Panther Paths: Gracelyn Bateman '08
What does your current role entail?
I am the Co-Founder of Luna Peak Foundation, which I created alongside my aunt, Melody Lomboy-Lowe. Luna Peak Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that benefits the cancer and grief communities. We create books and products that celebrate life through adversity.
What fueled your interest for your career path?
I studied sociology at my undergraduate (Santa Clara University) and graduate institutions (Columbia University) and I have always been interested in exploring and listening to the life experiences of others. I also worked for 5 years in the digital media industry in NYC, where I honed my skills in analytics, and I began a path of leading research-based projects. Lastly, our family's personal experience with cancer and grief fueled my interest for starting this foundation and writing books to help inspire those facing adversity.
What's the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing survivors heal as they share their story, and within that process, pay it forward to others who really need to hear their story and advice. Providing a platform for people to share about their life experiences helps them bring meaning to their journey and we are proud to be a part of that. Many have never been asked to share their story, and it is an honor to be able to bear witness to these stories and experiences. We have so much more in common than we think, and the way we realize this is by listening, truly listening, to others with an open mind.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
The fact that many are scared of the topics of cancer and grief. These topics are universal experiences; it is rare to find someone who has not been touched by cancer in some way, or someone who has not lost someone dear to them. While cancer and grief are common life experiences that many are touched by, there still remains a big gap between those who have experienced it and those who have not. Because of the stereotypes and fear surrounding each topic, many who are affected are in turn isolated and silenced. In order to humanize cancer and grief and bridge the gap in understanding between survivors and supporters, we use photographs and authentic stories to break down barriers.
What does a normal day look like for you?
My days look different every day. Editing photos, outreach to our community, recruiting participants for future projects, managing our social media accounts, brainstorming future events for each community, keeping in touch with our 200+ project participants, and admin duties in running a foundation.
What's next?
Our first book, Beyond Remission: Words of Advice for Thriving was published in September. Another Poly alum wrote the Foreword, Dr. Thomas Lowe ‘94, who is an oncologist. We are currently working on a children's book based on my aunt's childhood cancer experience called Follow Me, Cancer Free. Our other photography project that centers grief survivor photographs and stories is called Beyond Grief: Snapshots of Life After Loss. This book explores the experiences and advice from over 80 grief survivors who have endured a close loss between 1-66 years ago and is meant to help others navigate their loss as well.
How are you willing to help fellow Poly alumni?
I would love to be a resource for sharing about the topics of cancer and grief. I know that many have been touched by cancer and grief across the years, and there is absolutely a place to share your story with Luna Peak.
Back
I am the Co-Founder of Luna Peak Foundation, which I created alongside my aunt, Melody Lomboy-Lowe. Luna Peak Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that benefits the cancer and grief communities. We create books and products that celebrate life through adversity.
What fueled your interest for your career path?
I studied sociology at my undergraduate (Santa Clara University) and graduate institutions (Columbia University) and I have always been interested in exploring and listening to the life experiences of others. I also worked for 5 years in the digital media industry in NYC, where I honed my skills in analytics, and I began a path of leading research-based projects. Lastly, our family's personal experience with cancer and grief fueled my interest for starting this foundation and writing books to help inspire those facing adversity.
What's the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing survivors heal as they share their story, and within that process, pay it forward to others who really need to hear their story and advice. Providing a platform for people to share about their life experiences helps them bring meaning to their journey and we are proud to be a part of that. Many have never been asked to share their story, and it is an honor to be able to bear witness to these stories and experiences. We have so much more in common than we think, and the way we realize this is by listening, truly listening, to others with an open mind.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
The fact that many are scared of the topics of cancer and grief. These topics are universal experiences; it is rare to find someone who has not been touched by cancer in some way, or someone who has not lost someone dear to them. While cancer and grief are common life experiences that many are touched by, there still remains a big gap between those who have experienced it and those who have not. Because of the stereotypes and fear surrounding each topic, many who are affected are in turn isolated and silenced. In order to humanize cancer and grief and bridge the gap in understanding between survivors and supporters, we use photographs and authentic stories to break down barriers.
What does a normal day look like for you?
My days look different every day. Editing photos, outreach to our community, recruiting participants for future projects, managing our social media accounts, brainstorming future events for each community, keeping in touch with our 200+ project participants, and admin duties in running a foundation.
What's next?
Our first book, Beyond Remission: Words of Advice for Thriving was published in September. Another Poly alum wrote the Foreword, Dr. Thomas Lowe ‘94, who is an oncologist. We are currently working on a children's book based on my aunt's childhood cancer experience called Follow Me, Cancer Free. Our other photography project that centers grief survivor photographs and stories is called Beyond Grief: Snapshots of Life After Loss. This book explores the experiences and advice from over 80 grief survivors who have endured a close loss between 1-66 years ago and is meant to help others navigate their loss as well.
How are you willing to help fellow Poly alumni?
I would love to be a resource for sharing about the topics of cancer and grief. I know that many have been touched by cancer and grief across the years, and there is absolutely a place to share your story with Luna Peak.
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