Archives for April 2026

Sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest weight.

For Lisa, it started with a shirt.

During her ovarian cancer treatment, in a season filled with uncertainty and overwhelm, she received a Teal Diva port shirt—a simple, thoughtful gift designed with comfort and dignity in mind. But to Lisa, it became so much more.

“It meant more to me than I can fully put into words. In a time that felt overwhelming, it made me feel seen and supported as an ovarian cancer patient.”

That feeling—of being seen, of being held by a community even from afar—is at the heart of everything Teal Diva strives to do.

Finding Meaning in the Milestone

As Lisa moved through treatment, she began looking ahead—not just to healing, but to what came next. When she discovered that the Teal Diva 5K aligned with her recovery timeline, something clicked.

“It felt incredibly meaningful—like the perfect way to honor the end of my frontline treatment while supporting other women walking a similar path.”

It wasn’t just about crossing a finish line.
It was about reclaiming strength.
About marking a moment.
About giving back.

Miles Apart, Still Connected

Living in California didn’t stop Lisa from showing up.

Instead, she created her own moment of connection—organizing a local walk in Folsom so she could participate virtually alongside the Teal Diva community.

And that’s the beauty of this movement: whether you’re walking side-by-side in person or across the country, every step is part of the same story.

“I wanted to still feel connected to the broader Teal Diva community.”

Turning Gratitude Into Action

Lisa’s experience didn’t end with participation—it sparked purpose.

Having felt the impact of Teal Diva’s programs firsthand, she made the decision to fundraise, ensuring other women could receive that same care and connection.

“I’m fundraising because I’ve experienced firsthand how impactful your programs are, and I want to help ensure that same support reaches others who need it.”

JOIN LISA’S TEAM HERE

Why It Matters

Lisa also shared something that stays with us:

“I wish we had local support like this in my area—but unfortunately, we don’t.”

And that’s exactly why Teal Diva continues to grow, to show up, and to reach beyond borders—because no woman should have to navigate this journey without support.

Be Part of the Story

Lisa’s journey is a reminder that impact doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither does sisterhood.

Whether you’re walking, running, cheering, or volunteering, you are helping create moments like this for someone else.

• Register for the Teal Diva 5K
• Volunteer and support the experience
• Fundraise to expand our reach

Because when one woman feels seen, supported, and strong enough to keep going…
we all move forward together.

Like a herd that never leaves one behind, we walk together—stronger, louder, and more connected with every step.

Uncategorized

At Teal Diva, everything begins with connection — the kind that turns strangers into sisters and moments into meaning. And sometimes, that connection starts with something as simple as a search… or a color that already feels like home.

For Kristin Hahn, it was both.

“I wore a lot of teal in college,” she shared — a nod to her time as class president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega, where service and sisterhood were already deeply woven into her life. So when she began looking for volunteer opportunities, something about Teal Diva immediately felt familiar.

What started as a search for a local charity 5K quickly turned into something more.

“I found Teal Diva, saw the community, and it just kind of snowballed from there,” Kristin said. “I kept seeing posts, hearing about it, and it just felt like the right place.”

Now, that path has led her here — stepping into the role of Volunteer Coordinator with a heart ready to serve.

A Natural Helper, A Purposeful Leader

Kristin’s background in marketing, paired with a minor in leadership, gives her the skillset — but it’s her spirit that truly defines her.

“Honestly, my favorite thing to do is help people.”

It’s something that has always been part of who she is. In college, she was the one who said yes to everything — involved, engaged, and constantly showing up. These days, that same passion is simply more intentional, more grounded, and deeply aligned with purpose.

As she steps into this new role, Kristin isn’t rushing to change things — she’s choosing to listen first.

“I really want to get a feel for the group… to get to know everyone and learn more about them.”

It’s a thoughtful approach that reflects what Teal Diva is all about: people first, always.

Drawn to the Mission — and the Meaning Behind It

What resonated most with Kristin wasn’t just the events or the outreach — it was the heart behind it.

“I think this is a very underserved, unsupported group,” she shared. “And I’m excited to be able to help in whatever way I can.”

Her passion for mental health advocacy also plays a powerful role in her connection to Teal Diva’s mission.

“There are so many people going through things like this who don’t have support. They don’t know where to go, who to talk to. They feel alone.

That understanding — that awareness of the emotional weight people carry — aligns seamlessly with the work Teal Diva does every day. From programs like Yes Girl! to community events and connection opportunities, the goal is simple but profound: no one should have to walk this journey alone.

And Kristin gets that.

Looking Ahead

When asked what she’s most excited about, her answer was immediate:

“Honestly… all of it.”

From the upcoming Teal Diva 5K to future events and opportunities to grow community engagement, Kristin is stepping in with open hands and an open heart.

She’s not just here to coordinate volunteers — she’s here to build relationships, create meaningful experiences, and help ensure that every woman who finds Teal Diva feels what she felt when she first discovered it:

Connection. Purpose. Belonging.

Learn more about the Teal Diva 5k

Welcome to the Sisterhood, Kristin

At Teal Diva, we often say that people don’t just find this community by accident — they find it when they need it, or when they’re meant to help someone else who does.

Kristin Hahn is both.

