This year’s Third Annual TBF Ambassador Retreat brought together 17 remarkable individuals, survivors, loved ones of those we’ve lost, and passionate advocates, each united by a shared mission. Over the course of three days, we leaned into storytelling, strategy, wellness, and awareness, embodying what it truly means to be a TBF Ambassador: to connect, advocate, and make a change.
The Stories That Shape Us
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Kicking off the retreat, we used our creativity to ignite passion, spark connection, and inspire reflection. Each ambassador was asked to reflect and either paint or journal a moment of their journey, no matter how small, reminding us that even the smallest experiences can carry deep significance. The night continued with a candle making session at Cork & Candle, where laughter and conversation filled the room! As each ambassador crafted their candles they also shared pieces of themselves, memories, challenges, and triumphs, strengthening the bonds that make this community so special.
One message resonated throughout the night: our stories matter. In sharing them, we not only honor our own experiences, but also create space for others to feel seen, understood, and less alone. It was a warm, meaningful start that set the tone for the coming days.
Paving the Path Forward
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Friday morning began with intention, as ambassadors were united by the message: we can do hard things. Energized by Tish Melton’s “We Can Do Hard Things,” ambassadors stepped into the day united by resilience, ready to get to work.
The morning conversations focused on TBF’s recent efforts & impacts, including conference highlights, survey insights, and ongoing initiatives.
Ambassadors engaged in thoughtful discussion about the importance of lived experience data, highlighting that recovery is not simply about survival rates, but about the complex, ongoing realities of life after rupture. Read more about the TBF Lived Experiences Survey & its impact HERE!
Later in the morning, life coach Susan Hall offered a powerful perspective on choosing joy, even in life’s most difficult moments. Our ambassadors explored practical tools for navigating difficult moments, from managing anxiety to reframing “what if” thinking into hope and possibility. Read more about Susan’s talk by reading HERE.
The afternoon shifted toward growth and vision. Ambassadors engaged in strategic planning, explored their roles within the organization, and discussed the evolving identity of the ambassador program, including a new logo & branding direction. These moments highlighted the leadership within the group and the collective commitment to strengthening the ambassador program.
The day concluded with breakout sessions designed to nurture both personal and professional growth. Whether through storytelling and mentorship or branding guidance and creative expression. These smaller group experiences allowed ambassadors to dive deeper into personal growth and skill-building, refining their voices and discovering new ways to share it.
We closed the day with the song “The Story” by Brandi Carlille, a fitting reminder that every journey, no matter how complex, is worthy of being told and being heard.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
On Saturday morning, the retreat extended beyond our group and into the broader community at the Lancaster Farmers Market in Wayne, PA. Ambassadors and TBF staff came together to raise awareness, share their stories, and educate others on the signs & symptoms of brain aneurysms.
These conversations, sometimes difficult, but often deeply moving, created a space where awareness met compassion. For those who stopped to listen, learn, or share their own experiences, it was more than an interaction; it was a moment of connection, it was a chance to be seen.
Together, the group raised over $850! But, beyond the funds, the true impact was in the lives touched, the knowledge shared, and the awareness spread with the power to establish a model of bringing awareness into each Ambassador’s community.
Looking Ahead & Thank You
As the retreat came to a close, one thing was clear: the power of this community lies in its people. It is the courage to share, the willingness to listen, and the determination to turn hardship into purpose that define the TBF Ambassadors.
The hope moving forward is that each ambassador carries this momentum home, continuing to host awareness events, support others, and amplify the message that no one has to navigate this journey alone.Together we can make progress through awareness, advocacy and research funding.
To our ambassadors: you are the heart of our mission here at TBF. Your stories, your strength, and your commitment inspire everything we do. Thank you for showing us, again and again, the power of speaking up, being brave, and using your voice to create change.
