OUR STORIES
Although we've known each other since college and hang out with the same close-knit friends group, we didn't know about our similar plights of losing our mothers to cancer at young ages until much later on. But in that moment of discovery, we instantly bonded on a new level.
Understanding each other's hardships without having to say much at all - we knew we wanted to help others in similar situations. Thus came this non-profit organization - something to provide and support, something to encourage & impact, something to make a real difference.. And of course, something that's near & dear to our hearts.
Shayana Phillips
A hardworking Internal Auditor, Shayana has worked her way up in the financial regulatory industry quickly and spends her work days ensuring operational departments are in compliance with regulations. It’s no wonder she is a lover of routine and organization!
In the past, she’s participated in numerous charitable initiatives including the Breast Cancer Walk, AIDS Walk, and Midnight Run. And in a few weeks, she’ll be starting a side job helping the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) community with YAI, supporting people with autism, Down syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, among others. Needless to say, Shayana is as selfless, thoughtful, and caring as they come.
Shayana didn’t reach this point in life without staying strong though. At 16 years old, she lost her mother, Maxine, to stomach cancer after a year-long fight. She was going into senior year of high school during this time, still in denial of what was happening yet somehow prepared for her mother’s passing. This level of bravery is only the beginning of what exemplifies Shayana.
Losing her mother at such a young age, Shayana’s recollections of Maxine seems to fade away as more time passes - recollections that she certainly doesn’t want to lose. Through BONDED, she’ll ensure the memory of Maxine lives on in the most honorable way – by giving students a support system as they likely won’t have anyone else around that can relate to the hardship that she understands all too well. Her healing process is ongoing and she hopes the impact she can make for others will also be impactful for her.