Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Wene
Hi Tina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The foundation was founded in the spring of 2020 after I lost my husband, Ray Wene, to Glioblastoma. Ray fought his brain cancer for 29 months, undergoing all standard treatments and trying to get into clinical trials. After his passing, my daughter, Ella, and I quickly realized we needed to do something meaningful in his honor. Ray was a person who deeply loved others and always wanted to give back, particularly to the brain tumor community.
Together, Ella and I decided to take action. We founded The Ray of Hope Foundation with a mission to provide support and hope for others navigating the same challenges we faced. Initially, we planned to focus on research, but soon realized that patient support was the missing piece of the puzzle during our own journey. This shift led us to create programs that provide tangible support to patients and their families.
Since then, we’ve hosted a T-shirt fundraiser, 4 Italian dinners, and our 4th golf outing this fall. We are humbled by the amazing community that has rallied around us, making it all possible.
Since July 2023, with the support of our community, we have been able to:
Distribute 112 Tote for Hope bags
Gift 8 Experiences of Hope
Provide 10 continuing education scholarships for neurology nurses at a local hospital
These efforts are just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue expanding our impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the road has not been smooth. Nothing worth doing is easy! The challenge of balancing connection with patients and families, while also navigating the boundaries set by HIPAA, is tough at times. Even through the difficult emotions it can bring up, it’s incredible that we are able to walk alongside others through such a personal journey—there’s so much healing in that, even if it’s not always easy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Janitorial Sales is what I do for a living, my daily grind if you will. The Ray of Hope Foundation is not just another job; it’s my passion. What am I am most proud of? Carrying on Ray’s legacy of loving people while stepping out of my comfort zone and opening up my heart to others fighting the same battle I feel the way we love others sets us apart. Our goal and our mission is to be a support however it looks for each individual patient and their families. Our vision is that no one should walk alone on this journey.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe we will be able to reach more brain tumor/brain cancer patients in hospitals within our tri-state area. We will be able to support them with outings and family events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therayofhopefoundation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086287557882
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRayofHopeFoundation-t2b
