessings to MADF, and his legacy of service will live on in every act of compassion we extend to others. Please keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

 

With gratitude and sorrow,

Ahndrea Blue 

President & CEO

Making A Difference Foundation

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a trigger — 31 days in the fall of pink-ribbon reminders of a disease that forever changed them. For others, it’s a chance to show their support for the more than 2 million women around the world who are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Understanding the goals behind the global campaign and the emotions felt by the many different people living with the disease may help you decide if and how you want to commemorate the month.

 

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:

In the month of October, there are also specific dates designed to raise awareness of specific groups within the breast cancer community. 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13)

October 13 is nationally recognized in the U.S. as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 168,000 women in the U.S. are estimated to have metastatic breast cancer (cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body). Some researchers believe this number will rise to over 246,000 living with the disease by 2030. Despite the growing numbers of people living with metastatic disease, most money for breast cancer research doesn’t go toward studying it

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day seeks to educate the public about the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face and the need for more research — and more treatments — for this deadly disease. 

The day also serves as a reminder that people can do all the right things — breast cancer screenings and all the recommended treatments for early-stage breast cancer — and still have cancer spread to other parts of the body. As sf-cakes, a member of the Breastcancer.org Community, shared, “Being stage IV during Breast Cancer Awareness Month sucks. All the messaging about ‘if you catch it early, you’ll be fine,’ is simply not always true.”

Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17–23)

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people.

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Source: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a trigger — 31 days in the fall of pink-ribbon reminders of a disease that forever changed them. For others, it’s a chance to show their support for the more than 2 million women around the world who are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Understanding the goals behind the global campaign and the emotions felt by the many different people living with the disease may help you decide if and how you want to commemorate the month.

 

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:

In the month of October, there are also specific dates designed to raise awareness of specific groups within the breast cancer community. 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13)

October 13 is nationally recognized in the U.S. as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 168,000 women in the U.S. are estimated to have metastatic breast cancer (cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body). Some researchers believe this number will rise to over 246,000 living with the disease by 2030. Despite the growing numbers of people living with metastatic disease, most money for breast cancer research doesn’t go toward studying it

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day seeks to educate the public about the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face and the need for more research — and more treatments — for this deadly disease. 

The day also serves as a reminder that people can do all the right things — breast cancer screenings and all the recommended treatments for early-stage breast cancer — and still have cancer spread to other parts of the body. As sf-cakes, a member of the Breastcancer.org Community, shared, “Being stage IV during Breast Cancer Awareness Month sucks. All the messaging about ‘if you catch it early, you’ll be fine,’ is simply not always true.”

Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17–23)

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people.

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Source: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.

Today, the Latino population in the United States is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

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Source: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month

Ahndrea Blue: South Sound Citizen of the Year Award

May 21, 2025

Ahndrea Blue, CEO: Wins The Tacoma Black Fund Award

Words from the CEO:

The sentiment of joy fills me as I type this email to you. The memories of last night still hang fresh and vivid in my mind, stirring a heart full of gratitude and unparalleled happiness within me. Your presence at the Black Fund Gala was not only supportive but also a sight I will forever cherish. You all looked exceptionally beautiful, an epitome of elegance and grace. Thank you for standing by my side and embodying the true spirit of unity that our team holds.

The magnificence of the Gala is something I believe we will all carry close to our hearts; it was simply breathtaking and elegant beyond words, much akin to every one of you.

I am consumed by the honor I feel, being fortunate enough to lead such an incredible group of individuals. Your support, effort, and talent do not go unseen, and I am truly humbled by your continual dedication.

Thank you once again for sharing the memorable evening with me and for consistently contributing to our collective success.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS, ONE PERSON AT A TIME

Making A Difference Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization with the mission to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, by helping them acquire the most basic needs: food, housing, encouragement, and opportunity. We have grown from providing scholarships and funding for third world humanitarian mission to direct services to clients in the Puget Sound region of Washington with several dynamic programs including: Eloise’s Cooking Pot (ECP) Food Bank, home delivery food service, ECP Garden, Blair’s Sanctuary Garden, Nurturer Program, Children’s Snack/Literacy program, Transitions Backpack Program for the homeless, Joy Box ministries, and the Home for Veterans program. Regardless of service, the focus of MADF is on meeting the needs of individuals and families in a direct and meaningful way.

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Making a Difference Foundation

HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Homes for Veterans
Joy Box Ministry
College Scholarship Program
Mission Projects
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Help us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, by helping them acquire the most basic needs: food, housing, encouragement, and opportunity.