Rising Stars: Meet Ceroma Love

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ceroma Love.

Hi Ceroma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Be the Light Foundation is here today in loving memory of my late wife, Kirsten, who lost her battle with cancer in February of 2021. In 2015, she was diagnosed with liver cancer. She was given 6 months to live. But through her healthy lifestyle and faith, she was able to beat the odds for a longer period of time.

In 2015, I too was diagnosed with bladder cancer. After several years of treatment and chemo, it was decided the best course of action was to remove my bladder. My final bladder surgery was 2 days after Kirsten’s service. In Kirsten’s final weeks she asked me to make her a promise. She said, if I ever had the opportunity, to give back.

Not just to donate money, although that would be a large part of it, but to get out in the public and help people dealing with the out-of-pocket cost of cancer care. Additionally, every Friday Kirsten would do what she called the “Friday message” on Facebook where she talked about hope and having a positive attitude.

She would conclude it by saying “be the Light in someone’s life.”After she passed, I took this inspiration and created the Be the Light Foundation. We are dedicated to seeking and helping families of cancer with the out-of-pocket cost of cancer care.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has had its difficulties. Setting up a nonprofit and obtaining your 501(C)3 is not easy. But we did it! Additionally, I was faced with the challenges of trust and faith.

Both Donors and cancer “champions” often have difficulty believing that there is an organization willing to help, no strings attached. Often I hear that they have gone to other groups and have been turned down. We are working hard to become the family’s first option not their last.

But our message is spreading. We are currently looking to bring on additional volunteers that can assist us with the administrative task as well as additional ideas to increase our “web of assistance”. We want to help in as many areas as possible to make the journey of the cancer champion and their families as comfortable as possible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a 30-year veteran of the United States Navy. I retired as a Command Master Chief.

After retirement, I became the owner of Lion Storm Crossfit. I then sold the location. In 2021, I started to Be the Light. I am an assistant soccer coach for two U14 Missouri Rush teams. I’m not sure what I am known for… lol but I believe my years of service and my Master’s Degree from Webster University set me apart from others.

When you have lived a life of service, military, gym owner, etc., you become very epithetic to the needs of others. It almost becomes a part of you.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes! Covid-19 was an opportunity for people to “reset” their lives.

To ask themselves serious questions, like, “What is the status of my personal relationships?” “What do I really care about?” What are my values?” It was a unique opportunity to look into yourself and find out who you truly are.

I learned that I truly do love people and I still have faith in humanity and God. Without that, I don’t believe I would be doing what I am doing today.

Pricing:

• Donations: $5.00 per month pays to ship.
• $25.00 per month pays for skincare products.
• $50.00 per month gets a BTL t-shirt.
• $100.00 per month pays for a BTL gift box.
• $250.00 per month sponsors a family.

Contact Info:

• Email: brightshine1181@gmail.com
• Website: http://bethelightindarkness.com
• Instagram: @bethelight1181
• Facebook: bethelightindarkness