The sun rose on Saturday, May 10 with an exceptional golden glow over the desert mountains, setting the stage for the fourth annual Pre-Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage. Guests arrived in pastel dresses adorned with beautiful floral hats for this significant event. The fundraiser supports cancer survivorship programs and retreats organized by local non-profit Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer.
This heartfelt tradition commemorates the life of Nicole Botello — mother to Malia and Madalyn Botello (owner of Wally’s Desert Turtle) — who passed away in 2020 after battling breast cancer. This year’s tea event also honored the memory of Shay’s Warriors co-founder Aileen Alvarez, who succumbed to cancer October 2024. The event holds special meaning, as it was one of Alvarez’s favorite occasions to attend with her mother.
The purpose of the tea extends beyond just an event; it profoundly impacts cancer survivors and their loved ones. The gathering supports up to 25 cancer survivors annually by funding the I Am Hope Survivors Reset Retreat at no cost to the participants and helps fund free monthly programs that allow survivors to continue healing, even after treatments are over.
Tables were elegantly adorned with antique china, and the community gathered to celebrate two courageous women through awareness and listening to speakers. Photos on the tables displayed cherished memories, creating a poignant atmosphere of celebration and remembrance. Conversations and connections flourished as attendees shared laughter, stories, and resilience over tea and sparkling wine provided by Chandon.
Tesha, a survivor whose journey encapsulates both suffering and triumph, expressed her gratitude for the retreat that had transformed her life. “Healing isn’t just about surviving,” she said to the crowd. “It’s about reclaiming your joy.”
Donations generously poured in, accompanied by handwritten notes wishing survivors peace, renewal, and courage. By sunset, the event not only secured funding for the retreat and the programs that followed it, but it also forged lasting bonds among attendees. For those who have battled cancer, the tea represented more than a gathering — it was a promise of enduring support and solidarity.
For more information on Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer events, retreats, and support, visit shayswarriors.org.
