Love Heals Brings Healing & Hope to Lynchburg: Meet Courtney Green

Meet Courtney Green and "Love Heals"

In 2017, Courtney Green's life took a significant turn when one of her closest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her friend's treatment, she faced not only the physical and emotional challenges of cancer but also a shift in how others perceived her. The diagnosis became her identity in the minds of those around her, when all she really needed was to be seen as a whole person.

The following year, her friend asked Courtney to pray as she did not have enough money to pay for a treatment she needed. Determined to make a difference, Courtney partnered with friends at a local restaurant to host a fundraising concert. The event succeeded beyond expectations, raising all the funds necessary to cover her friend’s treatment. Inspired by this success, Courtney founded "Love Heals" with a commitment to offering more support to those in need not just financially, but through listening and celebration.

The "Love Heals" Philosophy:

Each "Love Heals" concert has three guiding principles:

1. Quality music from inspirational up-and-coming artists.

2. The honored individual’s presence at the event.

3. 100% of the proceeds directly support the person being celebrated, whether $5 or $500.

In the years that followed, "Love Heals" held impactful events, including "love heals: Noah" for testosterone treatments in 2019, love heals: CoLinda" for PEComa cancer support in 2020. At CoLinda’s outdoor concert in the fall of 2020, they raised critical funds, all while providing COVID-conscious space for attendees, and "love heals: Luke" for CLOVES syndrome care, where they were able to raise enough to build a handicap accessible bathroom this year.

Courtney’s dedication to the mission led her to leave her day job and transform "Love Heals" into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization expanded its efforts, such as a three-part benefit campaign for Elaine, a Los Angeles woman facing Stage 4 cancer.

This campaign included a Lynchburg concert, a 300-mile California bike ride, and a final concert in LA where Elaine shared her story. Though Elaine passed in 2022, "Love Heals" gave hundreds the opportunity to hear her journey and support her through a difficult time.

Since officially becoming a nonprofit in March 2023, "Love Heals" has raised significant funds. One event for Jordan Harris, who battled Stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, brought in over $3,200 for her treatments. In 2023 alone, the nonprofit provided approximately $32,000 in cash aid and an additional $25,000 in impact services. "Love Heals" also holds monthly "Coffee for Caregivers" gatherings, offering a supportive space for caregivers to share experiences, find support, and build connections.

Upcoming Events and Community Support:

Looking ahead, "Love Heals" will host a benefit concert on November 8, 2024, for Ryan and Briana Weston at Crosspoint Church in Lynchburg. The couple has faced fertility struggles, and after a heartbreaking loss following a donor embryo program, they now face mounting costs. "Love Heals" aims to raise $4,274 which equates to one year of their loan payments. This FREE concert will feature Christian music artist Alison Eide, and community members are encouraged to attend and support the Westons.

On October 27, I attended a "Love Heals" event at River Church in Madison Heights, held for Valerie, a woman diagnosed with Stage 4 colon and liver cancer. The evening, filled with worship and inspirational praise music, was a powerful reminder of the hope and healing "Love Heals" brings to our community. Photos below capture the spirit of the night, showcasing the joy and encouragement shared.

Join the Love Heals Movement:

Love Heals invites everyone to become part of their mission of healing. Volunteers can help at events, become monthly financial partners, and spread the message by sporting "love heals [broken] people" merchandise. Additionally, the group seeks facilitators for its "Coffee for Caregivers" gatherings.

As Love Heals continues to expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and faith. Through every concert, gathering, and heartfelt interaction, the organization demonstrates that even in the face of life’s hardest battles, no one has to fight alone. Greater Lynchburg’s support for Love Heals shows the strength that comes from people lifting one another up, proving that love indeed heals. Whether attending an event, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, each gesture strengthens this mission of healing and hope, one story at a time.

To learn more about "Love Heals" or get involved, visit weareloveheals.org You can sign up for their newsletter, follow them on Instagram @lovehealsofficial, or explore other ways to support this movement of hope and healing.