Protect Your Energy, Find Your Sunshine ☀️

Issue 7

Author

Kate Doerge
October 01, 2025

Dear Friends,

As the seasons shift, I’ve been thinking about the people who carry us through life’s hardest and brightest moments. In my latest workshop on The Power of Connection and Movement During Grief, I shared the importance of finding your “sunshine people.” These are the ones who lift you up, bring light into your days, and remind you of your own strength. Just as important is protecting your energy by keeping a distance from the “shower people” who, even unintentionally, can weigh you down in vulnerable times.

This season, I’m more grateful than ever for the sunshine people in my life, this community included. Together, through workshops, summits, advocacy, and shared stories, we are building connection, hope, and impact that stretches far beyond what any of us can do alone.

Coming Up: Children’s Tumor Foundation Humanitarian Award

This November, Chad and I are humbled to receive the Humanitarian Award at the Children’s Tumor Foundation Gala in New York City. It is an incredible honor, and one that reflects not just our family’s promise to Penny, but the collective effort of every supporter and partner who has joined us in the mission to #ENDNF.

For more information on ways to support: ctf.org/gala

Book Inspiration:  Guided by Laura Lynne Jackson

Laura Lynne Jackson’s upcoming book, Guided, is now available for pre-order. Her wisdom was a beacon for me in my own grief journey, and I know her words will bring light and strength to many.

Recent Highlights

Workshops on Purpose & Grief

This fall, I’ve had the privilege of leading two workshops:

  • How to Launch a Purpose-Driven Project — guiding participants from vision to action.

  • Two Powerful Actions to Help You Through Grief — exploring how movement and connection can carry us through loss. It was in this session that I spoke about sunshine people, the importance of choosing your circle wisely, and the power of protecting your energy as you heal. These practices are also at the heart of my upcoming book, Reimagining Grief (Hay House, June 2026).

Stanford RASopathies Summit

At Stanford School of Medicine, alongside BRIDGE Labs and the Gilbert Foundation, I joined researchers and clinicians for the RASopathies Summit to explore one critical question: How do we move the needle for interventions?

I also reflected on the summit in my latest blog post about the power of collaboration and bridging research with human outcomes.

Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation — DOGG Day

I was grateful to attend the Andrew K. Dwyer Foundation’s annual DOGG Day, a tradition that honors Andrew’s legacy by bringing together friends, family, and community to do the activities he loved while raising funds needed to support the foundation in his honor. It’s a powerful reminder of the joy of gathering, the strength of connection, and the beauty of keeping legacies alive. More information www.andrewkdwyerfoundation

Closing Note

As we look toward the months ahead, I’m reminded that it’s not our lifespan that matters, it’s our wingspan. Thank you for being among my sunshine people, for lifting me up, and for reminding me of the power we create when we show up for each other.

Sending JOY, love, and laughter,

Kate Doerge