SISTERHOOD | SUPPORT | HOLISTIC HEALTH
It all started when…
Malas for Tatas was Co-Founded by sisters Erin LeBel and Shannon Briese. In early 2018, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shannon felt compelled to support her, and being a wellness professional, she knew the impact holistic treatments could have in easing Erin’s discomfort and the symptoms of chemotherapy. However, she also knew that these treatments were not covered by Erin’s health insurance, and that Erin would be unlikely to splurge on them for herself.
Shannon started making prayer malas and selling them to raise money for Erin’s treatment. Her community responded immediately, and after a few months Shannon was able to fund reiki therapy, acupuncture, and nutrition consultation for her sister.
Feeling it was time to pay it forward to someone else, the sisters asked their network to nominate a second recipient: another woman with breast cancer who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford alternative health care treatments.
Malas for Tatas aims to support two women a year, providing them funds for 6 months of self-care or $2,000, whichever comes first. One-hundred percent of the profits from each mala sold go directly toward our current recipient, contributing to her well-being and recovery. We are a Colorado based 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Denver Metro community. Nominate a Recipient
Meet our Board Of Directors & key contributors
Our board members are something special. The board was formed over period where we just found out our dear friend and sister was going to have to endure breast cancer. It started off with the core 3 of Stacy, Erin and Shannon then grew to Denise and Vanessa to help us navigate the evolution of Malas for Tatas. This group is a close-knit crew of old friends who are coming together because they care, they see a void that needs to be filled in the breast cancer treatment process, and with their whole hearts, they want to see you thrive.
SHANNON BRIESE, EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Shannon enjoys playing outdoors with her husband and daughter, biking, hiking or just relaxing. She loves to soak up the beauty of Colorado, listen to great music and enjoy the day. Shannon has worked in the health and wellness industry for 18 years and finds combining her love of Pilates and massage therapy most rewarding. She strives to surround herself with the best of the best, teaching Pilates and managing her own massage practice, Total Body Wellness at The Pilates Collective in Denver Colorado. Shannon is passionate about helping others feel their best and has brought that dedication with her every step of the way while forming Malas for Tatas. We are also honored to have Shannon as one of our Malas for Tatas preferred providers offering Pilates to our recipients.
Erin LeBel, Executive Co-Chair
Erin enjoys spending time with her family and friends and adventuring in the outdoors. She is a loving mother and wife and enjoys entertaining for friends and family. Erin is a former oncology nurse and now breast cancer survivor. In doing so, she has experienced both sides of this disease. Erin is passionate about utilizing self-care as part of her post treatment lifestyle, regularly making time for reiki, yoga, Pilates, and acupuncture. A natural artist, she is known for creating beautiful malas for Malas for Tatas.
Stacy Nelson, Executive Secretary
Stacy is a lover of the outdoors and avid football fan. A dedicated friend and always willing to lend a helping hand. Stacy brings a ferocious ‘let’s get it done energy and have fun doing it attitude!’ Some of her passions include travel, fitness, and photography. We are fortunate to have Stacy’s project management and event planning skills and welcome the fun environment she brings to Malas for Tatas.
Shannon Dilley, Treasurer
Shannon is a Colorado native and loves enjoying all the beauty her home state has to offer. Skiing and spending time in the mountains with her husband and daughter is a favorite way to spend time. She also enjoys travel, yoga, cycling and a good book. A licensed CPA and health care executive, Shannon brings finance and business expertise to the Malas for Tatas family. She is passionate about holistic wellness and honored to play a role in the healing of our recipients.
Denise Faddis, Creative Director
Denise loves to come together with friends for a good laugh and enjoys challenging herself with new adventures. She has been an integral part in the growth and development of Malas for Tatas, developing our brand and gorgeous website. She loves to get outdoors with her family, dance, cook, learn about health and wellness, play and connect with mother nature. An artist by trade, she is experienced in fine art, photography, and design, just to name a few. We are grateful to have her artistic expertise as part of our team. She’s also one of your Preferred Providers, offering powerful holistic wellness workshops, find her at Worthy and Nourished.
Gabriel Christus, Recipient Portrait Photographer
Gabriel loves to spend time outdoors capturing life with his lens, especially his lively and adorable daughter, Callista Grace. Gabriel, his wife Holly, and Callista can be found snowboarding the Colorado mountains, running local marathons, and cycling around the city. We are honored to have Gabriel as part of our Malas for Tatas community. He is the Denver Broncos team photographer and donates professional portraits for our recipients, often taken with their family amongst a stunning Colorado backdrop. Learn more about Gabriel here.
“During breast cancer treatment, I was introduced to the amazing women from Malas for Tatas. I instantly felt their positivity and compassion and I can honestly say that my life has changed for the better since that day. Not only are they incredible women that are so much fun to be around, their mission to help women with breast cancer through holistic treatments provides comfort both physically and mentally - right when you need it most. As one of their recipients, I was able to take advantage of their providers - everything from nutrition to meditation to life coaching. After experiencing something like breast cancer treatment and going through some pretty dark days, having an organization like Malas for Tatas to help me see a glimpse of a better life through those treatments was a life changer. I am forever grateful for everyone associated with Malas for Tatas, from the board members devoting their time making this organization successful, as well as to anyone who has made or purchased a mala or helped out during a beading brunch. I am beyond lucky to be a part of this community!”
“What began as two sisters making their way through one of the most difficult challenges they had ever faced together, grew into an unbelievable community of support. You are personally invited to join the sisterhood – together we can, together we are. ”
Our Mission and Approach
Malas for Tatas is dedicated to helping women with breast cancer afford alternative, holistic health care to supplement cancer treatment.
Having cancer is expensive. Between the cost of treatment, income lost from taking time off work, and the need for additional childcare, many women feel the financial burden of breast cancer nearly as acutely as the physical pain. Although many holistic treatments—such as acupuncture, reiki therapy, and massage therapy—can be immensely healing for women dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment, these therapies are not covered by traditional health insurance plans, and most women can’t justify the cost.
Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury, and it becomes even more important when fighting off disease. With donations from Malas for Tatas, women with breast cancer can prioritize self-care and afford holistic wellness treatments.