“For me, Stay Strong and Mahj On is like a swirl ice cream — it combines my two favorite passions. I am a breast cancer survivor who now works as a support counselor, and I am an avid mahjong player. I discovered SSAMO a few years ago, and have supported their events. When the pandemic began, SSAMO put out a call on Facebook for masks needed for local cancer centers, and I was happy to sew for them. I could think of no better way to help in a situation where you feel so helpless. I recruited a few friends and we made more than 300 masks! To add a cherry on that swirl ice cream, SSAMO ordered me special mahjong tile fabric. Mahjong is a great game, providing me with many happy hours and great friends. Those are exactly what you need to stay strong during cancer treatment.”

— Nancy Kleine Kekst, Volunteer