Turning The Tide And Making A Difference

John (right) and Gina (left) in front of Salute Restaurant at Tide kick off event.

By: Lena Uccello 

In March 2021, two Wethersfield High School teachers, John and Gina Gallivan, started the Tide (Together, Inspired and Devoted to Encouraging) Cancer Foundation. Based in Connecticut and throughout a variety of local hospitals, this non-profit continues to support young women coping with cancer.

Co-founder Gina Gallivan wanted to give back the love and support she had gotten before.

“Being a two time cancer survivor and recognizing how wonderful it was to receive care packages, help with meals, nice little things to brighten the day throughout treatment, I knew that once I got better I really wanted to do this for other people,” said Gina. 

When starting this foundation, the couple’s main goal was to make, donate and deliver care packages to women battling cancer all around the state, and that is what they continue to do.  

“We’re trying to provide them some comfort, some care, knowing that people care about them, to help ease the challenges of treatment and recovery,” said Mrs. Gallivan.

This past June, the couple held their first kick off event at Salute Restaurant in Hartford, Conn. Being one of the foundation’s sponsors, the restaurant covered the cost of food and also supplied them with their patio for the day. And aside from hosting fundraising events the foundation has also begun creating ties with many cancer/medical centers.  

“We partnered with two hospitals so far, Hartford Hospital, their cancer center, where Mrs. Gallivan had some treatment done. And St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, where another woman on our board had her treatment done,” said John. 

---

It is through these health and medical centers that the packages are able to be delivered and distributed amongst patients. In July, the foundation’s committee made a special delivery to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center and just last week took another visit to St. Francis. 

Though they only started 6 months ago, both John and Gina have already made a huge impact on the lives of many women battling cancer. They are happy with where the foundation has gone, but can’t wait to see where it will go. 

They say, as of right now, their main objective is to become more well known, not just here in Wethersfield but all across Connecticut. The more the word is spread the more women that can be helped. 

“That’s the biggest goal, is that there are plenty of people who are dealing with cancer right now. Most of whom have no idea that our foundation even exists. So, our challenge I guess will be to raise awareness of the organization, so that more people will take advantage of the care package offering we have,” said Mr. Gallivan. 

---

Tide stands for Together, Inspired and Devoted to Encouraging women coping with cancer all across Connecticut. 

As stated on the Tide Cancer Foundation site, “Our organization’s name is inspired by the healing power of the ocean. The ebb and flow of the tide reminds us that renewal and rejuvenation are part of the cycle of life, and that each of us is part of something magnificent and wonderful, something life-giving and purposeful.” 

The Gallivans purpose has been to make a difference in the lives of those around them, specifically in women fighting this horrific disease. This could be your purpose too, all you have to do is reach out and help. There is a limitless supply of good we can do in this world and John and Gina have become part of it.


To learn more about the Tide Cancer Foundation visit: https://www.tidecancerfoundation.org/

---