And we are so grateful she’s here.

Uncategorized

At Teal Diva, volunteering is more than showing up—it’s stepping into something bigger than yourself. It’s connection. It’s purpose. It’s heart.

And for the past few years, Joe Coyazo has helped shape that experience for so many.

As he transitions from his role as Volunteer Coordinator, Joe leaves us with reflections that beautifully capture what it means to be part of this community.

A Culture Like No Other

Joe describes the volunteer culture at Teal Diva as something truly special—something you feel the moment you walk into a room.

Fast-paced. High-energy. Full of life.

But more than that—it’s joyful.

It’s the laughter at early morning race setups.
It’s the sparkle and flair at events.
It’s the hugs, the smiles, the unspoken understanding that everyone is there for something deeply meaningful.

This isn’t just volunteering.
This is belonging.

Connection Begins with Understanding

What makes a volunteer feel truly connected?

According to Joe, it starts with understanding the why.

When volunteers are given a clear picture of the mission—when they understand the realities of gynecologic and ovarian cancer—it transforms their role. They’re no longer just helping at an event… they’re becoming advocates. Educators. Supporters.

They carry the message forward.

And that matters.

Leading with Compassion

In a community rooted in survivorship and support, compassion isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Joe reminds us that many of the women and families we meet are walking (or have walked) incredibly difficult roads. As volunteers, we’re invited into those spaces with care.

That means:

Leading with empathy
Speaking with kindness
Holding space for both strength and vulnerability

It also means recognizing that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t words—it’s presence.

The Heartbeat of Our Events

If you’ve ever been part of the Teal Diva 5K, you already know—it’s more than an event.

It’s a movement.

And it takes a village.

From early morning setup to cheering on participants, the 5K requires an incredible level of coordination, energy, and teamwork. Every volunteer plays a role in creating an experience that is both meaningful and memorable.

Because at the center of it all is a shared purpose:
To support.
To educate.
To remind every participant—they are not alone.

volunteer for the Teal Diva 5k

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Events don’t always go perfectly—and that’s okay.

Joe shares that success isn’t about avoiding change—it’s about how you respond to it.

Flexibility. Trust. Teamwork.

Knowing who to lean on.
Knowing how to pivot.
And knowing that no matter what, the mission stays at the center.

That’s what keeps everything moving forward.

Showing Up—Every Time

One of the things Joe is most proud of?

Teal Diva has never canceled an event during his time as Volunteer Coordinator.

Even when roles were hard to fill.
Even when schedules were tight.
Even when last-minute needs arose.

Because this community shows up.

The Board. The volunteers. The supporters.

Together, they’ve ensured that survivors and those currently battling always have a place to turn—a place where hope is not just spoken, but lived.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As Joe steps into his next chapter, his gratitude is unmistakable.

“I have met some amazing people along the way. I sincerely want to thank every volunteer that I have worked with. Your time and effort do not go unnoticed. There is no way I could have done this without all your help.

To Shannon Routh, to the Teal Diva leadership, and to every volunteer who gave their time and heart—thank you.“

And to Joe—thank you for the energy, the leadership, and the love you’ve poured into this community.

Not Goodbye—Just See You Soon

Teal Diva has a way of staying with you.

It lives in the connections you’ve made.
The stories you’ve heard.
The lives you’ve touched.

And as Joe so perfectly said—

This is not goodbye… just see you at the next event.

At Teal Diva, once you’re part of the sisterhood—you always are.

Uncategorized

As we begin National Volunteer Month, we’re reminded that support does not always arrive in big ways or from expected places. Sometimes, it comes from the smallest hands with the biggest hearts.

Recently, we learned about Isaiah, the nephew of our community member Katie. After hearing about Katie’s ovarian cancer journey and the impact of infusion shirts, Isaiah decided to do something about it. He made beaded keychains to raise money — not because anyone asked him to, and not because he wanted anything for himself, but because he wanted to help women during their hardest times.

You do not have to be an adult, a survivor, or fully understand the weight of cancer to make a difference. You just have to care enough to act.

That kind of compassion stops you in your tracks.

A child choosing compassion when he could have chosen anything else.

At Teal Diva, we often talk about support, sisterhood, and showing up for one another. Isaiah’s story is a beautiful reminder that support is more than a feeling — it is action. It is seeing a need and deciding to step in, no matter your age or ability.

That same spirit is at the heart of the Teal Diva 5K.

Volunteering and fundraising are two powerful ways our community turns compassion into impact. Every volunteer helps create an experience where survivors feel seen, loved, and supported. Every fundraiser helps provide meaningful resources, including programs and items like infusion shirts that bring comfort during treatment.

Support comes in all shapes and sizes. It may look like serving on race day, starting a fundraiser, joining a team, sharing the mission with friends, or making something by hand to help someone else. What matters most is the willingness to show up.

This National Volunteer Month, let Isaiah’s example be an invitation.

Ready to turn compassion into action?

Register for the Teal Diva 5K.
Volunteer.
Start a fundraiser.

Because when compassion becomes action — whether through a child with a handful of beads or a community coming together for a 5K — it becomes something powerful.

And to someone walking through one of the hardest seasons of her life, that kind of support means everything.