Beyond Awareness: Remembering the Person, Not Just the Disease

During the month of October, two things often come to mind: the candy-filled fun of Halloween and the vital message behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For us at World Change Coalition, the latter holds a special place in our hearts. It was Catherine Baker who first inspired our mission and ignited the passion that drives our founder’s work today.

While breast cancer isn’t a topic that brings joy, it’s one that deeply matters. Millions around the world are affected by it, either personally or through loved ones. This year, however, our founder wanted to approach awareness a little differently. Rather than focusing solely on the illness itself, we’re turning our attention to the people—their strength, resilience, and stories of hope.

Here, Richard Baker, our founder and CEO, shares a memory of his mother, Catherine Baker, whose life and strength continue to guide the mission of World Change Coalition.

---

"My favorite memory? I was probably a freshman in high school. I went whale watching with my mom out in Massachusetts. Her cancer was pretty bad at the time, but not so advanced that she couldn’t still get out and enjoy things.

I remember standing with her on the ship’s deck, looking out over the ocean. The water was calm, a light mist hung over the surface, and everything felt a little hazy. The scent of salt was strong in the air. The ride out had been choppy at first, but once we reached open water, it became incredibly serene and peaceful. We even managed to see two or three whales that day.

When we got back to shore, we decided to walk down to the beach and just gaze out at the ocean. My mom always loved the water, and she loved chocolate just as much. We sat in some foldable chairs the hotel had set up, sipping hot cocoa as the waves rolled gently in front of us.

I miss her every day. Even though she’s no longer physically here, I know she’s still with me in spirit. I’ll carry these memories with me as I keep walking forward."