Stumbles and Summits: Katy Tessman’s Healing Outreach

At the heart of Katy Tessman's healing outreach efforts lies the theme of "Stumbles and Summits," fostering positivity and inspiration through her books and music. With a steadfast commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness and survivorship, Katy engages with various communities, sharing her personal journey and spreading a powerful message of resilience. 

For Katy Tessman, music is her main source of strength as she navigates life’s stumbles and summits. Using the wisdom she’s gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, her songwriting helps her celebrate resiliency. Katy is also an award-winning children's book author, celebrated as a CHANGEMAKER by Minnesota Women's Press. “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” is her young family’s story battling breast cancer. A decade after her cancer diagnosis, Katy wrote a song that sums up the everyday-hero’s journey and published the accompanying lyric picture book, “Hero Now Crowned.” Stories and songs truly heal and her aim is to evoke laughter and tears, spread smiles, while fostering a sense of hope and togetherness. ​

Contact Katy for an Outreach Event

Speaking Event Archive

Sharing her story, talent, and positivity to those who need it:

• As a spokesmodel for the Breast Cancer Superhero Portrait Project, Katy supports artist Barbara Portwit at community events.
• Young Survivor of breast Cancer, Katy was invited to speak at the Young Survivor Coalition's monthly in-person support meeting in May 2023 hosted by Gilda's Club - Twin Cities.
• In March 2023, Katy sang her songs, talked about books, and played games with The Dude on Star Studio's closed circuit television program at Children's Hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• During Lent 2023, Katy was the guest speaker and performer at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins.
• In October 2022, Katy and her band hosted a fundraiser for the Angel Foundation and performed to a sold out audience at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior.

In October 2022, to celebrate her 13th year of being cancer-free, Katy and her band performed at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. The funds raised from ticket sales, along with donations received via social media fundraiser, Katy meet her goal of $1000. In addition, 10 donation copies of her book were purchased. Pictured are Katy Tessman with Jim Thurbis at the Angle Foundation headquarters in Mendota Heights.

Minnesota Parent Local Author Spotlight: meet Katy Tessman, author and singer-songwriter