Meet Haley Pollack | Executive Director & Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Pollack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
When I was going through cancer treatment each day I thought to myself all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other. The idea of moving forward little by little, one small step at a time was crucial for me to get through cancer treatment but it has stuck with me since then, as well. It can be intimidating to launch a new program or grow our nonprofit’s reach, but if I remember that all I can do it move forward one step at a time. Even if it is a small step, it makes the work feel more manageable and reminds me that I’m always moving.

What should our readers know about your business?
Bright Spot Network supports young parents with cancer who are raising small kids. The organization was born out of my own and my co-founders experience as young parents with cancer ourselves. Aimee Barnes and I were connected by a common healthcare professional who saw two young moms with cancer who were doing the very best that they could but who were isolated and scared, as they navigated the stress of medical appointments and raising small kids.

When Aimee and I connected it was like fire for both us — finally able to talk to someone else who got it. This was the spark that ultimately launched Bright Spot Network. Aimee and I knew that there were other young parents out there but because there wasn’t any central organizations or websites to connect individuals to each other and to crucial resources, parents were doing it alone and often with out the critical supports they needed for themselves and their families.

Bright Spot Network has grown in these last 3 years, now offering a number of programs, all of which are free. Our programs range from web resources to virtual support groups, free kids books on cancer to financial grants to families doubly impacted by cancer and financial need.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel so lucky to live in the Bay Area!

If you ever visit me, we will go to the beach, eat, and hang out in our neighborhood.

I love Goat Rock Beach, it is where the river meets the sea. It is quiet, breathtaking, and depending on the season, often full of seals. From there we could catch a bite at Cafe Aquatica. It is the sweetest cafe, a spot for cyclists on a big ride, people driving by, and locals. The food is really good, there is often music, and you sit and watch the kayakers go by. Bring your sweater, though… it can be chilly!

Back in my neighborhood in Oakland I would take you to my kids’ favorite spots: Dimond Slice for the best pizza; Dimond Library for the coolest local library in Oakland (I said it!); and Dimond park to run around in the redwoods, walk on rocks in the stream, and swing to heart’s content.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My kids are at the center of my story. When I was diagnosed with cancer my youngest daughter was just 6 months and my older daughter was only 3 years old. I was devastated and scared but each and everyday they were there with their unconditional love. Even when I stayed in bed all day long, or couldn’t lift my baby because of surgery, my older daughter would color next to me and my baby would giggle. Knowing that they were along for the JoUrNeY provided me with unimaginable solace, even on the hardest days.

My experience as a young parent with cancer was the inspiration for Bright Spot Network and they have remained my biggest cheerleaders.

Website: www.brightspotnetwork.org

Instagram: @brightspotnetwork.

Linkedin: @brightspotnetwork

Twitter: @brightspotnet

Facebook: @brightspotnetwork