SISTERHOOD | SUPPORT | HOLISTIC HEALTH IT ALL STARTED WHEN… Malas for Tatas was Co-Founded by sisters Erin LeBel and Shannon Briese. In early 2018, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shannon felt compelled to support her, and being a wellness professional, she knew the impact holistic treatments could have in easing Erin’s discomfort and the symptoms of chemotherapy. However, she also knew that these treatments were not covered by Erin’s health insurance, and that Erin would be unlikely to splurge on them for herself. Shannon started making prayer malas and selling them to raise money for Erin’s treatment. Her community responded immediately, and after a few months Shannon was able to fund reiki therapy, acupuncture, and nutrition consultation for her sister. Feeling it was time to pay it forward to someone else, the sisters asked their network to nominate a second recipient: another woman with breast cancer who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford alternative health care treatments. Malas for Tatas aims to support two women a year, providing them funds for 6 months of self-care or $2,000, whichever comes first. One-hundred percent of the profits from each mala sold go directly toward our current recipient, contributing to her well-being and recovery. We are a Colorado based 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Denver Metro community.