OurStory
A daughter's grief, a mother's love for the ocean, and a faithful God who turned both into rest for families fighting cancer.
Where it allBegan
Every summer my family vacationed in Orange Beach, Alabama. I can't count how many times I stood at the edge of the ocean, forgot everything back home, and felt nothing but gratitude to the Lord for creating something so beautiful.
Years later, while my mom, Debbie, fought stage IV gastric cancer, she and my dad would slip away to the beach between chemo treatments. She always came home strong, ready for the next round.
About a year after she went home to Jesus, on a drive back from the beach, Waves of Grace was placed on our hearts.
JenniferFounder, Waves of Grace
Mom always said she felt closest to God at the beach.
Rest for theWeary
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, for I am gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
We believe there is complete healing in Jesus, and that the beauty of the ocean can heal.
Debbie'sShells
Mom went home to Jesus in July 2012. I don't even like saying she lost her battle. It's a victory to be healed and whole again in heaven. This was one of her last Facebook posts.
“Left beautiful Orange Beach today... Found a few shells... no big ones... just little, but that's okay, they speak to me. Some perfect and some broken. Reminds me of life and each of us! God accepts us as we are with all our imperfections and broken pieces.”
Amen, Mom.
How we gotHere
Feb 2012
Ana is diagnosed with breast cancer and pictures St. George Island through treatment.
July 2012
My mom, Debbie, goes home to be with Jesus.
2013
On a drive home from the beach, Waves of Grace is placed on our hearts.
July 2013
Ana's family buys a lot on St. George Island.
June 2014
Mamma's Dream is finished, in record island time.
2014
Our very first family leaves cancer at home, at Mamma's Dream.
Next
A fully accessible beach home, so every family can come.
Mamma'sDream
Ana was the very first person to donate a vacation home to Waves of Grace, and her St. George Island house, Mamma's Dream, welcomed our very first family. I asked her to share her story.
“In times of fear during my breast cancer treatment, I prayed and pictured myself on the beach at St. George Island. We celebrated my last radiation with a trip there, straight from the Cancer Center. Then He led us to build Mamma's Dream, and when I heard about Waves of Grace, I instantly felt the connection. It is truly a gift to our family to share it.”
May every sunrise and sunset be extra special. God is good, all the time!
AnaOur first beach home partner
Why theBeach?
There are many great organizations working toward a cure for cancer, and we're behind them 100%. But cancer takes a toll on the whole family, emotionally and financially. Families need a break from it, together.
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Rest
A week away from doctors, treatments, and hospitals.
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Family
Unhurried time together to laugh and make memories.
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Celebrate
A place to celebrate life, and sometimes remission. Amen!
Mike and I don't have the cure for cancer, but we believe there is healing in Him, and in rest, family, friends, laughter, and the beach.
Jennifer
The impactSo Far
Join theStory
Every gift gives a family fighting cancer a week to rest, be together, and leave cancer at home.