About Us

Join the Journey was founded in 2005 in Rochester, Minnesota.  What started out as a  basket of scarves and hats being passed among friends  newly diagnosed with breast cancer quickly evolved into Join the Journey.   Breast cancer survivors Effie Psimos and Patty Allen along with close friend Margie Loprinzi recognized a larger need than the basket could handle and came together with the hope of raising awareness of breast cancer and helping everyone with this disease in our local community.

Before long Join the Journey had their first Ten Mile Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The community response was tremendous and each year the participation grows. In 2010 there were over 1,100 walkers!

Join the Journey has evolved into an established non-profit community organization, which supports programs and projects that uphold the mission of promoting breast cancer awareness and providing support to individuals on their breast cancer journey. (See our Programs/Projects Page)

From an early dream of helping breast cancer patients in our community to our present position as a well recognized charity that has helps thousands of people we could not be more proud. Our ultimate vision includes a time when Join the Journey no longer needs to exist, but until that day arrives we will continue our mission; helping one person at a time.

“When you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.”

Meet the Board of Directors:

We bring varied experiences and expertise to the Board of Join the Journey. Many of us know firsthand how devastating the diagnosis can be. Our hope is to carry out the mission of Join the Journey in our daily lives. Putting a public face on this disease gives hope and strength to those newly diagnosed.

Board Officers

President – Margie Loprinzi

Vice President - 

Treasurer Jeremy Borell

Secretary-Diane Trisko

Board Members

Cindy Benike
Rochelle Befort
Jim Gander
Mary Hurt
Connie Lexvold
Linda Miller
Lori Pierce
Margot Potts
Heather Stockmo
Jeanie Thorso
Janet Vittone
Kathy Williamson

“We learn to rise above our own grief by reaching out and lessening the grief of others”.

Meet the People Behind the Scenes:

2012 Walk Chair-Cindy Benike

Executive Director- Kristy Arend
Office Administrator- Cheryl Blouin
Community Events Coordinator- Lesley Salsman
Making Waves Coordinator-Sheila Kramer

Volunteers – too many to name, we could not do this without every one of you!

The list of people who make Join the Journey what it is, would be too long to write. Our success is because of folks like you who join us on this JOURNEY….

We love to hear from you, please email us with ideas, comments and suggestions.

info@jointhejourney.us