☀️ From Heart to Wingspan: August Highlights & What’s Next

Issue 5

Author

Kate Doerge
August 19, 2025


Welcome, Friends!

Happy mid- August! Summer seems to be flying and I hope everyone has been enjoying the month and savoring the sunny days. I took some time off to rest and recharge with family and friends at the beach and am VERY excited and ready for the busy Fall ahead!

From sharing my story on the TEDx stage to celebrating a major milestone for Penny’s Flight Foundation, I’m deeply grateful for the incredible support, encouragement, and connection from this community. Here’s a look at what’s been happening — and what’s on the horizon.

Recent Highlights

TEDx Talk - Now Live

One of my proudest moments this year: stepping onto the red dot to deliver my TEDxDeerfield talk. The message at its core? “Go heart first into whatever your goal is — it’s your wingspan that matters, not your lifespan.” The talk is now live for everyone to watch. I’d be honored if you’d take a few minutes to listen, share it with someone who might need a little extra encouragement today, and carry its message forward.

WSB Blog - Turning Pain into Purpose

I’m thrilled to now be represented by Washington Speakers Bureau for future speaking engagements. To mark the occasion, I contributed a deeply personal piece to their blog: “Turning Pain into Purpose and Spreading Sunshine to Others.” It’s a reflection on how grief transformed my path, shaped my mission, and became a driving force for Penny’s Flight Foundation. I hope it serves as a reminder that even the hardest moments can light the way for someone else.

If you know of any corporation, organization, or school looking for a motivational speaker, please reach out to WSB or me directly to discuss.

Penny’s Flight Foundation - Milestone Achieved!

Thanks to your generosity, we reached — and surpassed — our $100K donor match! Together, we raised over $1 million at our Penny’s Flight 3rd Annual Family Jamboree to fuel research and support families affected by NF. Your belief in our mission keeps our wings strong. We WILL find a cure for NF but we could not do it without your love, generosity and support so thank you. 

What’s Next!

Workshop: Turning Pain into Purpose

In case you didn’t make it to the first workshop, I’m hosting my second one soon!

I hope you join me, via Zoom on Monday, September 15th, for an intimate, interactive workshop where I’ll share practical tools and personal insights on transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re navigating personal change, launching a new project, or searching for renewed motivation, this session is for you. More details to come!

Honored to be Honored: Children’s Tumor Foundation Annual Gala

I am beyond honored and THRILLED to share that my husband, Chad, and I will be honored at the Children’s Tumor Foundation Gala on November 17, 2025, at Gotham Hall in NYC. This incredible evening will bring together change-makers, advocates, and supporters to create change, raise critical funds, and advance the mission to end Neurofibromatosis. We truly hope you will join us for this very special evening.

📅 November 17, 2025

📍 Gotham Hall, NYC

See you next time!

Thank you for walking alongside me in this journey, for reading, sharing, supporting, and believing. Here’s to making the most of every season, every chapter, and every wingspan we’re given.


Sending JOY, love, and laughter,

Kate Doerge