2026 ILT Mom Honoree

Gina Whitehead

Gina is a devoted wife to John and mother to three amazing kids, Aiden, Annalyse and Abigail whose life is centered on love, family and resilience. She works as the Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Mackerer Law Offices LLC in Moorestown, NJ.

In July of 2024, she was diagnosed with left Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer which spread to nearby lymph nodes and right Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer. She was familiar with cancer as she worked at Fox Chase Cancer Center for over 10 years and also cared for her Dad who had cancer. She knew she had a long road ahead of her and met the challenge with every bit of courage and determination she had. She had life-changing decisions to make and did the best she could with what she knew off hand, opting for a double mastectomy followed by ovarian suppression with hormone endocrine therapy and denied chemotherapy. The following month, Gina had a double mastectomy which led to infections, three more surgeries and ongoing monthly treatments at MD Andersen Cooper Hospital. Balancing doctor appointments, motherhood and work was overwhelming. The lack of energy got worse after every surgery and her mind and body changed in ways not expected for someone so young.

Gina found strength with support of family, friends and colleagues. Focusing on the good with the circle of people who came together for her, she realized how lucky she was and tried to stay positive. She was stunned by how many came to her door with food feeding her whole family, picking up medication, bringing flowers, going to the store, helping with dishes, laundry and then going to appointments with her asking questions she couldn't think to ask and taking notes. Having people in her corner was everything and she is beyond grateful to each and every one of them.

There was still a loneliness that she couldn't get past. She desperately needed someone to talk to that understood what was going on in her head, so she researched and applied to Inspiring Life Together. A few days later, Spring called and they talked for nearly an hour. Finding a group of young Moms who understood her journey was life changing. They sent Gina socks, blankets, pajamas, gift cards and personal cards with positive messages. Being out of work for lengths at a time took a toll on the family financially, ILT stepped in for her children with driving lessons, a season pass for Morey's Pier amusement rides i n Wildwood and Christmas presents. They organized Mom wellness days for groups of us to go out together and have dinner, kickboxing, Yoga, Sauna, cold plunge and floatation therapy. These things were too expensive for a Mom of 3 to do for herself. Joining Inspiring Life Together became a turning point, she was surrounded by women who lifted one another up, she learned she was never alone.