Sharing Hope Meet Our Founders


Lump to Laughter

Connie Hill

(Writer of Grace's story) is a Wilmington, North Carolina working mother and wife who overcame breast cancer at age 34.

Meet Grace

Her two children, both boys, were 3 and 1 at the time of diagnoses. She is married to her "rock" and best friend, Flint. She has a brother, who is a policeman and lives in another state. Originally from Durham, NC she made the coast her home after graduating at UNCW with a BS in Marine Biology and a minor in Education. After 2 years of teaching high school she started her career in real estate in 1996 with much success and enjoyment. In 2003, overcoming cancer became another "full-time job" for her. Although Connie survived childhood abuse by her mother and step-father, her victorious spirit did not prepare her for the fight of breast cancer. Her tough exterior was peeled away and as she was left exposed as she discovered her purpose in this world and slowly remade herself with a firm foundation that started with Christ. Her transforming, emotional and often-times hilarious journey through breast cancer can be found in the story of Grace.

Lump to Laughter

Renee Ballard

(Co-Authored of Faith's Organizer Posthumously) Originally from Illinois and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina 1992. Diagnosed at age 48 with 3 grown children.

Meet Faith

As a single mother, she raised three children who were 26, 22 and 19 at the time of her diagnosis. They are definitely the sum total of her best efforts. She was employed at New Hanover Regional Medical Center as a Prescription Assistance Advocate. She was also a certified Chaplain. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age of 48. She had a tram flap surgery and unilateral mastectomy. The cancer she was diagnosed with was 2.5 cm in size. The cancer was contained with no evidence in her nodes, margins, or borders. Her pathway of treatment consisted of nutrition, a more natural approach of letting the body heal itself believing that you are what you eat. In the fall of 2007, Renee was diagnosed with a recurrence of her breast cancer. On Good Friday, 2009, she went to be with God in heaven. She always said she would be healed and she was, IN HEAVEN. Renee fought until the end to stay on this earth to make a difference and even in her final week was praying for others and calling everyone to be saved so that she could leave knowing that they would one day join her in heaven. Her prayers and thoughts and inspiration can be found in 'A Journey of Faith' Organizer, Planner and Journal located in Our Marketplace under Shop."