2025 Year in Review
Learning, Growing, and Living Blake’s Legacy
2025 was a milestone year for the Blake Pottle Foundation — defined by record-breaking community support, deepened impact, and continued learning as we grow into our mission.
This Foundation exists because of Blake — a son, brother, and friend whose courage, generosity, and perspective continue to guide everything we do. Even while navigating his own cancer diagnosis, Blake reminded those around him that life was about more than oneself. His words remain our compass:
“When it comes to your will to live — yes, live for yourself.
But more importantly, live for others.”
— Blake Pottle
Each year, we work to live that truth more fully — learning how to serve better, steward resources wisely, and translate compassion into meaningful, measurable action.
Opt Outside for Cancer: Community in Motion
4th Annual Opt Outside for Cancer
July 20, 2025 | Meadowbrook Farm, North Bend, WA
Our signature event continues to be the heartbeat of the Foundation — a day where remembrance, movement, and community come together in Blake’s name.
Record-Setting Results
- Most runner signups in event history
- Highest total participant count to date
- Largest number of independent donations
- 26% increase in funds raised over 2024
Financial Impact
- Total funds raised: $60,583
- Net proceeds: $47,918
- Community reinvestment: 100% of net proceeds directed back into cancer-related community support
“I look forward to the race every year. It’s great seeing you and the rest of the family — we’ll be there next year."
— Annual participant and donor
Learning & Improvement
As a growing organization, we know we don’t get everything perfect — and we value the feedback that helps us improve. In 2025, we learned from participant input regarding the 10K course markings. We are grateful for the patience and encouragement shared with us and are committed to applying those lessons to ensure future events reflect the experience we intend: welcoming, well-run, and rooted in community.
2025 Community Impact
Turning Compassion into Action
Beyond our annual event, 2025 was defined by direct support for individuals, families, caregivers, and care teams navigating cancer — the kind of support Blake believed truly mattered.
In total, the Foundation donated approximately $86,000 in 2025, funding projects selected for their immediate and lasting value.
Retreat, Renewal, and Resilience
Harmony Hill Retreat Center / Cancer Life Line
Foundation support helped make cancer-specific retreat experiences possible for patients and caregivers seeking rest, connection, and emotional renewal.
These multi-day retreats provide:
- A safe space for individuals affected by cancer to share their stories
- Relief from isolation through peer connection and facilitated support
- Tools for coping, reflection, and resilience
- Moments of calm and restoration during an otherwise demanding journey
“Through their commitment, retreat participants were offered a sanctuary of rest, resilience, and renewed hope — carrying Blake’s light forward into every season of survivorship."
— Harmony Hill Retreat Center
Supporting Comfort and Quality of Life
Therapeutic Massage Services
The Foundation funded therapeutic massage services for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. These services provided physical relief, reduced stress, and offered moments of peace — small interventions that can make a meaningful difference during treatment.
Moments That Matter
Throughout the year, the Foundation sponsored and delivered Moments That Matter boxes — thoughtfully curated packages offering comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that recipients are seen and supported.
“He was really touched — grateful for the care, the time, and the reminder that people are thinking of him."
— Foundation partner delivering a Moments That Matter box
These moments reflect Blake’s belief that human connection and kindness are just as important as medical care.
Partnering With Care Teams
Providence Swedish Cancer Institute – Issaquah
The Foundation proudly supported patient-centered oncology initiatives at Providence Swedish, including contributions toward critical equipment and services that strengthen care delivery.
Among these efforts was support connected to advanced surgical technologies such as intraoperative gamma detection systems (e.g., Kubtec GammaPRO-class equipment). Tools like these help surgeons more precisely locate targeted tissue during cancer procedures, supporting surgical accuracy, efficiency, and confidence — all in service of better patient outcomes.
By investing in both people and tools, the Foundation seeks to support care teams where impact is immediate and meaningful.
Advocacy & Awareness
Colon Cancer Education
In partnership with Colon Cancer All-Stars, the Foundation continued efforts to raise awareness around colorectal cancer — one of the most common and deadly cancers in the United States, with rates rising among younger adults.
Education, early screening, and community conversation remain critical components of honoring Blake’s story and helping others avoid late-stage diagnoses.
Stewardship, Growth, and Humility
The Blake Pottle Foundation remains committed to thoughtful stewardship and transparency:
- We fund specific projects with measurable outcomes
- After fixed costs, 100% of funds raised are reinvested into the community
- Our small Board contributes time, expertise, and personal resources
- We continually refine our approach based on feedback and experience
Leading a nonprofit is a learning journey — one we approach with humility, accountability, and respect for the trust placed in us.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter our fifth year, the momentum from 2025 continues to guide our work.
5th Annual Opt Outside for Cancer
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Meadowbrook Farm | North Bend, WA
We look forward to continuing to learn, improve, and grow — together.
Closing Reflection
Blake never separated courage from kindness, or strength from humility. He showed up for others without fanfare, even in the hardest moments of his life.
In 2025, every step taken, every lesson learned, and every dollar invested reflected that same quiet commitment.
We move forward the way Blake did — with purpose, gratitude, and a deep responsibility to care for others well.
