Illumin8Life Foundation was started by Sandra Powers who after experiencing the financial burden that is often left unmentioned in the list of challenges that come with this disease, decided to start an organization that specifically helps those women with their medical expenses and bills.
Has anyone in your life ever been touched by Cancer…? On October 30, 2013 the life of Sandra Powers changed forever. During a routine mammogram, Sandra was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Breast Cancer. (Double Negative Herceptin Positive). Due to early detection of this dreaded disease Sandra is alive and powerfully focused. Sandra believes it is now her calling to help others who are diagnosed with breast cancer and who may be experiencing financial and emotional challenges. The non-profit organization that she officially established in 2015 will primarily assist both women and men who need assistance paying their living expenses as their employment has been impacted as a result of breast cancer. She selected the name “Illumin8Life for her 501c3 organization because a woman born today has about a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. Detection saves lives and part of Sandra’s calling is to educate women about the facts and statistics of breast cancer. The vision for Illumin8Life is “To become a nationally recognized non-profit organization to help thousands of people battling cancer and raise awareness on the national stage”. Sandra had a successful career in the day spa industry where she served as a consultant, worked in business development and founded her own spa. A powerful and passionate advocate for those suffering from breast cancer, Sandra enjoys speaking to all types of organizations where members simply desire additional knowledge of this terrible disease, and enjoys sharing the story of her personal journey with new friends she meets along the way. As Sandra would say, “Get your mammogram”! Sandra raised her only child alone. Brittani, the joy of her mother’s life, attended Arizona State University and earned her BSN/RN degree Magna Cum Laude in 2013. Brittani is a pediatric nurse employed by Banner Cardon Children’s Medical Center, but will soon be leaving Arizona to work as a traveling nurse in pediatric departments throughout the United States. Sandra was adopted by two wonderful parents—a mother who is about to turn 90 and a father who will soon turn 80. This loving couple has been married for 52 years. Sandra currently resides in Fountain Hills, Arizona with her two dogs, Lola and Roxi. She can be reached at (480) 353-7005 or at illumin8lifefoundation@gmail.com
