Founder's story: Jenna Mitchell

Serving Hope Foundation was born from community. The kind that shows up without being asked, surrounds you without conditions and reminds you that you’re never alone.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was overwhelmed. Not just by the diagnosis, but by the outpouring of love that followed. Friends immediately began reaching out, wanting to connect me with women who had already walked this road. They shared stories, victories, doctor recommendations, and most importantly, reassurance. It was humbling. And it made one thing very clear to me: community matters.

That sense of support wasn’t new to me. Years earlier, in 2019, a teammate was diagnosed with breast cancer. I designed a simple shirt for our team to wear during a charity tennis tournament in her honor. It featured stick figures of women with breast cancer ribbons as their bodies and the words: Cancer Can Kiss Our Ace. It was lighthearted and strong at the same time. It rallied us together. I remembered how powerful that moment was, how much it meant to her, and how it brought awareness and connection so naturally. When I found myself on the receiving end of that same kind of support years later, I knew it was time to formally bring that spirit to life.

Breast cancer has a way of clarifying what matters. It reminded me just how precious life is. The hardest part for me hasn’t been the diagnosis itself, it’s been the pause. Not being able to do the things I love; around the people I love. Tennis has become a way of life for me. The women I play with are more than teammates; they are a sisterhood. We’ve rallied around many who have faced cancer and we show up for one another on and off the court.

Tennis is special that way. It’s competitive and social, individual yet team-focused. After matches, opponents meet at the net, shake hands, and connect. That built-in moment of humanity makes tennis a natural place to create awareness, spark conversations, and serve something bigger than ourselves.

As I walked through my own diagnosis, I kept thinking about how important it is to talk about breast cancer — especially early detection. Most breast cancers, when caught early, are curable. There aren’t many cancers that can say that. Awareness saves lives. Connection changes outcomes. And sometimes, support looks as simple as helping someone afford a wig, or honoring those who quietly give their services and products to help patients heal.

Serving Hope Foundation exists to create and strengthen that connection. At its heart, this foundation is about bringing people together, sharing stories, and reminding those affected by breast cancer that they are seen, supported, and never walking alone.

The phrase Cancer Can Kiss Our Ace means taking back control. It’s defiant, hopeful and strong. It’s a reminder that even in the face of something overwhelming, we still get to claim moments of power, joy, and purpose.

My deep Catholic faith has been a steady anchor throughout my life. I believe in the power of prayer. I trust that God has a plan for me — and that plan includes serving others with compassion, hope, and love. The Serving Hope Foundation serves people of all backgrounds and beliefs, it is rooted in values that guide me every day: showing up, loving well, and using what we’ve been given to help others.

This foundation is for the women at the net, the friends who rally, the families who support, and the individuals navigating breast cancer with courage and grace. 

Together, we are serving hope — one connection, one conversation, and yes, one ace at a time.

Jenna Mitchell
Founder & Executive Director
Serving Hope Foundation