We have big news.

We are proud to share that Operation Ohana is now: Bright Spot Network.

Like so many families and organizations, living through a global pandemic has changed our plans. We never got a chance to host family retreats or gather in person like we originally envisioned.

Yet, what has emerged during this time is a vibrant community. We launched support groups, a free children’s books program, and small grants for families in need. We have heard from so many families that these have been bright spots in hard times. Building this with Haley has been a bright spot for us both. In our roughest cancer moments, our kids are often the bright spot we need to get through the day.

To match the expanded scope and scale of our work, we have decided to expand and rename the organization, so that it speaks to what we are growing into and what we want to be.

Our mission to help young cancer survivors who are doing the unimaginable task of raising small children while navigating cancer guides us forward. We will continue to offer grants, free age appropriate books, support groups AND we are expanding our programming. Here are some highlights:

• We are making our grant program permanent. Find out more here.

• We are expanding our support group offerings, including our recently launched group for parents living with metastatic cancer.

• Check out our new website, including new resources for parents on our new, expanded website!

• We are excited to announce “Bright Box,” a collaboration with The Dolly Project. Bright Boxes contain art projects for kids whose parents are in cancer treatment or recovering from surgery.

And, when it is safe to do so, we plan to bring families together in person to continue the vision of Operation Ohana which will continue as a program within Bright Spot Network.

I am also thrilled to share that my co-founder, Haley Pollack has agreed to serve as the Executive Director and first full-time staff member of Bright Spot Network.

I will work closely with Haley and will continue to be actively involved with the organization’s future as Board President. In this capacity, I will focus on generating the resources Bright Spot Network needs to grow in this next phase of development.

We have an ambitious goal of raising $100K in 10 days! I am excited to tell you that we are already almost halfway there!!

To help get us to our goal, and in honor of my son Roman’s upcoming 7th birthday, I am personally committing to match donations up to $7,000. That, alongside a generous donation from an anonymous donor, allows us to match up to $17,000! Will you join me and make a donation today?

With your support, Bright Spot Network will be able to reach even more of the thousands of families who each year are raising small kids and navigating cancer. Donate today!

The days, months and years since my diagnosis have never been a straight shot. This work and community has always been something that I could rely on when the aftermath of my treatment felt overwhelming. While the chance to finally gather with you in person is getting closer, I want you to know that through this all, each of you have truly been a bright spot in helping me realize the vision for this work and making it a reality.

Together, with your support, we can make sure that Bright Spot Network is accessible for those who need it in their hardest times. Please join me and make a donation today.

With deepest gratitude,

Aimee Barnes

Co-Founder, Bright Spot Network